Small Business Restart Program to Provide $100 Million in Grants

Small Business Restart Program to Provide $100 Million in Grants

by | Jul 7, 2020 | Uncategorized

Michigan Small Business Restart Program to Provide $100 Million in Grants for COVID-19 Recovery Efforts

Contact: Otie McKinley [email protected]

The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved a $100 million program that will provide grants to small businesses around Michigan working to recover from the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 virus, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.

 

“The COVID-19 virus has especially impacted Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. This investment will provide critical resources to ensure the safety of Michigan’s food production industry and its workforce,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We can further our economic recovery in Michigan by putting federal dollars through the CARES Act to work for the people and business across our state through efforts like these grants to farms and food processors.”

 

The State of Michigan has appropriated $100 million of federal CARES Act funding through SB 690, signed into law by Governor Whitmer last week, to implement the Michigan Small Business Restart Program to support Michigan’s small businesses that are reopening and have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The Michigan Strategic Fund today authorized distribution of the funding across 15 local or nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) covering all 83 counties in the state to providing a base amount of $3.5 million per EDO for grants up to $20,000 each to support certain small businesses that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Participating EDOs are as follows:

  • InvestUP – $4,545,455
  • Networks Northwest – $4,545,455
  • Otsego County Economic Alliance – $3,500,000
  • Target Alpena – $3,500,000
  • The Right Place – $9,545,455
  • Lakeshore Advantage – $3,500,000
  • Middle Michigan Development Corporation – $3,500,000
  • Saginaw Future – $3,545,455
  • Flint & Genesee Chamber – $8,045,455
  • Lansing Area Economic Partnership – $5,545,455
  • Southwest Michigan First – $7,545,455
  • Ann Arbor Spark – $8,545,455
  • Oakland County – $11,045,455
  • Macomb County – $7,545,455
  • Detroit Economic Growth Corporation – $15,545,450

 

The Michigan Small Business Restart Program application will be live starting Wednesday, July 15 at michiganbusiness.org/restart and run through Wednesday, August 5. Funds can be used as working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses.

 

To qualify for grant support, businesses must meet the following criteria, based on statutory requirements for the program:

  • Is a business or nonprofit that can demonstrate it is affected by the COVID-19 emergency
  • Needs working capital to support eligible expenses
  • Demonstrates an income loss as result of the COVID-19 emergency
  • Has not received a grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Michigan Small Business Relief Program. Businesses who have received support through other COVID-19 relief programs, including the Michigan Small Business Relief Program loans, are eligible to apply for Restart grants.

 

Additionally, at least 30 percent of the funds awarded under the program must be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses. The MEDC anticipates that more than 5,000 businesses across the state will benefit from this program.

 

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, many small businesses have been faced with significant economic impacts, including challenges with cash flow and resources to support their workforce,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “The Michigan Small Business Restart program, combined with other Michigan Strategic Fund programs and services as well as local and federal economic development support, will enable small businesses throughout the state to address the short-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis while looking ahead to the long-term economic recovery needs of the state.”

 

Per statutory requirements, a monthly report will be provided to the legislature that includes a listing of grants awarded in the previous month and the name of the recipient of each grant provided under the program. All reporting forms will also be available on michiganbusiness.org/restart.

 

“The Michigan Small Business Restart grants will be an important part of the economic recovery of small business in Michigan,” said Brian Calley, President of the Small Business Association of Michigan, “This program leverages federal dollars to bring relief to entrepreneurs struggling with the effects of this global pandemic in a thoughtful way – including working through local EDOs to ensure resources are distributed in the most equitable and effective way for each region in the state.”

 

The Michigan Small Business Restart Program approved today is modeled after the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, approved on March 19 by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program consisted of a total of $20 million aimed at supporting businesses in need of immediate relief. The program included $10 million that was distributed to 15 local EDOs to provide grants up to $10,000 to certain small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, the program authorized $10 million for small business loans of not less than $50,000 and not more than $100,000 to eligible borrowers impacted by COVID-19 that were not able to seek alternative, suitable financing.

 

Under the Michigan Small Business Relief grant program, local EDOs selected more than 2,700 businesses across the state covering all 83 counties that received grant support expected to retain approximately 11,000 jobs. To date, more than 130 small business loans totaling more than $8 million have been approved through MSF delegated approval.

 

The Michigan Strategic Fund today also approved the $15 million Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant Program to support the needs of Michigan’s agricultural processors and farms. The program supports the implementation of COVID-19 monitoring and mitigation strategies to protect agricultural employees and the state’s overall food production industry. To learn more and see the grant application which goes live on July 15, visit here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2020/07/$15-million-in-agricultural-safety-grants-to-provide-critical-relief-to-michigans-farms-and-food-processors.

 

With today’s action by the MSF Board, the MEDC has launched 17 COVID-19 relief and recovery programs supporting more than 3,100 business in the state and helping to retain more than 12,400 jobs across all 83 counties. To learn more about MEDC’s COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response. Other resources for economic reopening efforts as well as businesses across Michigan struggling with economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq.

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

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About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

MDHHS is reminding all residents to stay cool during heat wave

MDHHS is reminding all residents to stay cool during heat wave

by | Jul 7, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2020

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

Residents reminded to stay safe as summer temperatures remain high

LANSING, Mich. – With temperatures across the state expected to remain in the 80s and above through next week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding all residents to stay cool to beat the heat.

MDHHS routinely reviews emergency department (ED) data for heat-related illness. During this past July 4 weekend, July 2 to July 5, 120 ED visits due to complaints that include heat exhaustion and heatstroke, sunburn and sun poisoning were reported. Daily temperatures this week are anticipated to again rise above 80 degrees, which generally correlates with an increase in ED visits for heat-related illness.

“It’s important Michiganders stay hydrated and out of the sun as much possible to avoid serious health complications during this hot weather,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “Young children, older adults and those who are have medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to check frequently on them and others in your community who may need additional assistance.”

To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:

  • Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
  • Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
  • Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
  • Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.

For those without access to air conditioning, text or call Michigan 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help. Remember to follow guidance regarding COVID-19 precautions including wearing a mask or other face covering and practicing social distancing (keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others).

In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside, and because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s they are more susceptible to heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) and tiredness. Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly.

The heat can also combine with air pollutants to cause high ozone levels, triggering Air Quality Alerts. People who have asthma or other breathing problems should avoid outdoor activities if an Air Quality Alert is triggered in their area.

For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

To learn more about Air Quality Alerts, visit AirNow.gov.
AG Files Brief in Equal Rights Amendment Case

AG Files Brief in Equal Rights Amendment Case

by | Jul 7, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Ryan Jarvi
(o) 517-335-7666 (c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Attorney General Nessel Files Brief in Equal Rights Amendment Case, Pays Homage to ‘Mother of the ERA’

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel recently filed an amicus brief on behalf of the State of Michigan in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia circuit, in a case involving the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), Commonwealth of Virginia v Ferriero, Case No. 1:20-cv-242-RC.  The brief supports three plaintiff states, Illinois, Nevada and Virginia – the last three states to ratify the ERA – which are asking the Court to recognize the ERA as the 28th Amendment and thus declare, once and for all, that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex.

The brief, filed late Thursday, outlines the history of the ERA and the important work of Michigan hero Martha Griffiths, known as the “Mother of the ERA.” Martha Griffiths, the first woman sent to Congress by Michigan voters, pushed the amendment through Congress in the early 1970s. She made history as the first woman to serve on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means and was the first woman to hold the post of Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.

The brief argues that equality in law is one of the hallmark promises of America, which is ultimately why the ERA must be included in our Constitution. The brief states: “Michigan would like to see the work of Martha Griffiths, a Michigan hero who worked tirelessly for sex equality and who championed the ERA, come to fruition. And Michigan has an interest in ensuring that its residents receive the highest level of protection from discrimination on the basis of sex—a goal that can be achieved by ensuring that the ERA’s guarantee of equality is enshrined in our nation’s most treasured document: the United States Constitution.”

“It is time to put culture wars aside and to recognize that the elimination of sex inequality is a fundamental expression of who we are as people, who we are as Americans, and of the united nation we continually aspire to be. That is why the ERA must be a part of our Constitution, as fundamental law and as a permanent part of our nation’s future,” Nessel said. “Martha Griffiths made history throughout her quest for equality and I am proud to file this brief in support of an act that embraces a basic social, intellectual and moral truth.”

The ERA is a straightforward and important proposition that has seen much delay and controversy. The amendment consists of one simple sentence: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Protecting Students Across the State 

Protecting Students Across the State 

by | Jul 7, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2020

Contact: [email protected] 

 

Gov. Whitmer, AG Nessel, State Superintendent to Announce Action to Protect Students Across the State

This correction updates the satellite coordinates.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer and AG Nessel to announce steps taken by the State of Michigan to ensure federal relief funds are properly allocated to public and private schools.

 

WHO : Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Dr. Michael F. Rice, State Superintendent

 

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: TODAY, July 7, 2020, 2 p.m.

WHERE: Satellite Coordinate: 

Galaxy 16

Transponder 4G

13:50-14:45

Downlink: 11795.75 V 

Symbol rate: 4.0

FEC ¾

Please note: Satellite window will open at 1:50 p.m.   Satellite coordinates provided by WLNS-TV 6.

A stream via Facebook Live may be available via the official Michigan Attorney General page.  

Audio File: An MP3 audio file will be available to download shortly after the conclusion of the update at: MichMab.com

 

RSVP: As a result, a limited number of spots are available for reporters to cover the news conference in person.

 

To RSVP and attend the press conference in person, please email [email protected] with your first and last name and outlet.

 

RSVPs will be considered in the order they are received. Space is limited due to social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions.

 

To be considered, RSVPs must be received by 12 p.m, today.

 

If your attendance is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email from the Attorney General’s office.
Coulter: 2021-2023 Budget Plan

Coulter: 2021-2023 Budget Plan

by | Jul 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

Coulter: Fiscal Discipline, Health Care, the Environment, Diversity and Inclusion Hallmarks of 2021-2023 Budget Plan

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive David Coulter today presented his recommended operating budget for the next three years, which focuses on expanding health care for underserved people, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the natural environment and educational attainment as keys for the county’s growth and stability.

The budget was presented to the office of County Clerk Lisa Brown earlier today. It was based in part on the premise – made to the board during Coulter’s April budget message – that county expenditures should equal county revenues, and that continued fiscal discipline is vital to maintaining Oakland County’s enviable AAA bond rating – especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Coulter will present the budget request to the full Board of Commissioners on July 15.

“This budget illustrates that Oakland County is in a strong fiscal position to weather the current COVID-19 crisis as we have past fiscal crises, and to demonstrate the county’s continuing commitment to maintain a strong fiscal position for the future,” Coulter said.

“This is also the time for us to demonstrate our commitment to addressing the challenges we face as a county and to lean in as we did during the pandemic to lift all residents so they may participate in an equitable, fair and just county that celebrates diversity, creates opportunity and that ensures a bright future for our kids and grandkids. This is truly Oakland Together.”

Coulter said it was his administration’s intention to eliminate the practice of utilizing fund equity to balance the budget.

Key budget initiatives include:

  • Expanding and protecting health care for underserved populations
  • Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Protecting water and environment
  • Addressing climate change
  • Raising education attainment

For expanded health care, Coulter cited Oakland Health 360, a partnership with Honor Community Health, which brings primary care, dental care, family planning and behavioral heath into Oakland County Health Division clinics. A second partner is Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, which will delivery insurance coverage, Head Start and emergency services such as energy, food and housing assistance.

Protecting the county’s water and environment, and effects of climate change, are priorities for Coulter’s administration. The county has 1,450 lakes, 138 miles of trails and 90,000 acres of parkland. Coulter said

“The threat of the overheating climate has real consequences for our lakes and rivers, infrastructure, agriculture and public health,” Coulter said. “What is most important to me is that we have an actionable plan with evaluation tools and measurements to accompany our goal. This budget devotes staff resources to a sustainability effort within our Planning Division. I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and sources across our county facilities and develop a plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 utilizing renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency.”

The budget noted Oakland County’s impact on the state’s economy, with the county’s 2018 gross domestic product of $112 billion representing 23 percent of the state’s total gross domestic product. An economic development 10-year strategic plan is proposed that focuses on the importance of local clusters (restaurants, retail, and personal services) and traded clusters (good producing companies, i.e. manufacturing) across the county and regional partnerships.

Coulter’s Oakland Together agenda holds at its core the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The budget includes the position devoted to implementing the board’s resolution to make Oakland County a “welcoming county” for immigrants and refugees. Coulter plans in the coming months to engage county employees in cultural awareness, evaluate program delivery, and create hiring and contracting metrics upon which county efforts are evaluated and judged.

Coincidentally, the same day the budget was presented to the clerk, the county’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Robin Carter-Cooper started her employment with the county.

“It is the responsibility of government to serve all residents, level the playing field, remove obstacles and create opportunity for all,” Coulter said. “For me this starts by being honest about the systemic racism that exists, the disenfranchisement that too many of our residents’ experience, and the income inequality and wealth gap that is growing not narrowing.”

Working with education and workforce leaders last winter, Coulter formed his Oakland80 Task Force and proposed an ambitious goal of having 80 percent of Oakland County adults with a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and our Oakland80 Task Force on a college counseling corps that increases enrollment and retainment in postsecondary programs and a fund that provides a last dollar commitment to eligible adults to completing their associate degree or industry certificate,” Coulter said. “Our strong workforce division will also continue to provide new apprenticeship programs in high demand careers that deliver industry-recognized credentials.

The General Fund/General Purpose Estimated Revenue and Appropriations are balanced at $454,836,699 for Fiscal Year 2021; $468,435,078 for FY 2022; and $472,235,306 for FY 2023. The total budget for all funds amounts to $900,531,197 for FY 2021; $915,305,789 for FY 2022; and $921,033,952 for FY 2023.

The proposed budget can be found at https://www.oakgov.com/mgtbud/Pages/default.aspx.