An organization known for funding new business ideas in West Michigan through its Start Garden 100 initiative is hoping to help entrepreneurs whose businesses have been critically impacted by COVID-19.
Called “The 100 Comeback,” Start Garden is putting up $300,000 of its own money to provide grants to qualified entrepreneur---who can then use the money to support themselves and their families while they figure out how to make their comeback over the next 100 days.
Jorge Gonzalez is the co-director of Start Garden. He says while small business will get financial help from the Government, entrepreneurs and owners of new companies have been left out.
“There is federal relief, there is state relief, there is even local relief for small business owners that have a proven track record, but there is nothing out there for the small entrepreneur,” he said. “So that is the reason we are focusing on entrepreneurs, because they aren’t getting any assistance from anyone else.”
Applicants will have from Tuesday, April 7- Friday, April 11, and will need to record a 100-second video explaining why they need money to support them through the next 100+ days.
Funds will be distributed in mid-April, and grant amounts will vary based on need. The entrepreneurs can then use the money however they wish to support themselves, the business or their families.
