FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Announces New Data Showing Record Small Business Growth  

Michigan had fastest small business job growth in 23 years, added 170,000 jobs in first three quarters

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted new data showing Michigan’s economic jumpstart continues as small businesses in the state are experiencing tremendous growth and expansion. In the first three quarters of 2021 alone, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees created almost 170,000 jobs, the fastest start to small business job growth in 23 years, according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information. The state also saw an explosion of entrepreneurs and business owners beginning new ventures in 2021, with 150,000 new small business applications filed to start businesses, which is 59% more than in 2019.

“Small businesses form the backbone of Michigan’s economy and are the anchors of communities across the state. Through tough times, they’ve shown grit and innovation to continue getting things done for their customers and employees,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Recent data shows that entrepreneurs are fired up, starting tens of thousands of businesses and creating nearly 170,000 jobs. While the numbers are encouraging, we must build on this momentum by making investments to retain and recruit more workers, expand operations, and attract additional investment. Together, let’s keep getting things done for Michigan’s booming small business community.”

Michigan is home to 902,000 small businesses, with 1.9 million small business employees, representing 48.3 % of Michigan workers. 99.6% of Michigan businesses are defined as small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in Michigan,” said J.D. Collins, CEO of Michigan Small Business Development Center, a statewide resource for small businesses. “Our consultants are experiencing a record number of start-up ventures and businesses in generational transition. We need the continued support of programs such as the MI New Economy Plan to ensure that Michigan is the best place to start and grow a business.”

Governor Whitmer remains committed to supporting small businesses as Michigan continues growing its economy. Recently, the governor laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses and invest in communities. As Michigan’s economy grows, bolstered by a multi-billion-dollar surplus and increasing momentum, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by small businesses and make bold investments needed to create economic prosperity for all.

Putting Small Businesses First

• Governor Whitmer laid out her MI New Economy, a $2.1 billion plan to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses and invest in communities.
• $500 million to build on the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, which offers grants to restaurants, place-based businesses, and microenterprises with further dollars to attract more start-ups.
• $200 million to create a more conducive business environment for high-tech, high-growth start-ups and create jobs of the future in Michigan.
• Added 220,000 jobs in 2021, drove down unemployment and took Michigan from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus.
• Enacted a bipartisan tax cut for small businesses, enabling them to grow and create jobs.
• Signed a Buy Michigan executive directive to increase state procurement and contracts with small and geographically disadvantaged businesses.
• Signed the bipartisan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) package, which supports business by fully funding a competitive economic development toolkit to help make Michigan a national leader in business attraction.
• Launched over $400 million to support small businesses through Growing MI Business grants.
• In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Governor implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses, supporting more than 25,000 companies and retaining more than 200,000 jobs, and provided $100 million through the Small Business Restart Program to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll and other operating expenses.

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is focused on connecting talent to businesses and providing employers with worker resources. Initiatives include:

• Tuition-Free Degrees and Certificates: Governor Whitmer launched a new, first in nation scholarship program that resulted in over 80,000 essential, frontline worker applicants on a tuition-free path. Whitmer also launched Michigan Reconnect so Michiganders 25 or older will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate. To date, over 96,000 Michiganders have applied. Michigan.gov/Reconnect
• Going PRO Talent Fund. Since the program’s 2014 launch, Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for 150,000 Michigan workers at more than 3,200 small businesses. Due to the program’s popularity with employers, Governor Whitmer has shown strong support for the initiative by including robust funding for the program in her budget requests.
• Apprenticeship Expansion: Creating benefits for employers and career seekers through on-the-job learning focused on new industry sectors and increasing the diversity of participants by recruiting groups historically underrepresented. Federal grants will help Michigan create more than 6,000 new apprentices over the next few years. Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship 
• MI Tri-Share Child Care Program: This innovative public private partnership works to increase access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families while helping retain and attract talent. Tri-Share now covers 52 counties in Michigan plus the City of Detroit. Michigan.gov/Tri-Share

“While these numbers are indicative of a strong comeback, our work of supporting small businesses through talent programs, employer resources, and the governor’s MI New Economy plan continues to be critical to Michigan’s long-term economic success,” said Susan Corbin, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) shares a commitment to supporting the success of the small businesses that make up the backbone of the state’s economy. Since October 2020, MEDC has assisted small businesses in all 83 counties with more than $73.7 million in funding, helping more than 560 new businesses start up and helping small businesses generate more than $4.3 billion in new revenue. This support builds on the 23 targeted response and relief programs launched during COVID to support 25,000 businesses across all 83 counties, helping to retain 200,000 jobs during the pandemic.

“No business is small to those who are putting it all on the line, and so we remain focused on creating pathways and opportunities for our entrepreneurs to realize their vision,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “The strength of our economy is directly tied to the success of our small businesses and through the MI New Economy plan we will continue our commitment to efforts to ensure these ventures can thrive here in Michigan.”

From access to capital and mentorship support to networking connections and international growth, MEDC proudly supports the growth and success of small businesses across all corners of the state with a new Small Business Services leadership position and team within the organization and with programs including:

• Pure Michigan Business Connect. PMBC is a free service that brings small to medium-sized Michigan businesses together with local, national and global companies for supply chain sourcing opportunities.
• International Trade Services. MEDC offers assistance to help small businesses start or expand export activities to help grow their business.
• Access to Capital. These programs can help small business throughout Michigan receive loans from banks and lending institutions by working directly with lenders who in turn can provide transitional financing critical to helping small businesses receive the capital they need to grow.
• Early Stage Funding. MEDC’s Entrepreneurial & Innovation initiative helps high-tech entrepreneurs find the early stage funding critical to the success of startup companies.
• Micro Business Development Program. This incentive program is designed to provide grants, loans and other economic assistance to small businesses that create jobs and/or provide investment in the state.
• Match on Main. A small business grant program for eligible businesses in Certified Redevelopment Ready or Michigan Main Street communities to provide up to $25,000 for interior and exterior renovations and working capital.

To learn more about these programs and small business resources visit: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/small-business/. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

May 12, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Peace Officer Memorial Day

LANSING, Mich. – Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, May 15 in recognition of Peace Officer Memorial Day during Police Week.

“Today, we honor the memory of dedicated public safety officials who we have lost in the line of duty,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for me, and we owe the fallen men and women who served our communities a debt that we cannot pay back. Let’s also thank the brave peace officers who keep us all safe every day for their service.”

Peace Officers Memorial Day falls within National Police Week, which was established by Congress in 1962 to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and is observed from Sunday, May 15 through Saturday, May 21 of this year.

The State of Michigan honors Peace Officer Memorial Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

In accordance with a separate proclamation issued by President Biden,  U.S. and Michigan flags should be lowered throughout the state from today, May 12 through Monday, May 16 to honor the one million lives lost to COVID-19.

Flags should return to full staff on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 12, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Supporting People with Disabilities, Increasing Government Transparency

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4256, Senate Bill 258 and Senate Bill 259 into law. House Bill 4256 allows training of service animals in real-world settings, which will benefit people with disabilities who rely on service animals. Senate Bills 258 and 259 ensure that government notices are posted on newspaper websites, increasing accessibility and transparency. This brings the total of bipartisan bills signed by Governor Whitmer to 823.

“Today, I’m signing bills to support Michiganders with disabilities by allowing service animals to enter public places and increasing accessibility by requiring all legal notices to be placed online for free public access,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, these bills add to the over 800 bipartisan bills I have already signed and are proof of what’s possible when we work side by side to get things done. I will work with anyone to support our neighbors, family, and friends with disabilities and make our state and local governments more accessible.”

Supporting Those with Disabilities

House Bill 4256 would allow service animals in training to accompany their trainer at places of public accommodation for the purpose of training or socializing the animal and would be allowed in areas where members of the public are permitted to go. The animal would remain under the control of their animal raiser or trainer and must have a harness, leash, or other tether.

House Bill 4256 was sponsored by Rep. Tommy Brann, R – Wyoming, and a copy can be found here.

Making State and Local Government More Transparent

Senate Bills 258 and 259 together require newspapers who are selected to publish legal notices to also place notices online for free public access. Under these bills, newspapers must provide access to notices on their website and are prohibited from placing that page behind a pay wall. These bills will improve public access to information while maintaining records that newspapers provide.

“The Michigan Press Association is thrilled that Governor Whitmer signed these bills today,” said Lisa McGraw, Public Affairs Manager, Michigan Press Association. “Her support of the importance of a permanent legal record that provides independent notice of government activities to taxpayers in Michigan has always been appreciated by Michigan’s newspapers.”

“Local news outlets are a critical component of getting information to and from their residents, but not everyone has the ability or access to the same materials,” Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) said. “I am thrilled to see this overdue legislation signed into law that strengthens transparency of information sharing within and across our communities.”

“I’m pleased that the governor signed my bills, SB 258 and 259,” said Sen. Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington). “These bills will increase public transparency by requiring newspapers to publish public notices online as well as in print. When public bodies meet, they are required to publish a notice in the local newspaper at least two weeks before the meeting takes place, and now the newspaper will have 72 hours to publish that notice online as well. In an increasingly digital age, governments must use all avenues to reach their communities. Whether you read the newspaper delivered to your doorstep, or pull it up on your phone, you can be confident that you won’t miss important information.”

Senate Bill 258 was sponsored by Sen. Curtis VanderWall, R – Ludington, and a copy can be found here.

Senate Bill 259 was sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Santana, D – Detroit, and a copy can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Encourages Childcare Providers to Apply for State Grant to Deliver $1,000 Bonuses to Staff By 5/26 Deadline

Licensed programs have two weeks left to apply and receive funding for $1,000 staff bonuses and resources to keep their doors open, help get people back to work, and continue serving children

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer reminded licensed childcare programs that there are two weeks left to apply for the Child Care Stabilization Grant authorized in the bipartisan state budget the governor signed in September 2021. The $365 million grant will be used to provide $1,000 bonuses to childcare professionals and awards thousands of dollars in operational grants to local childcare businesses.

“Childcare is essential to helping families, communities, and small businesses succeed, and childcare professionals and programs go above and beyond every day to care for our kids, helping them learn and grow in a safe environment,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Countless Michiganders rely on childcare to go to work knowing that their kids are safe. High-quality, affordable childcare uplifts working families and our kids. That’s why I was proud to work across the aisle to make game-changing investments in our childcare providers and professionals in the bipartisan budget I signed last September. Thanks to our bipartisan efforts, we have been delivering every childcare professional in Michigan a $1,000 bonus in recognition of their incredible sacrifices, expanding low or no-cost care to 105,000 kids, and helping providers improve their facilities. I urge providers to take apply for the state grant so they can continue serving their communities and helping young Michiganders thrive.”

“Childcare professionals are essential. In recognition of the extraordinary role that childcare has played these past three years and will play in Michigan’s economic recovery, help is on the way,” said Dawne Bell, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. “The Child Care Stabilization Grants are a critical boost for a crucial industry in our state. We want every eligible program to apply and receive these resources.”

“The Child Care Stabilization Grants are a significant investment in Michigan’s childcare infrastructure. These grants are sustaining thousands of small childcare business owners across the state, investing in the childcare workforce, and keeping costs lower for families,” said Jessica Savoie, Director of Early Childhood Services at the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District. “These grants have kept the doors open in many rural areas where access and availability to licensed quality care is often scarce. The funding investment is crucial to our economy and the future of Michigan’s youngest learners.”

“The first round stabilization investments have been a game changer for the childcare sector,” said Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO at Vibrant Futures. “Providers are expressing appreciation and thanks for the unprecedented investment in their work through the Child Care Stabilization Grant.  Family home providers, and center directors are certainly telling us these investments have been one of the keys to: staying in business, reopening doors, retaining talent, recapturing losses, and more importantly continuing to exercise the deep calling to do what they love—care for children. We’ve seen providers eager to take advantage of the promise round 2 holds for serving, nurturing, and supporting children—clearly the heart of all those who work in childcare.”

Child Care Stabilization Grant Information

So far, nearly 3,400 programs have applied, and funding is still available. Licensed childcare providers should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to review frequently asked questions and apply. Translated versions of the grant documents are available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Kinyarwanda, and Spanish.

Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply.

The application will close at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 26th.

Delivering for Families