Pinconning

Michigan Sugar Company President and CEO Neil Juhnke addresses grower-owners from the cooperative's East District during a Tool Shed meeting held in April 2023 at Maple Grove Acres in Ruth. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar)

Pandemic problems continue to plague small businesses, but grants ease the pressure

Bay Future and Bay County are distributing $1 million in grants to help small businesses keep the lights on as they continue to deal with difficulties brought on by COVID-19

The restaurant name was inspired by Jim Chosay, who dreamed of buying the eatery and turning it into a community gathering spot.
Tipsy Cowboy, a bar and grill in rural Pinconning, celebrates family and friendship

For five years, the Tipsy Cowboy has served up handmade food and worked to build a sense of community camaraderie.  

Michigan Sugar Company President and CEO Neil Juhnke addresses grower-owners from the cooperative's East District during a Tool Shed meeting held in April 2023 at Maple Grove Acres in Ruth. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar)
Small business grants help Bay City entrepreneurs build a better community

Small business owner says she's grateful for programs such as the Bay County Small Business Grant Program. The programs helped her boutique weather the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Disability Services Resource Center may be best-known for building ramps, but it also offers a popular summer program for people with special needs.
Enrichment programs open this summer through the Disability Services Resource Center

Two Bay area residents explain how Disability Services Resource Center summer enrichment programs helped them grow.

Frank Hidalgo expects to open an outdoor venue perfect for weddings this summer.
Hidalgo Entertainment turns a worship hall into an event venue, and is ready to grow again

Local entertainment veteran Frank Hidalgo has expanded his business to include a hall, a state-of-the-art LED dance floor, and a soon-to-be-available outdoor venue.  

Bay Future Inc. supported a series of outdoor job fairs held during the summer of 2020. One fair took place in Bay City’s Wenonah Park.
Spring is the season of sunshine, flowers, and grant applications

If your agency runs a program to help people in Bay or Arenac counties, the United Way of Bay County and Bay Area Community Foundation want to hear about it.

The United Way of Bay County is more than a fundraising agency. It also sponsors community-wide events, such as the Day of Caring and Wenonah Park Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)
Federal money is available for agencies providing emergency food and shelter in Bay County

Bay County agencies that help people find emergency food and shelter have until March 1 to apply for federal funding.

Bay City is home to unique, natural amenities. Now, local leaders are using the American Rescue Plan money to build on what we have.
Local leaders ready themselves to put ARPA dollars to work in the Bay County region

Bay Future Inc. is using $2 million in ARPA funds to help Bay County businesses recover from the pandemic and to attract and retain a high-quality workforce.

From brainstorming ideas for the project to distributing the kits to families, the MLK Day of Service relied on a diverse group of organizations and volunteers.
MLK Day of Service Project grows to help everyone from toddlers to seniors in Bay and Arenac

A coalition of agencies, educators, senior citizens, and service clubs came together in January to pull off a service project for more than 200 families.  

Since 1986, volunteers for the Literacy Council of Bay County have helped as many as 2,000 children and adults improve their reading skills.
Literacy Council of Bay County opens books to open doors

Kathy Rayner, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bay County, has spent the last 24 years bolstering literacy skills in the area, with the help of a dedicated team of tutors.  

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