94 Small Businesses Receive $565,750 in Support

94 Small Businesses Receive $565,750 in Support

by | Jul 15, 2020 | Uncategorized

94 Small Businesses Receive $565,750 in Support in First Round of Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund

Contact: Courtney Overbey, [email protected]

With microloan funds still available, the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund (MERF) has already processed 113 microloans and grants, assisting 94 small businesses with $565,750 in support, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan Women Forward announced today. Launched by the MEDC with Michigan Women Forward (MWF) in May, in response to the economic impacts of the pandemic on underserved communities, the fund is intended to help entrepreneurs and small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 recover from the outbreak, as well as assist them in meeting increased demands in support of COVID-19 response efforts.

While grant funds will be exhausted by the end of July, there are still more than $500,000 in funds available for small microloans to reopen Michigan businesses, with excellent terms and repayment options. Small businesses interested in applying for microloan support through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund can do so now by visiting miwf.org/mwf-entrepreneur-resilience-fund.

“The impact this fund has already had for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state has been critical to ensuring our local economies can continue thriving long after this crisis has passed,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer at MEDC. “The support and partnership of Michigan Women Forward in helping get these resources into the hands of small businesses that need them most has been tremendous and will continue to be vital in ongoing economic recovery efforts.”

Funds awarded through the program can be used to support small businesses in managing expenses through the recovery phase, including rent, payroll, and inventory, due to the significant economic impacts of COVID-19. The fund can also advance business growth by providing working capital to assist with increased product or service demand in response to COVID-19, to allow a company to revamp their business virtually through a strengthened online presence, or to start up a company to meet a new demand as a result of COVID-19.

“It is such a privilege to reach out to these entrepreneurs with the good news that they have been awarded a MERF grant,” said Carolyn Cassin, Michigan Women Forward president and CEO. “This funding is often the difference between opening or not opening their business back up. MWF also offers training and mentoring to the recipients so they are no longer alone in their recovery journey after COVID-19.

The Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund provided recovery grants of $1,000-$5,000 and is still accepting applications for microloans of $5,000-$10,000 for small businesses who are in need and have been adversely affected by COVID-19 closures at miwf.org/mwf-entrepreneur-resilience-fund.

In Pontiac, Brown Construction Collective Plus [BCC+] now has additional opportunities for growth and digital success as a result of grant support it received through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. Owned and operated by Rita Brown, a construction industry professional of Asian-Indian descent, Brown is active in several initiatives dedicated to promoting women and unrepresented populations in construction work, including the National Association of Women in Construction, and the Construction Equity & Inclusion Council. She also designed the BUILD INITIATIVE’s Project: Accelerate! Program designed to reinforce knowledge, educate and facilitate better access to opportunities for women within the construction industry.

“I plan on investing in program development, website refreshment, and parlaying this support into greater success,” said Brown. “With this grant, I can continue to move forward and cultivate intentional next steps for success in my industry.”

Lions & Rabbits is a gallery, education center and event space in the Creston business district in Grand Rapids. Owned by Hannah Berry, Lions & Rabbits houses more than 120 local visual artists and hosts pop-up shows, community parties, classes, weddings and workshops. After receiving a grant from the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund, Lions & Rabbits will be able to move forward with plans to renovate its outdoor community and gallery space, in addition to working with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Women’s Way to hold an alley takeover, showcasing the power of women in Grand Rapids and their role in modern society.

Berry said, “While we have brought our art and now our classes online, because of this grant we will be able to fully reopen and people are safe to experience community fellowship again.”

The $1.5 million fund includes support of $500,000 from MEDC and $500,000 from Michigan Women Forward’s SBA microlending funds, along with partners including Consumers Energy Foundation, the New Economy Initiative, General Motors Corporation, Fifth Third Bank and Comerica Bank. Michigan Women Forward is also working with other potential funding partners to provide additional opportunities for grants and loans through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund.

While grant funds have been exhausted, small businesses may still apply for microloans if they meet the following criteria. Eligible candidates will be prioritized based on demonstrated need, including, but not limited to:

  • Being located in a disadvantaged area within a U.S. Small Business Administration designated HubZone or Opportunity Zone;
  • Demonstrating status as a low- to moderate-income borrower;
  • And qualifying as a diverse business that can demonstrate ownership by underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, veterans, minorities and low-income men and women.

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.

About Michigan Women Forward

In 1986, 20 extraordinary visionaries conceived of an organization that would encourage women to play an active role in philanthropy and governance.  Today, MWF focuses on these primary pillars: Accelerating Women’s Entrepreneurship, Developing the Next Generation of Young Women Leaders, Sharing Women’s History and Leading the State’s Women’s Agenda, which includes the Enough SAID campaign to end the backlog of untested rape kits in Detroit. MWF also operates the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame Center in Lansing.  For more information, visit www.miwf.org/.

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.

Michigan confirms first human mosquito-borne virus of 2020

Michigan confirms first human mosquito-borne virus of 2020

by | Jul 15, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

Michigan confirms first human mosquito-borne virus of 2020
Ottawa County resident infected with Jamestown Canyon virus 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Ottawa County Health Department today confirmed the state’s first human infection with a mosquito-borne virus for 2020 as a county resident tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.

Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes.  Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness can develop from a few days to two weeks following a mosquito bite. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease, including infection of the brain – encephalitis – or the lining around the brain and spinal cord – meningitis.

MDHHS is releasing no further information about the resident who tested positive for confidentiality reasons.

“During the warm weather months in Michigan, there is always a risk of viruses spread by mosquitoes, including but not limited to West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “This is an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect against mosquito bites throughout the summer and into the fall”.

Michigan reported its first two cases of Jamestown Canyon virus in 2018 in patients from Oakland and Menominee counties. In 2019, one case was detected in a person from Cass County.

While the virus is found throughout much of the U.S., reports have been increasing in the upper Midwest. This likely reflects increased awareness and testing, but may also be due to an increase in the presence of the virus in the environment.

The virus can be spread by many types of mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood. These infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other animals or people through bites.

Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid Jamestown Canyon virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:

  • Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
  • Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
  • Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

For more information and surveillance activity about West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses, visit www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus.
Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families

Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families

by | Jul 15, 2020 | Uncategorized

Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families in Response to COVID-19 Emergency Extended Through July

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2020
Contact: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. Approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during the month of July as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.

Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance for March through June – and now that is being extended for the month of July with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

“Many Michigan families are still struggling to put food on the table as a result of this global pandemic,” Gov. Whitmer said. “These additional payments will help many Michiganders as they continue to deal with an unprecedented public health and economic emergency.”

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by July 30, with payments beginning for some households on July 20. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.

Nearly 1.5 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program.

Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in June to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. The 350,000 households that receive increased benefits represent close to 50 percent of the more than 800,000 Michigan households that received food assistance in May. The remaining households already receive the maximum benefit.

The table below shows the maximum allowable benefit for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:

 

One Person

 

 Two Persons Three Persons Four Persons Five Persons Six Persons Seven Persons  

Eight Persons

 
$194 $355 $509 $646 $768 $921 $1,018 $1,164

The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency

Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency

by | Jul 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

Governor remains committed to keeping Michiganders safe and saving lives

 

LANSING, Mich. — After every region in Michigan saw an uptick in new COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today took swift action by signing a new executive order to save lives. Executive Order 2020-151 extends the governor’s emergency and disaster declaration until August 11, 2020 at 11:59pm.

 

“COVID-19 has now killed more than 6,000 people in Michigan. That’s more than 6,000 of our parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. And the rising numbers we’ve seen over the past few weeks prove that this virus is still a very real threat in our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I signed new emergency and disaster declarations using independent sources of statutory authority to continue saving lives and ensure that the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis have the tools they need.”

 

“Throughout this crisis, the vast majority of Michiganders have done their part, but we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to protect our loved ones,” said Whitmer. “That means wearing a mask over your mouth and nose and practicing safe physical distancing when going out in public. If we all do our part now, there is a greater chance that schools can resume in-person learning in the fall. Be smart, be safe, and mask up.”

 

Daily COVID-19 case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in the Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo regions. Positivity rates are creeping upward. The increase in cases reflects a national trend: COVID-19 cases are growing in 39 states and in some are surging uncontrollably. Two days ago, for example, Florida recorded 15,300 new cases in a single day, the highest one-day total for any state so far during the pandemic.

 

“COVID-19 still poses a threat to families across Michigan, and it’s crucial that Governor Whitmer continue to take swift action to save lives,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Michiganders should all continue to do their part by wearing a mask and practicing safe physical distancing. We will get through this when we work together.”

 

The severe economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to mount. During this crisis, Michigan has often processed more unemployment claims in a single day than in the most painful week of the Great Recession, and the state already saw its highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression. The Michigan Department of Treasury predicts that this year the state will lose between $1 and $3 billion in revenue. At the same time, continued federal support is by no means assured. Unless it is renewed, for example, Congress’s emergency infusion of money into the unemployment system will cease at the end of this month. Without that money, many families in Michigan will struggle to pay their bills or even put food on the table.

 

The health, economic, and social harms of the COVID-19 pandemic remain widespread and severe, and they continue to constitute a statewide emergency and disaster. Though local health departments have some limited capacity to respond to cases as they arise within their jurisdictions, state emergency operations are necessary to bring this pandemic under control in Michigan and to build and maintain infrastructure to stop the spread of COVID-19, trace infections, and quickly direct additional resources to hot-spots as they emerge.

 

To view Executive Order 2020-151, click the link below:

Businesses Hurt By COVID-19 Can Apply Now For Economic Recovery Grants

Businesses Hurt By COVID-19 Can Apply Now For Economic Recovery Grants

by | Jul 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

Small Retail, Restaurants, Personal Service Businesses Hurt By COVID-19 Can Apply Now For Economic Recovery Grants

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County retail stores, restaurants and personal service businesses such as salons and fitness centers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply beginning today for part of the $32 million Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant fund.

The grants – which range from $2,500-$10,000 – provide an infusion of capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar ones that occur in the ordinary course of business. The funds come from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money allocated to Oakland County by the federal government.

“We know that many of our small businesses have reopened but the losses they suffered while they were closed or operating at reduced capacity are significant and continue to threaten their viability,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “We want to do all we can to help them recover and continue to provide the goods and services that are so important to our residents.”

In June, Coulter requested the county Board of Commissioners allocate $32 million to create the recovery grants. The board unanimously approved the request, with $30 million of the allocation earmarked for small businesses. Only businesses that operate a physical location in Oakland County are eligible to receive grant funds through this program.

Applications are accepted online at www.oakgov.com/covid/grants, which also describes the program in detail and lists the type of eligible businesses, which include:

  • Retail trade
  • Food and lodging
  • Business and personal services
  • Entertainment and recreation
  • Construction and maintenance services

The deadline to apply is August 24. Award determinations will be made about every two weeks until the deadline.

The funds are intended to support for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer employees that suffered actual or anticipated losses from March 2020 through July 2020 due to the pandemic:

  • Experienced a loss of revenue
  • Operated at a reduced level of production, sales, employment or service
  • Fully closed all operations and are now in the process of reopening

Coulter and the board have been aggressive in funding programs and services to help mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic to businesses, communities and residents, devoting more than $100 million to the cause.

Allocations and services include:

  • Nearly $14 million to 3,500 small businesses seriously impacted by the pandemic. Grants averaged nearly $4,000 from the small business stabilization fund.
  • The “Saving Businesses, Saving Lives” grant, which incentivized Oakland County manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment for health care workers, hospitals and first responders, is included in the nearly $14 million fund.
  • $10 million fund to support non-profit organizations
  • $32 million to assist Oakland County communities with costs related to COVID-19
  • 15,000 Oakland Together COVID-19 safety kits which include facemasks, no-touch thermometers, gloves and sanitizer were created to give small businesses essential materials for reopening and customers confidence they would have a safe experience. The kits are available to small businesses, faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
  • $32 million to help retail stores, restaurants and personal service businesses such as salons and fitness centers that were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
  • $8.1 million for the Rent, Mortgage & Utility Relief Program to assist eligible county residents who have fallen behind on their rent, mortgage or utility payments because of a lost job or other income reduction due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time grant of up to $15,000 per household.