PONTIAC, Mich.–-Three area restaurants have awarded “Spirit of Main Street” micro business grants from Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County.
The awards, announced by Oakland County Executive David Coulter and Genisys Credit Union, provide a financial boost for businesses severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Trail’s End Café in Wixom, Liberty Bar in Pontiac and Honcho/Union Joints Restaurant in Clarkston, each receive $2,500 “Spirit of Main Street” grants.
“Genisys Credit Union continues to be an important partner for Main Street Oakland County and our Main Street communities,” Coulter said. “Our small businesses continue to suffer from the economic effects of this health crisis, and we are supporting them anyway we can. We are grateful for the support Genisys provides to our small businesses.”
Coulter said the Board of Commissioners have allocated $12 million to a job stabilization grant program to assist small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. The county has allocated nearly $14 million for small business relief in less than two months.
The Genisys-funded grants can be used for a variety of needs, from payroll and paying vendors to making structural improvements to marketing. Liberty is using its award for fixtures as part of its planned reopening. Union Joints in Clarkston is using it to help cover payroll during the pandemic and Trail’s End has used it to pay for vendors and supplies, and as a result, just reopened. Under the terms of the grant, a minimum dollar-for-dollar match must be provided by the applicant.
“We fund these grants to help attract and retain small businesses and, in turn, build stronger local economies and communities,” said Linda Zabik of the credit union’s corporate social responsibility program.
This is the third year of the partnership between Genisys and Main Street Oakland County. A second round of funding is planned, with a deadline of Aug. 30.