$5,000 CITY OF PORT HURON EMERGE FUND GRANT OPENS TODAY

February 23, 2022

St. Clair County, MI –The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) in partnership with The Underground Incubator is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for the new Emerge Fund – Port Huron.  Not to be confused with the Incubator’s existing Emerge Fund, which is open to startup businesses located in St. Clair County, the Emerge Fund – Port Huron grant will apply only to entrepreneurs, early- stage startups and existing small businesses looking to expand in the City of Port Huron.   

For-profit businesses with a physical address in the City of Port Huron are eligible.  The maximum per applicant is $5,000, but smaller grants are available based on project impact and potential milestones.  Technology businesses, including app development, E-Commerce, Smart Technology, and Automated Intelligence, are priorities for the Fund.  However, businesses in other sectors, including business services and retail, will be considered.  The funds can be used for:
 

·         Creating a Business Plan

·         Developing a Website

·         Filing a Patent

·         Marketing

·         Purchase of Equipment

·         Legal or Accounting Services

·         Other possible initiatives that can help launch or grow a business  

This grant program is made possible through funds the EDA received from the City of Port Huron from the American Rescue Plan.  The Emerge Fund – Port Huron is just one of several new programs being launched by EDA utilizing American Rescue Plan funds.  Also planned is a pre-seed fund to assist startups with funding specific needs, talent attraction grants, rent subsidy program for businesses looking to locate in downtown Port Huron, and marketing.

“Our intent is to leverage the Emerge Fund – Port Huron to help launch the next generation of businesses in the city,” said Dan Casey, CEO of EDA.  “We have good programs, available space in the incubator, and the counselors that know the steps that lead to successful startup ventures.”

The grant program officially opens today, February 22, 2022.  Interested entrepreneurs and small business owners can apply through the entrepreneurial funding link on The Underground website (www.startunderground.com).  

“Funding resources is one of the top requests we get from aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.  Sometimes, a small amount of financial support is exactly what it takes to help get an entrepreneur to launch a new business, or to overcome a hurdle to their next stage of growth,” said Kanchan Wankhede, Director of Entrepreneurial Services at The Underground.  “I look forward to working with grant applicants, and to further strengthening the entrepreneurial success and growth in the City of Port Huron.   

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About EDA of St. Clair County
The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County is a private non-profit organization that has been dedicated to growing St. Clair County’s local economy since 1952 through business, community, and economic development services.    The EDA of St. Clair County is supported by a strong membership of businesses from the private & public sector passionate about supporting community and economic development.  To learn more about the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County visit:  www.edascc.com.