Michigan investigates alleged misuse of $3.4 million business grant

Michigan law enforcement officials are investigating allegations that some of a $3.4 million state grant for a business incubator was misused or redirected. The grant was awarded through the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Small Business Support Hubs program, with payments made in January and July 2023.

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce said it fired former executive director Bilal Hammoud in August after discovering funds could not be accounted for. The chamber hired an outside law firm to investigate and said it had secured its accounts.

The State Budget Office deactivated the account tied to the grant and launched a review. The chamber said its programs, including the incubator, would continue without disruption. Hammoud also resigned from a state workforce development board after the governor’s administration asked him to step down.

Read the full story at michiganadvance.com.