Bucyrus, OH — October 1, 2025 — The Crawford Partnership, in partnership with The Community Foundation for Crawford County, is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Small Business Microloan Program. This initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners in rural Crawford County who are either starting a new business or expanding by opening an additional location.
The Microloan Program offers $3,000 no-interest loans to eligible entrepreneurs. The funds are intended to complement the significant personal investments that local business owners are already making in downtown and rural business development projects across Crawford County. By bridging the gap, the program aims to stimulate growth, strengthen downtowns, and encourage small business expansion throughout the region.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and they play a critical role in the vitality of Crawford County’s communities,” said Makenna Laser, Executive Director of the Crawford Partnership. “Through this microloan program, we are excited to help reduce barriers for entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in our downtowns and rural areas, fueling both economic growth and community pride.”
Lisa Workman, President of The Community Foundation for Crawford County, states, “As these loans are repaid, the fund has become a revolving investment fund, making additional future loans available for even more small, local businesses.”
Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the Small Business Microloan Program should contact Nancy Clutter at nancyc@crawfordpartnership.org or call the Crawford Partnership office at 248-825-4099 for more information.