Latest News & Blogs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved her request for a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration, opening the opportunity to small businesses to access low-interest loans from the SBA.

On March 19, 2020, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) unanimously voted to approve a $20 million economic relief program intended to provide financial relief to small businesses struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Work Share is a program that permits employers to maintain operational productivity during declines in regular business activity instead of laying off workers. With the plan, rather than being laid off, eligible employees work a reduced number of hours in the work week and receive a portion of weekly unemployment benefits.

MICHauto recently announced the addition of Carolyn Sauer to its team. Sauer will serve as senior director and promote MICHauto’s mission centered on advocacy, talent, convening, and next-generation mobility. She will also manage stakeholders and events, as well as support operations, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.

Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) has launched a virtual procurement assistance tool to assist in sourcing health and human service supply needs amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

On March 18, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-15 to order a temporary change to the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to conduct their meetings electronically, while also facilitating public participation, until April 15, 2020 at 11:59PM.

On March 18, 2020 Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-16 to expand the capacity for child care services for health care workers, first responders, and other members of the essential workforce providing critical infrastructure to Michiganders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

The Grand Rapids Chamber has begun hosting regular conference calls to address questions that are top-of-mind for its members.

Today, the Michigan Department of Treasury announced that small businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have additional time to make their sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment.

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has created a database of resources for businesses looking for guidance and support amid the COVID-19 crisis. The following is a list of upcoming webinars the SBDC will be hosting for Michigan business owners, free of charge.