Emergency Mini-Grants for Ice Storm Recovery
Otsego County Economic Alliance and the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Emergency Mini-Grants for Ice Storm Recovery
[Gaylord, MI] – The Otsego County Economic Alliance and the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that small businesses in Otsego County that were impacted by the March 2025 ice storm are now eligible to apply for emergency mini-grants to aid in their recovery.
This initiative is made possible by a grant from the Disaster Response Fund (DRF) of the Otsego Community Foundation. The DRF provides a centralized opportunity for donors to invest in disaster response efforts and a support mechanism for nonprofit organizations responding to the crisis. Grants are awarded organizations addressing immediate relief, short-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding.
"Small businesses are a vital part of our rural communities, providing jobs, essential services, and a sense of local identity. Helping them recover from the damage of the Ice Storm is critical—not just for economic recovery, but for rebuilding the heart of the community itself." Dana Bensinger, Executive Director OCF. “We are grateful to the many donors from throughout the state who have contributed as well as our local partners OCEA and GACC to make programs like this possible.”
The Emergency Mini-Grants offer financial relief ranging from $500 to $1,500 per eligible business. These funds can be used to address immediate needs such as:
This initiative is made possible by a grant from the Disaster Response Fund (DRF) of the Otsego Community Foundation. The DRF provides a centralized opportunity for donors to invest in disaster response efforts and a support mechanism for nonprofit organizations responding to the crisis. Grants are awarded organizations addressing immediate relief, short-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding.
"Small businesses are a vital part of our rural communities, providing jobs, essential services, and a sense of local identity. Helping them recover from the damage of the Ice Storm is critical—not just for economic recovery, but for rebuilding the heart of the community itself." Dana Bensinger, Executive Director OCF. “We are grateful to the many donors from throughout the state who have contributed as well as our local partners OCEA and GACC to make programs like this possible.”
The Emergency Mini-Grants offer financial relief ranging from $500 to $1,500 per eligible business. These funds can be used to address immediate needs such as:
- Property damage repair
- Equipment replacement
- Inventory loss
- Other storm-related expenses
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be located within Otsego County.
- Have no more than nine (9) employees.
- Demonstrate a direct impact from the March 2025 ice storm.
"We understand the significant challenges small businesses are facing in the aftermath of the ice storm," said Paul Gunderson, Executive Director at GACC. "These mini-grants are designed to provide relief and help these businesses regain their footing after the storm.”
The application period is now open and will remain open until June 2 at 5:00 PM. Businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
“OCEA continues to work with our local businesses to connect with resources to assist in their recovery. We are grateful for the OCF’ Disaster Relief Fund’s contribution of $50,000 for small business relief and look forward to working with our small businesses as we administer this funding.” Stated Lisa McComb with the Otsego County Economic Alliance.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.gaylord-otsego.com or contact Lisa McComb with the Otsego County Economic Alliance at 989-731-0287.
The application period is now open and will remain open until June 2 at 5:00 PM. Businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
“OCEA continues to work with our local businesses to connect with resources to assist in their recovery. We are grateful for the OCF’ Disaster Relief Fund’s contribution of $50,000 for small business relief and look forward to working with our small businesses as we administer this funding.” Stated Lisa McComb with the Otsego County Economic Alliance.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.gaylord-otsego.com or contact Lisa McComb with the Otsego County Economic Alliance at 989-731-0287.
APPLY NOW: www.gaylord-otsego.com
