(LANSING) – Michigan's small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 emergency gatherings and face mask orders can apply for assistance.

Starting today, businesses can being applying for $55 million in Michigan Small Business Survival grants. The grants were authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund and will be distributed through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The grants are designed to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship since the “gatherings and face mask orders” went into effect. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to businesses that have been partially closed, or otherwise open and can demonstrate an impact. Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to businesses that are fully closed.

The grants will be administered by 15 local or non-profit Economic Development Organizations covering all all 83 counties in Michigan.

Businesses that are applying must meet five eligibility requirements, which includes having 1 to 100 employees on a world-wide basis as of November 17, 2020; is in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the “gatherings and face mask orders”; needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payment, utility expenses or other similar expenses; can demonstrate an income loss as a result of the orders determined by the EDO's where the business is located; and is not a live music and entertainment venue that is eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival Grant Program.

The applications are available on line. LINKA. The application period runs until 12 PM on Friday, January 22.