Michigan restaurants can reopen indoor dining with limited capacity, curfew on Feb. 1
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released its next epidemic order which will go into effect on Monday, February 1 and will last three weeks, until Sunday, February 21.
Due to continued improvements in case rates, hospitalizations and percent positivity, several changes have been made in the new order allowing for:
- indoor dining at restaurants with certain requirements;
- concessions at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums;
- personal services requiring mask removal; and,
- non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households.
$55 Million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to Open Application Jan. 19
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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. |
Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan
The $900 billion Stimulus Relief Bill contains $284 billion for a second round of loans to small businesses under the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program.
The program helps businesses harmed by the economic shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes! businesses can receive a second loan called a second draw if they have spent the entire amount of the first loan on or before the date the second loan is disbursed.
The loans will be made through SBA‑approved lenders and guaranteed by the SBA. So businesses must apply to those lenders by filling out the application forms provided by the bank. It’s a good idea for applicants to check first with banks they already have relationships with to see if they will be making PPP loans.
Click the links for more information about the program.
https://www.peters.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Small%20Businesses%20-%20COVID%20Relief.pdf
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Governor Announces Employee Assistance Grants
January 13, 2021
Governor Whitmer announced employee assistance grants for those whose employment at entertainment and recreational venues and restaurants. This grant program puts dollars in the pocket of Michiganders who work in hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors — as well as the gym and fitness sectors. This grant program helps offset some of the financial losses they may have incurred due to a furlough, layoff or job loss, or a reduction of hours. Here are a few top lines about the grant program:
- Eligible individuals can apply for one-time grants of up to $1,650.
- There’s a 10-day window to apply for this grant – from January 15 to January 25 (so please don’t wait to apply when this grant program opens on Friday).
- For details regarding the application process, go to www.MRLAEF.ORG/MONEY
- Applications will be processed through February and payments will be issued in March.
The State of Michigan Has Allocated $100 Million of CARES Act Funding to Implement the Michigan Small Business Restart Program
In an effort to support Michigan small businesses that were negatively impacted by COVID-19, the State of Michigan has issued $100 million of CARES Act funding towards the Michigan Small Business Restart Program through Senate Bill 690.
The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the distribution of grant funding across 15 local or non-profit economic development organizations (EDOs) covering all 83 counties in the state. Our community is highly honored that Middle Michigan Development Corporation was one of the 15 EDOs selected to assist in this process.
There will be a single, statewide application for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program that will open on July 15, 2020 and run through August 5, 2020. The application is available online at michiganbusiness.org/restart. Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 in grant funds.
Eligibility Requirements
Businesses and nonprofits located in Michigan, with 50 or fewer employees worldwide, and that have NOT received a grant under the first round of the Michigan Small Business Relief Program (MSBRP) are eligible to apply. Businesses must also demonstrate the following:
- Be part of an industry or nonprofit that can demonstrate it has been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency
- Demonstrated need for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses.
- Demonstrate an income loss as a result of the COVID-19 emergency as determined by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).
Businesses interested in applying can review full grant eligibility requirements, program guidelines and a list of frequently asked questions on michiganbusiness.org/restart. At least 30 percent of the funds awarded under this program will be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses.
The MMDC office is available to help answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Please feel free to call them at (989) 772-2858 or email at info@mmdc.org. Additionally, please free to pass this information on to any businesses in our area that may be interested in applying.
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Residents of Michigan Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding
Businesses and residents in the declared disaster area can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The disaster declaration covers Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland and Saginaw counties in Michigan, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Alcona, Bay, Clare, Genesee, Gratiot, Isabella, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Roscommon, Shiawassee and Tuscola in Michigan.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
In accordance with health precautions for the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the SBA will not establish a field presence to assist survivors. However, SBA will continue to provide first-class customer service and conduct outreach virtually with webinars, skype calls, phone assistance and step-by-step application assistance. As a result, SBA has opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center/Business Recovery Center (VDLOC/VBRC) to help survivors apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ and there are virtual customer support representatives available to assist applicants with completing the online application.
Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center/Business Recovery Center (VDLOC/VBRC)
Open: Monday – Friday
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
FOCE-Help@sba.gov
Phone: (571) 422-8013, (571) 422-6016 and (571) 422-0331
These services are only available for the Michigan disaster declaration as a result of the Severe Storms and Flooding on May 16-22, 2020, and not for COVID-19 related assistance.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 8, 2020. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 9, 2021.
Masks Required in all Indoor Public Spaces, Businesses May Refuse Entry and Service
On Friday, July 10, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-147, which reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces.
Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. The governor signed the order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country.
Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Closing Indoor Service at Bars Throughout Much of Lower Michigan to Protect Progress Against COVID-19
On Wednesday, July 1, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-143 closing indoor service at bars throughout most of lower Michigan to protect the progress Michigan has made against COVID-19. Regions 6 and 8, which include the Upper Peninsula and much of northern Michigan, are excluded from the order, and bars statewide can continue to serve outdoors.
The governor’s order applies to establishments with on-premises retailer liquor licenses that earn more than 70% of their gross receipts from alcohol sales. That means that most brewpubs, distilleries, and vineyards can stay open indoors. Traditional bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs will have to end indoor service.
Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 942 and House Bills 5781 and 5811 into law, which allow bars and restaurants to sell cocktails-to-go and expand social districts to allow for more outdoor seating and areas for people to safely congregate while practicing physical distancing.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 on Monday, June 15.
Executive Orders Reopen More Regions, Economic Sectors Under MI Safe Start Plan
On Friday, June 5, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-114 and 2020-115 to reopen more regions and economic sectors under the MI Safe Start Plan.
Starting on June 10, Regions 6 and 8 — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 5 allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
On June 15, personal services including salons and barbershops, and massage, nail, and tattoo parlors will reopen statewide. Though the remaining regions, 1 through 5 and 7, will remain in Phase 4 under Friday's executive orders, the governor said she expects the entire state will advance to Phase 5 in the coming weeks.
City of Mt. Pleasant Provides Outdoor Business Activity Options
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the changes in current business operations, the Mt. Pleasant City Commission recently adopted a resolution temporarily authorizing outdoor business activities through September 30, 2020. These activities include waiving certain standards and fees for outdoor dining, tent and merchandise display permits.
For more details visit www.mt-pleasant.org/outdoor.
Governor Rescinds Safer at Home Order, Moves Michigan to Phase Four of the MI Safe Start Plan
On Monday, June 1, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-110, rescinding her Safer at Home order and moving the entire state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan.
The order will allow retailers to reopen on June 4 and restaurants to reopen on June 8, both subject to capacity limits. Day camps for children will likewise be permitted to open on June 8. Effective immediately, groups of 100 or less will be allowed to gather outdoors with social distancing. Office work that is not capable of being performed remotely can resume. And in-home services, including housecleaning services, can resume operations.
Michiganders must continue to wear facial coverings when in enclosed public spaces and should continue to take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community. And they should continue to work from home to the maximum extent possible.
Subject to local regulation, gyms and fitness centers may conduct outdoor classes, practices, training sessions, or games, provided that coaches, spectators, and participants maintain six feet of distance from one another during these activities. Outdoor pools can also reopen, with restricted capacity.
New capacity limit guidelines for retailers and bar & restaurant owners can be found in Executive Order 2020-97.
- If your business is within the City of Mt. Pleasant, and you need assistance determining your standard approved occupancy numbers, contact City Building Official Brian Kench at (989) 779-5301 OR at bkench@mt-pleasant.org.
- In addition to new capacity limits, business owners must post signs at store entrance(s) instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering when inside the store, and informing customers not to enter if they are or have recently been sick.
- The Chamber has created cohesive Mt. Pleasant signage with the above information for businesses to post at entrances, including a space to write in your new maximum occupancy number!
Workplace Safety and Re-Opening Resources
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Offices
- Research Laboratories
- Restaurants and Bars
- Retail
- Outpatient Healthcare
The Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) program through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has developed a portal specifically designed to support the personal protective equipment (PPE) needs of Michigan businesses as they start the process of re-opening.
Through the free PMBC COVID-19 Procurement Platform, the PMBC team will work to connect those businesses in need of access to PPE – including face masks, face shields, gloves, goggles and other materials as necessary to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers – with Michigan businesses that have supplier capacity to meet that demand. Open to companies of all sizes and industries, and is available for all scales of PPE demand.
- EXAMPLES OF PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE PLANS
- Reopen Main Street Website Launched
- In partnership with Main Street America, Michigan Main Street and the MEDC have launched a new Reopen Main Street website offering resources, strategies, and assets for downtowns and communities as they plan for their re-openings following the COVID-19 crisis.
MI Safe Start: A Plan to Re-Engage Michigan's Economy
- Working with leaders in health care, business, labor, and education, Governor Whitmer developed and recently released the MI Safe Start Plan.
The phases of the pandemic include:
- Uncontrolled Growth: Increasing number of new cases every day, likely to overwhelm the health system. Only critical infrastructure remains open.
- Persistent Spread: Continue to see high case levels with concern about health system capacity. Only critical infrastructure remains open, with lower-risk recreational activities allowed.
- Flattening: Epidemic is no longer increasing and health system capacity is sufficient for current needs. Specified lower-risk businesses can reopen given adherence to strict safety measures.
- Improving: Epidemic clearly decreasing and health system capacity is strong with robust testing and contact tracing. Additional businesses can reopen given adherence to strict safety measures.
- Containing: Epidemic levels are extremely low and outbreaks can be quickly contained. Health system capacity is strong with robust testing and tracing. Most businesses can reopen given adherence to strict safety measures.
- Post-Pandemic: Community spread is not expected to return (e.g., because of a vaccine) and the economy is fully reopened.
Paycheck Protection Program Information
President Trump Signs Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act into Law (6/5/20)
The Flexibility Act modifies several provisions of the PPP loan program. The major changes, which are intended to expand the number of loans which qualify for forgiveness, include:
- Giving borrowers 24 weeks to use PPP funds – up from 8 weeks.
- Reducing the amount of a PPP loan which must be used for payroll in order to qualify for forgiveness from 75 percent to 60 percent. Up to 40 percent can now go to expenses such as rent, mortgage or utility payments.
- Allowing borrowers to defer payroll taxes.
- Letting lenders set more flexible repayment terms for loans that don’t qualify for forgiveness.
- Helping borrowers who show good faith efforts to rehire employees to qualify for loan forgiveness until Dec. 31, 2020.
Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
- Link to Michigan Paycheck Protection Program (MiPPP)
- The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from the U.S. Small Business Administration provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
- Fully Forgiven | Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
- Must Keep Employees on the Payroll - or Rehire Quickly | Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
- All Small Businesses Eligible | Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, and independent contractors— are eligible.
- How to Apply | You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.
Consumers Energy Committed to Helping Michigan’s Small Business Community Prosper
- Consumers Energy can provide meaningful and immediate help by:
- Working with you on your utility bill
- Connecting you to potential sources of state and federal relief
- Providing new business opportunities through the Pure Michigan Business Connect Program
Davenport Offers Free Course to Help Unemployed Land Their Next Job
Davenport University announced they will offer a free, career-focused class to people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
The online course will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their presentation skills, build their resumes, enhance their LinkedIn profiles and earn three college credits. It's a 7-week course and there will be four different sessions with two starting May 6 and two beginning July 1.
Michigan Chamber Offers All COVID-19 Resources at No Charge
- Webinars | Register for the FREE content here: https://webinars.michamber.com/on-demand-webinars. Future COVID-19 related webinars will be available at no charge in both live and on-demand formats.
- Posters | There is currently a mandatory update to federal posters in response to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. During the stay at home order, employers should post it in an intranet or email it to all employees. Once the order is lifted it must be posted through December 31.
- Follow this link to be sure you are in compliance.
- Full Toolkit | The Michigan Chamber continues to update its toolkit with resources.
- Current content can be found at https://www.michamber.com/coronavirus-toolkit
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- Human Resources Information
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Tax Filing Deadline Pushed Back to July 15
- Support for Paid Leave Announced
- Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave
- Michigan Department of Treasury
- Small Business Taxpayers Provided Tax Assistance
- Gov. Signs Order Pushing Back State Income Tax Deadline
- Effective Friday, March 27, 2020, state of Michigan and city of Detroit income tax returns and payments due on April 15 are now due before midnight on July 15. Other Michigan cities with income taxes due on April 15 will now be due on July 15, while cities with income taxes due on April 30 will now be due on July 31.
- Michigan Small Business Development Center
- Unemployment
- Executive Order 2020-76: Temporary Expansions in Unemployment Eligibility and Cost-Sharing (5/8/20)
- Expedites benefits for tens of thousands of Michiganders who have filed for unemployment benefits by allowing the state to review only an individual’s most recent job separation, which is the cause of the current unemployment, to determine the individual's benefit entitlement.
- A Backgrounder on Unemployment Insurance Under the CARES Act
- A Backgrounder on Health Coverage: Options for Individuals Who Have Lost Employer-Sponsored Coverage Due to the Coronavirus
- Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Offers How-To YouTube Videos
- How to File a Claim
- How to File for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- How to Set up a MiWAM! Account
- How to Claim Your Weeks of Unemployment Benefits
- Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan: COVID-19 Guide
- State Provides Guidance to Employers Contemplating Potential Layoffs
- Executive Order 2020-76: Temporary Expansions in Unemployment Eligibility and Cost-Sharing (5/8/20)
UPDATE (4/3/2020): Blue Cross Expands Telehealth Services and Coverage for COVID-19 Treatment
Free On-Demand Webinars
- Clinical Insights for Employers: COVID-19 Testing Principles (from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan)
- Having a Preparedness & Response Plan to Safely Return Employees to Work (5/6/20)
- Can Employees Avoid Work, Avoid Discipline and Get Paid?
- Employment Law Update on Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and New Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Legal Compliance Strategies and Best Practices During Pandemic Related Layoffs, Reductions-in-Force, and Furloughs
- Navigating Unemployment Benefits During COVID-19
- Sweatpants and Laptops: COVID-19 Work from Home Policies and Legal Concerns
- Navigating the Cash Flow Crunch
- Proactively Managing Your Business During COVID-19
Chamber Updates, Ways to Support Local & More
- Business After Hours at Hunter’s Ale House will be RESCHEDULED, Date TBD
- Legislative Breakfast is RESCHEDULED for Friday, August 21, 7:30 – 9:00 am
- April Business After Hours at Ascend will be RESCHEDULED, date TBD
- YPN Statewide Conference is RESCHEDULED for 2021
- Tentatively Friday, May 14, 2021
- YPN Social: Hike at Bundy Hill is RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
- July Annual Chamber Golf Outing is RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, August 26 at Mt. Pleasant Country Club
For updates on local events, COVID-19 and economic legislation:
989-772-2396
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