Baraga County Chamber of Commerce establishes Dynamo Young Business Grant program

L’ANSE, Mich. (WLUC) – New Baraga County businesses have a new grant opportunity to make use of.

The Baraga County Chamber of Commerce has opened its Dynamo Grant Program. The chamber is offering three, up to $5,000 grants to young businesses to get them on their feet. All funding comes from the chamber.

“It has to be either within the first 12 months of the business opening and starting or not yet open,” Baraga County Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Stouffer said.

According to Stouffer, the chamber has looked into multiple ways to support the community, including a public survey, and has settled on this program.

Businesses that can apply can be for-profit or non-profit and must apply with a business plan ready. Stouffer added a marketing plan would also be good to prepare.

“It’s not required that people operating the business necessarily reside in Baraga County, but the business itself must be domiciled in Baraga County,” Stouffer continued.

Dr. Jamie Smith is the owner of Smith Holistic Care, a health coaching and traditional Chinese medicine practice she opened in February. Due to being on the chamber’s board, she cannot apply for the grant. However, she has an idea of what it could be used for.

“It’s for start-up materials,” Smith added. “Like, if you have marketing materials that you need, advertising packages, and for equipment and supplies.”

According to the chamber, it is unknown yet if this will be an annual program. It will depend on whether the chamber has appropriate funding next year.

Applications and business plans are due by Sept. 3.

To apply, click here to fill out the application form. Once filled out, the form and business plan can be emailed to baragacountychamber@gmail.com, dropped off at the chamber office at 1 North Main St, Suite 1 in L’Anse, or dropped off at PO Box 122 in L’Anse.

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