Muskegon Innovation Hub's grant program provides funding for businesses

A grant program managed by the Muskegon Innovation Hub will help West Michigan entrepreneurs and small business owners still reeling from the pandemic. 

The Hub announced the first six recipients to benefit from its Direct Grant Program during a reception on August 15. Over the next 12 months, the Direct Grant Program will award a total of $200,000 in funding to assist businesses with their operational costs, upgrades and expansion.

“Our grant program's primary goals are centered on businesses that were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,” said Diane Fleser, the Hub’s grant program manager. “By expanding our reach into underserved and rural areas, and you'll see that represented through our award, it’s allowing us to cultivate a more inclusive and integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

For this first round of grants, the Hub received 44 applications and nearly $500,000 in requests. Funding is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said Kevin Ricco, the Hub's director.

The six recipients are:

• Lazarusman Community Counseling Services ($6,800): A behavioral-mental health service provider established to address the growing need for mental health services in West Michigan. Funding will help to purchase equipment and technology to meet the demand and expand its services to the Muskegon Heights community. 
• Bob's Drugs ($20,000): A family-owned independent pharmacy based in Hesperia that primarily serves a rural clientele. The pharmacy offers vaccinations, medication consultations and free home delivery along with long-term care, at-home pharmaceutical services. Funds will be used to purchase prescription inventory, freeing available cash flow to continue expansion and equipment upgrades. 
• Corine's Cakes & Catering, LLC ($11,800): Offering soul food and specialty baked goods, Corine’s Cakes builds inclusivity among her customer base by accommodating diverse dietary needs. To support the kitchen’s zero-waste target and commitment to local food sources, funds will be used for new equipment, software and hardware.
• Los Amigos Tequila Bar & Grill ($15,000): The new owners of the Muskegon staple took over in 2015 and serve authentic Mexican cuisine and also host Tequila Master Classes. The grant will be used to purchase new equipment and to support growth in its catering services. 
• Tierra Local ($8,800): Tierra Local has been nurturing relationships with food banks, food clubs, non-profit organizations and food policy councils statewide. Funds will be used to purchase software for business needs and to create a directory of Michigan's women and BIPOC farmers to connect them with buyers like Meijer and food banks.
• Majestic Insurance Agency, LLC ($6,900): Founded in 2021, Majestic Insurance Agency offers information and support to clients. MIA is also an active participant in the Muskegon community, conducting educational sessions at various churches and organizing coat and toy drives during the holiday season. Funds will be used to purchase needed equipment and technology to continue growing the company.

Corine Rose, owner of Corine’s Cakes & Catering, said the grant will help by providing funding to add a drive-through window and purchasing necessary equipment like an upgraded freezer for her business.

“Somehow we made it through COVID, and then to receive this grant, it means so much,” said Rose, who was also one of five finalists for the Hub’s Lakeshore Innovator of the Year award . “When they told me I was receiving one of the grants, I said, ‘Me? That is so cool.’”

Tierra Local founder Kody Gerkin said the grant will provide the necessary seed capital to move his idea forward. 

“It’s a long-time dream of mine to start a small business, so just having the seed funding takes it from zero to 60,” Gerkin said. “I don’t know that I ever would have been able to do it otherwise. It’s enough money to outfit the business with the basic software that I need and get some basic marketing materials.” 

The Hub will begin accepting applications for the second round of funding on September 3. For more information about the Direct Grant Program, visit the Muskegon Innovation Hub’s website .