The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved the $3.5 million Michigan Stages Survival Grant program to provide relief to live music and entertainment venues that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was part of Senate Bill 748 signed into law by Governor Whitmer on Dec. 29, 2020.
The application period for the grant will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21 and run through Noon EST on Thursday, Jan. 28 with grants of up to $40,000 awarded to eligible venues. All applications received during the application period will be reviewed by the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association, who will recommend final grant awards to the MEDC by Feb. 28 for disbursement.
Details on program guidelines, eligibility requirements and resources to help businesses prepare for the application process ahead of time are available at www.michiganbusiness.org/stages.