Locally owned West Michigan Street Businesses have a new resource available to support their needs.

In fall 2022, SOURCE Entrepreneurship Center offerd a competitive small business grant opportunity for local businesses through an initiative made possible through financial support from 16 Tech and MIBOR. In order for a business to qualify for funding, a business must operate on W. Michigan St. (between Belmont Ave. and Tibbs Ave.) or have recently acquired, or were in the process of acquiring, a building within the geography previously stated.

The objective of this initiative is to improve the character and use of the targeted commercial area, help fill vacant buildings and underutilized space with successful, sustainable local businesses in addition to helping existing businesses reach new audiences or otherwise make operational improvements to support their growth.

In December 2022, Source was able to make small grant awards to three businesses through this initiative. Two existing businesses, Vee’s Sandwich Shop and Tremont Appliances, were recipients as well as The Nest, a new event venue which opened in a previously vacant building this winter. Source board member, Aaron Laster, helped organize the initiative and connected with the business owners to deliver their grant awards! Congratulations to each of them!