Millions of dollars have been distributed by Lansing organizations to help small businesses in the city since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is touting a report released this month highlighting the city’s work over the past year to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lansing Economic Development Corporation’s 2020 Annual Report says that more than $3-million dollars have been distributed to Lansing businesses since the start of the pandemic.
Mayor Schor said businesses owned by people of color, indigenous individuals, women and veterans were prioritized in the process.
“Our business rescue grants have been able to keep small businesses in business," he said. "They've been able to allow some of those businesses who were closed or had moved to carry out only to continue to pay employees.”
Alicia Gonzales is the owner of Alicia's Authentic Mexican Deli in Lansing and was one of the recipients of a grant.
"I was able to pay rent and utilities. And that was huge especially during the summer months when the electricity is so expensive," she said.
The grants were supported by a mix of local, state, and federal funds.