MUSKEGON — Grand Valley State University’s Muskegon Innovation Hub is one of 27 organizations throughout the state to receive a grant intended to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday, Nov. 9, recipients of grant funds from the state’s Small Business Support Hub Program. GVSU’s Muskegon Innovation Hub will receive $1.7 million.

The center provides support across West Michigan, including in Ottawa, Kent, Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo and Mason counties. 

“The grant is going to allow us to really grow what we do and definitely reach further into those communities that we know we serve and represent,” said Kevin Ricco, director of the Muskegon Innovation Hub. “We just haven’t had the staff or the resources to do it.”

“The beauty of this particular grant program was that it was not ultra-restrictive,” he added. “This is actually industry agnostic. We can provide assistance to the service sector, food businesses and product-related entrepreneurs.”

He added that $200,000 of the grant will be used to provide funding directly to small businesses and entrepreneurs who may struggle in securing capital. 

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Funding for the grants stem from a one-time appropriation of funds through the American Rescue Plan Act meant to create and operate programs to support small businesses affected by COVID-19.

“These 27 entrepreneurial hubs across the state will shore up our small business ecosystem, providing economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small businesses with the support they need to keep growing and expanding right here in Michigan,” Whitmer said.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at [email protected].