Photos provided by Office of Gov. Whitmer, State of Michigan

Celebrating Growth in Michigan

State of Michigan – February 17, 2022

Dear Michigander,

With spring right around the corner, here in Michigan we are celebrating growth. We have one of the fastest growing economies in the country, and this week I wanted to share with you some of the exciting programs that will help us continue that momentum.

We have an incredible new grant opportunity available for small business that were impacted by COVID-19. We have expanded the MI Tri-State Childcare program to get more working families access to high-quality, affordable childcare. We have launched the Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund (MIHAF) to help families stay in their homes. And this week, I signed a bipartisan supplemental bill to keep kids in school and support healthcare workers.

I am thrilled to share these exciting opportunities with you. As we work toward passing the 2023 budget, my team will continue to focus on lowering costs, supporting Michigan workers, and putting money in the pockets of Michiganders.

New! Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses

Michigan’s small businesses are innovative and resilient, but they need our support. Just yesterday, I announced an exciting new grant program to provide businesses with additional financial support to help retain or create jobs and boost our state’s economy. Grant applications go live on March 1, 2022, and totals $409 million.

Apply Now Button — Photos provided by Office of Gov. Whitmer, State of Michigan

Under this program, eligible businesses in operation before October 1, 2019, may receive a percentage of their loss in total state sales through a grant, up to $5 million. Eligible businesses that began operation between October 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs. The grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all businesses can receive funding. More information, including links to upcoming informational webinars, can be found on www.michigan.gov/abr.

This program will support Michigan businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 and help us build on our economic momentum. I am focused on putting Michiganders first and growing Michigan’s economy as we work together to make investments in the issues that matter most to families.

Expansion of Childcare Pilot Program

The MI Tri-Share Child Care pilot program was launched in March 2021 as an innovative public-private partnership that works to increase access to high-quality, affordable childcare for working families while helping retain and attract talent. Throughout our great state, “facilitator hubs” for this program have been established as intermediaries between employers, families, and childcare providers, helping provide overall program management.

This week, I announced that this program will expand to seven new facilitator hubs in pilot regions throughout Michigan, expanding access to nearly all Michiganders. This investment in our childcare helps parents get back to work knowing that their kids are safe and cared for in a nurturing learning environment. I will continue to stay focused on lowering costs for families as we build a better future for Michiganders.

Keeping Kids in School and Supporting Healthcare Workers

This week, I signed a $1.2 billion supplemental funding bill that uses federal resources to keep kids learning in-person and support Michigan’s healthcare workforce. The funding in this bill expands testing and screening in schools – helping to ensure our kids can continue safely learning in person. It also makes safe, high-quality healthcare more accessible to Michiganders by allocating funds to recruit and retain critical healthcare workers.

Supplemental wins — Photos provided by Office of Gov. Whitmer, State of Michigan

This is a huge win for Michiganders and is a testament to what’s possible when Republicans and Democrats work together to put Michiganders first. I look forward to continuing this spirit of collaboration on the 2023 budget, which will create good-paying jobs and put money in Michiganders’ pockets.

Homeowners Assistance Fund is Live!

On February 13th, the Michigan State Housing and Development Agency (MSHDA) launched the Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund (MIHAF). This program will help Michiganders who experienced housing-related hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MIHAF program can provide up to $25,000 to help with:

Mortgage/housing expenses and escrow shortages
Land contracts, mobile home consumer loans, park lot fees
Property taxes
Condominium/homeowner’s association fees
Homeowner’s property insurances, hazard, flood, or mortgage insurance
Utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer
Internet broadband services

I am committed to making a difference in the lives of Michiganders and helping families have a safe, reliable place to live. If you or a loved one may be eligible, please apply for this assistance by either visiting Mi.Gov/MIHAF or by calling 844-756-4423.

Virtual College Financial Aid Night

Calling all Michigan students and their families! The March 1st FAFSA priority deadline in the State of Michigan is approaching and the MI Student Aid team is here to help families navigate financial aid. Those looking for help paying for college are encouraged to register for a Virtual College Financial Aid Night.

These sessions are completely free of charge and open to the public. Participants will be able to gather information on FAFSA, federal and state financial aid programs, and scholarships. If you would like to participate, please register below for the session that works for you:

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan