2024/2025 UWSCMI Impact Report - Report - Page 13
BOOSTING SMALL
BUSINESS
2024
Number of applications submitted: 217
Entrepreneurship builds strong communities where
everyone has opportunities, resources and support to
thrive. UWSCMI fuels that growth through our Kalamazoo
Micro-Enterprise Grants, a partnership with the City
of Kalamazoo. KMEG provides access to 昀椀 nancial and
capacity-building resources for small-business owners,
particularly those who have faced funding barriers from
historical disparities.
Total $ distributed: $250,000
TOTAL SINCE 2020
Businesses served: 600
Total investment: $3,000,000
RESPONDING TO CRISES
Meeting basic needs includes stepping up in times of
crisis. Our Disaster Relief Fund proactively supports
planning, response and recovery from natural or humanmade emergencies. We coordinate with local government,
response teams, volunteers and other nonpro昀椀 ts to identify
gaps and deploy resources where they are needed most.
Tornado Response
In May 2024, we activated our fund in response to a tornado
that touched down in Kalamazoo County, affecting hundreds
of households and businesses. Our team, fueled by generous
donations from community and in partnership with others,
jumped into action.
Total UW distribution: $460,000
12 grants to 8 nonpro昀椀 t organizations
for short-term and long-term recovery needs
“Having access to these relief dollars was a HUGE asset to our
organization. With these funds, we were able to meet the needs of the
many residents whose lives were impacted by the tornado.”
– Nonpro昀椀 t partner
unitedforscmi.org
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