Microenterprise Grant
About MEGRANT
Fall Application Deadline
Spring Application Deadline
The Micro Enterprise Fund strives to increase access to Micro Enterprise and self-employment opportunities for persons with disabilities who are Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business.
KTVA (2019): Statewide grant helps Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æns with disabilities become their own boss
Definition of a Micro Enterprise
The business must meet the definition of a micro enterprise, which is a business with total capital needs of not more than $35,000 and fewer than 5 employees.
Allowable Uses of a Grant Award
Allowable costs include but are not limited to: business license, insurance, permits, inventory, raw materials to make a product, equipment, supplies, rent or lease for space to offer a service or product, utilities, furnishings, marketing activities, transportation costs not related to vehicle purchases, accounting services and training/support services.
MEGRANT Application Process
The Microenterprise grant application is an online application. In order to access the application link you must first attend an orientation. The orientation dates are listed below. You will also need to provide documents to show you are eligible. At the bottom of this page is more information about eligibility documentation requirements.
For assistance with your application, please contact Amy Parker
Application Guidelines:
- Requirements
The grant amounts people request varies depending on the business. Applicants can request a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $12,000. Multiple applications per applicant are accepted in different review periods, but the lifetime maximum is $12,000. (For example, if Joe is awarded $3,000 in 2025 he can request up to $9,000 in subsequent applications).
If you are requesting $500 - $2,500 you are required to submit this application and the following supporting documentation:
- Proof of Mental Health Trust Authority Beneficiary Status
- Documentation of your match. If a portion of your match is from DVR: You will need to show DVR approval. For requests of $2,500 or less a 50% match is required, for amounts above that a dollar for dollar match is required. This will be explained in the orientation.
- Resume
- Provide quotes for items you are requesting the grant to pay for. Vendors MUST accept a check. No Big Box stores or large online stores are accepted. Use local stores or smaller online businesses who will work with you. This will be explained in the orientation.
If you are requesting over $2,500 you must submit all of the above and in addition submit:
- A Business Plan
- Financial Statements to include: Three year monthly detail Profit and Loss projections and a 3 year cash flow projection.
- Eligibility
Eligibility: To be eligible for a grant from the Microenterprise Fund, applicants must be an Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Mental Health Trust Beneficiary, as defined by the Trust:
a. People with mental illness: Statutory definition [AS 47.30.056(d)]:
b. People with developmental disabilities: Statutory definition [AS 47.30.056(e)]:
c. People with chronic alcoholism: Statutory definition [AS 47.30.056(f)]:
d. People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia: Statutory definition [AS 47.30.056(g)]
e. People with Traumatic Brain InjuryApplicants are required to provide documentation of their beneficiary status, with the submission of their application, which can be:
a. Medical documentation - from a Doctor and that includes a diagnosis;
b. Vocational Rehabilitation Eligibility statement based on beneficiary disability type;
c. Other legal documentation of disability as deemed acceptable by the fund administrator
Resources
Related Links
Information regarding Mental Health Trust Authority Beneficiary groups
Workshops, consultation, tools, and resources for small businesses
General information about eligibility, supports, services, and the rehabilitation
process
Provides information and support to small businesses including online classes, templates,
and resources
Provides information about owning, operating and establishing a small business in
AK
Part of the Commerce, Community, and Economic Development web site with specific tools and assistance for small business owners
Online resources and templates






