Oscoda Township, Naturally

$55 Million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to Open Application Jan. 19

The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved the $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to the recent COVID-19 emergency “gatherings and face mask orders.” The program was part of Senate Bill 748 signed into law by Governor Whitmer on Dec. 29, 2020.

The application period for the grant will open at 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and run through Noon EST on Friday, Jan. 22. Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to businesses that are fully closed, with grants of up to $15,000 awarded to businesses that have been partially closed, or otherwise are open and can demonstrate an impact. All applications received during this period will be reviewed by the 15 economic development organizations, representing all 83 counties, that will serve as the administrators of these grants; funding is not first come, first serve.

Details on program guidelines, eligibility requirements and resources to help businesses prepare for the application process ahead of time are available at www.michiganbusiness.org/survival.

$3.5 Million Available for Live Event Venue Grants

The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved the $3.5 million Michigan Stages Survival Grant program to provide relief to live music and entertainment venues that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was part of Senate Bill 748 signed into law by Governor Whitmer on Dec. 29, 2020.

The application period for the grant will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21 and run through Noon EST on Thursday, Jan. 28 with grants of up to $40,000 awarded to eligible venues. All applications received during the application period will be reviewed by the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association, who will recommend final grant awards to the MEDC by Feb. 28 for disbursement.

Details on program guidelines, eligibility requirements and resources to help businesses prepare for the application process ahead of time are available at www.michiganbusiness.org/stages.

Michigan UIA Begins Paying $300 Supplemental Benefit Payments

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has started issuing $300 weekly Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) payments to an estimated 365,000 claimants on regular state unemployment insurance and Extended Benefit programs this past weekend. The PUC supplement, which is payable from Dec. 27, 2020 through March 13, 2021, provides an additional $300 per week to all eligible unemployment recipients who receive at least $1 for the week. Claimants do not need to take any action to receive this additional weekly benefit, it will be paid automatically after they certify.

Employee Assistance Grants Application Process to Open Jan. 15

The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation announced it will administer the application process for the Employee Assistance Grants under Senate Public Act 257 of 2020. Employees impacted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Gathering and Face Mask Order that took effect on Nov. 18, 2020 are eligible to apply for one-time grants up to $1,650 during the application period of Jan. 15-25.

Employees in the hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors in Michigan are eligible to apply online at mrlaef.org/money beginning at 9 a.m. on Jan. 15 with applications due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 25.

New MDHHS Epidemic Order Allows Indoor Group Exercise, Non-Contact Sports

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated its epidemic order to allow reopening of additional activities where Michiganders can remain masked and socially distanced, including indoor group exercise and non-contact sports. The new order is effective Saturday, Jan. 16 and will last until Sunday, Jan. 31.

The epidemic order continues to temporarily pause indoor dining in bars and restaurants, but they can continue to offer outdoor dining, carry-out and delivery. The working plan is to open indoor dining with mitigation measures, capacity limits and a curfew on Feb. 1. Additional details on the reopening pathway are expected next week.

SBA Launches New, Free Online Digital Learning Platform

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the launch of Ascent, a first-of-its-kind, free digital e-learning platform geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. Ascent has valuable content such as tips on preparing and recovering from disasters, strategic marketing and business financial strategy development. Ascent is a joint initiative between the White House, the SBA, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Additional Resources Available Online

Access additional COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19. Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find other valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities.