Business Accelerator Fund Receives Additional Funding

Business Accelerator Fund Receives Additional Funding

by | Aug 26, 2020 | Uncategorized

Business Accelerator Fund Receives Additional Funding to Build on Support for 53 Companies During Outbreak

Contact: Courtney Overbey, [email protected]

Following the expansion of the Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) guidelines lasting from April through June – which led to 53 companies being served around the state – the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved the transfer of an additional $700,000 to the BAF to continue supporting business accelerators in Michigan’s statewide SmartZone network that are serving startups and high-tech companies impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.

“The level of innovation and resilience that Michigan’s entrepreneurs and high-tech startups have demonstrated over the past five months in the face of a worldwide pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Fred Molnar, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at MEDC. “By working with our trusted partners at the Small Business Development Center, we are ensuring Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has the support and resources it needs to maintain and even continue growing throughout this crisis.”

Funded by the MSF and administered by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the BAF provides a series of grants of up to $50,000 to business accelerators to help high-tech businesses access certain specialized services they need to grow. In April, the MSF Board approved an expansion of the BAF program guidelines to allow business accelerators to use the program’s $1.43 million in FY20 funding to support entrepreneurs and startups with the capabilities to provide assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to contributing to the survival of 53 companies across the state, the BAF expansion in April led to the additional support for seven companies developing advanced technology that directly supports the state’s COVID-19 response. These technologies ranged from oral vaccine development and 3D lung imaging to patient screening approaches, all of which could be applied to address the public health impacts of COVID-19.

The high demand for BAF program support in recent months has led to the depletion of the $1.43 million in BAF funds as of July. As a result, the MSF Board today approved the transfer of $700,000 from the Emerging Technologies Fund – a matching program for federal funds, which have significantly declined in 2020. The ETF will apply for replacement funding once the federal funds begin to be awarded once more.

“As soon as the COVID-19 crisis hit, we knew that Michigan’s small businesses would be among the driving forces in developing the technologies needed to fight this pandemic,” said Phil Tepley, Director of Technology Commercialization and Growth at SBDC. “We worked with MEDC to modify our rules to ensure we could best accommodate companies developing the most compelling innovations to help combat the virus.”

Chemical manufacturer Tygrus in Troy is one of many companies that has benefited from the expanded BAF guidelines in recent months. The company has developed a safe, non-toxic acid called Tydracide that has gone through rigorous testing by a third-party lab and has shown to be effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. Through BAF support from the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, the company received the guidance and support it needed to seek federal approvals that will enable the product to be marketed. Support provided through the BAF program also enabled the company to prepare for production of the product once approved at the federal level, with the intention of producing one million gallons per week at its Madison Heights facility, along with an expansion of its company, signaling the creation of new manufacturing jobs down the road.

“The BAF assistance Tygrus received to conduct some of the testing required for EPA approval was greatly appreciated. By providing privately owned local businesses like ours with this type of critical government assistance, we are able to join together to find innovative solutions to combat COVID-19 once and for all,” said Dan Jenuwine, CEO at Tygrus.

To date, the MEDC has launched 19 COVID-19 relief and recovery programs supporting more than 3,500 businesses in the state, with up to 10,000 companies expected to receive support by the end of 2020. MEDC COVID-19 relief programs have also helped to retain more than 15,400 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.

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

$1.2 Million IKEA Donation to COVID-19 Relief Fund  

by | Aug 25, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Announces $1.2 Million IKEA Donation to 

COVID-19 Relief Fund 

IKEA’s donation marks the largest donation to the fund so far 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer welcomed a $1.2M donation from IKEA Retail U.S. that will go to Michigan’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative. The donation is the largest donation to the fund to date and will help support Michigan’s ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts and other critical services.

 

“Michigan families, frontline workers, and small businesses have done their part to slow the spread of the virus, but the fight is not over yet. I am grateful that IKEA has stepped up during this difficult time to ensure we have the funding we need to provide critical services to Michiganders impacted by COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “This donation will be crucial to saving lives and providing much-needed support throughout our COVID-19 response.”

 

IKEA has continued to follow Governor Whitmer’s orders to protect the health and safety of both employees and customers. After Governor Whitmer signed her Stay Home Stay Safe to protect Michiganders, IKEA closed its retail location to align with the governor’s order and protect their staff and customers from the virus. Now IKEA is giving back to ensure the state has the funding to provide essential services and goods to those who need it most.

 

“We are appreciative of the ongoing support from the state of Michigan, including the unemployment funds paid to our co-workers who were furloughed in the early weeks of the pandemic,” said Javier Quiñones, IKEA Retail U.S. president. “People are the heart of our business, and the state unemployment benefits helped IKEA US co-workers during a difficult time. We now have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, and we’ve decided to “pay it forward” to support the ongoing COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative in our local communities.”

 

The Michigan COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative helps leverage federal resources, including FEMA funds, that require a match to provide critical services and needs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations are allocated to allocated to provide food and water, education support for children, and personal protective equipment, and other essential activities as needs are identified.

 

Over the past 5 months, businesses have continued to step up to fight the virus. This month, the Ford Motor Company partnered with the state to donate 1.5 million masks that will go directly to low-income schools, the City of Detroit, Federally Qualified Health Centers, some COVID-19 testing sites and to many of the organizations. Additionally, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen’s all partnered with the state to expanded Michigan’s testing capacity which helped to flatten the curve and control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Residents Should Protect Themselves From Mosquito Bites

by | Aug 24, 2020 | Uncategorized

Coulter: Residents Should Protect Themselves From Mosquito Bites

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive David Coulter and Health Division urge residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the first Oakland County mosquito pool testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2020 was collected in Royal Oak, and the second case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was confirmed in Michigan outside of Oakland County. No confirmed human cases of the WNV or EEE have occurred in Oakland County this year.

“The positive mosquito pool in Royal Oak indicates that West Nile Virus is present in our community,” Oakland County Health Officer Leigh-Anne Stafford said. “The best way to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness is to avoid being bitten.”

Health Division recommends these prevention tips:

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent. All EPA registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow the product label instructions.
    • Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home:
    • Turn over any type of container that can collect water. Once a week, empty out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots, and trash containers.
    • Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
    • Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as retention ponds or drainage ditches, with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito larvicide is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
  • Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings. Do not prop open doors.

WNV is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by biting an infected bird. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms of WNV if they become ill from the virus.

People can be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection. Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures
and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases.Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit their physician’s office.

More information about Mosquito-Borne Disease, such as WNV and EEE, can be found on the Health Division’s website at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

DNR sends firefighters to help fight California wildfires

DNR sends firefighters to help fight California wildfires

by | Aug 24, 2020 | Uncategorized

– DNR News –
Aug. 21, 2020
Contact:  Paul Rogers, 616-260-8406

DNR sends firefighters, engines to help fight California wildfires

The first wave of Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters is preparing equipment to leave for California with off-road fire engines to help fight raging wildfires there.

“The California wildfires have devastated thousands of families, and Michigan is ready to help in any way we can,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The highly trained firefighters from the Michigan DNR regularly assist other parts of the country that are in need. Just like when California sent us ventilators in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re prepared to help our friends on the West Coast protect families, businesses, and wildlife from these fires.”

DNR firefighters volunteer for out-of-state assignments through a nationwide cooperative system and may be assigned to any state in need. Firefighters are matched with the area that has the greatest need for their skills and equipment. Plenty of firefighters also stay home to make sure Michigan’s needs are covered while volunteer teams are working elsewhere.

Currently, 15 states from Florida to Alaska are battling wildfires, with most concentrated in western states. Wildfires have engulfed vineyards in California, forced thousands to evacuate and burned homes and businesses. Firefighters in Arizona, Oregon and Colorado also are fighting multiple blazes at once.

Out-of-state assignments are valuable to firefighters who want to increase their experience and learn skills they can use to fight fires at home. Michigan is fully reimbursed for expenses when firefighters travel to assist other states.

Learn more about the DNR’s wildland firefighting program at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
Twist for Virtual Brooksie Way Half Marathon

Twist for Virtual Brooksie Way Half Marathon

by | Aug 24, 2020 | Uncategorized

New Twist for Virtual McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon

brooksie.jpgRochester, Michigan – The 13th running of the McLaren Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races is just around the corner and this year it comes with the twist.
You pick your favorite course, the day and if you’re not a morning person, no more getting up early on a Sunday morning for the race – at least this year. State and local directives prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic prohibit large gatherings and the Brooksie – which normally draws at many as 6,000 runner and walkers – certainly qualifies as a large gathering.

“Since it began 13 years ago, the McLaren Brooksie Way has been one of the most popular fall half marathons in Michigan,” Race Director Deb Flynn said. “The pandemic has forced us to change the race this year and we understand as the health and safety of our participants, volunteers and spectators is always our top priority.”

This year’s version of the race, which includes a half marathon, 10k, 5k and Lil’ Brooksie Fun Run, will be contested virtually. Runners and walkers may complete their chosen race anytime and anywhere within two weeks of Sept. 27 when the race was to begin at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the grounds of Oakland University and wind through Rochester and Rochester Hills before returning to OU.

“I know there are many dedicated runners, walkers, families and even spectators who look forward to the Brooksie Way each year,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “The pandemic has changed our routines and many of the events and celebrations we normally enjoy have been cancelled, delayed or altered. We are fortunate that Brooksie Way organizers have found a healthy, safe way for us to participate in the race. I encourage everyone to pick their favorite route, make sure the weather is nice and enjoy a healthy run or walk with family or friends.”

The Brooksie Way was created by longtime Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in memory of his son Brooks Stuart Patterson, who died in 2007 after a snowmobiling accident. The elder Patterson died in 2019.

As in past years, race participants will receive finisher medals, runner bibs and race shirts, which will be available race week or will be mailed after the race. Runners and walkers who have participated in a Brooksie race since the beginning will receive special recognition on their race bibs. There is also a team challenge, where teams compete against other teams. There is no team fee this year.

New this year, there are a limited number of free registrations offered for front-line medical workers and first responders who helped fight the pandemic. Those interested should email Flynn at [email protected].

Register and/or share our posts on Facebook and be entered to win free Brooksie merchandise and entries into the 2021 McLaren Brooksie Way. Two winners every week between now and race week.

For complete information about the races or to register, go to www.TheBrooksieWay.com.

McLaren Health Care is back as title sponsor. The 10K and 5K races are sponsored by Genisys Credit Union. Kroger is Front Line Worker sponsor; Oakland Community College is the Mile Marker sponsor; Huntington Bank and Shelton Buick GMC are race supporters and Runnin’ Gear is the runner packet pick up location. Oakland University is host location, allowing Brooksie signage and banners to be displayed along Walton Boulevard during race week.