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COVID-19 Resources & Financing

This page describes and provides links to some of the COVID-19 resources and financing available to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.  The listings are not in any particular order and updates are made as programs are announced.  There may, and most likely are, programs in addition to those listed on this page.


RESOURCES

MIOSHA Launches New Site for COVID-19 Workplace Safety:

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) within the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) launched a new online COVID-19 Workplace Safety site – Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety – the site provides guidance and a toolkit of resources to keep workplaces safe as sectors of the state’s economy reopen. 

The site includes MIOSHA issued guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist – all of which will help businesses safely  reopening their doors.  

In addition to the general workplace guidelines for employer and employees, MIOSHA provided further clarification on necessary steps several other sectors must take when reopening, including:  

PMBC COVID-19 Procurement Platform:  The Pure Michigan Business Connect program has developed a free COVID-19 Procurement Platform, in an effort to help 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.

MI Symptoms Web Application:  As businesses begin to safely re-engage in the economy, the MI Symptoms Web Application is a cost-free way for employers to comply with recent executive orders and implement a COVID-19 symptoms screening questionnaire for employees.
Michigan.gov/coronavirus:  Valuable resources for employers, workers, residents, and communities to stay informed on Michigan's latest efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on Michigan's residents and economy. 

Resources for Michigan Businesses During COVID-19:  The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has provided a list of resources and information for Michigan businesses during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.  They will continue to update this page as more resources become available.
Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association:  Information shared by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.
Michigan Small Business Development Center:  COVID-19 resources for small businesses.  Resources include questions & answers, consulting, hosting webinars, and a list of resources.
Resources for Michigan Businesses During COVID-19:  The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has provided a list of resources and information for Michigan businesses during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.  They will continue to update this page as more resources become available.
Small Business Association of Michigan - Quick resource guide compiled to help you make some decisions regarding your business and your employees.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce:  Resources, awareness and outreach, and support for businesses related to COVID-19.


FINANCING

Michigan Small Business Restart Program:  The Michigan Small Business Restart Program is designed to support Michigan’s small businesses that are reopening and have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.  A total of $183,703 has been allocated for Osceola County's small businesses.  Awards will be made by a review committee comprised of individuals representing both the public and private sectors and different geographic areas of the county.

 

Cadillac News Advertising Grant Program:  The Cadillac News is offering up to $500,000 in marketing grants to help support the advertising and marketing needs of in our area.
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grant Program:  With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan launched the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program.  The grants provide small businesses matching funds of – up to $10,000 – to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19.  The initial grant application window will be open from Monday, July 27 through Friday, August 7, 2020, with awards given shortly thereafter.  Grant applications received after August 7, 2020 will be held pending a potential second phase, if funds remain available.

Consumers Energy Delivering Support for Small Businesses:  Consumers Energy is willing to work with small businesses on their utility bill.  If you need information refer to their flyer. 

Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund:  The Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund provides recovery grants and loans to diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses from underrepresented groups in Michigan.  Because of its designation as an Opportunity Zone, Evart based businesses with interest are encouraged to apply.  This fund is intended to assist geographically and demographically disadvantaged individuals.  The fund provides two primary avenues of funding:

  • Grants: $1,000 – $5,000 grants to assist with reopening or pivoting your business.
  • Microloans: $5,000 – $10,000 loans with a 1-3 year repayment period. Loans are fixed rate (8%), fully amortizing, term loans.
MI Local Biz:  The MI Local Biz program is a matching grant program that utilizes donation-based crowdfunding to generate public interest, to raise funds to assist small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and help position that business for re-opening as the crisis eases.  Pre-applications open May 18th.  If interested act fast.  This is a competitive program with tight timelines.
Michigan Small Business Relief Grant:  Competitive grant for small businesses up to $10,000.  Osceola County has been awarded  15,231.  CLOSED... all funds have been awarded.  Five awards were made.  Each award was for $3,046.
Metro Community Development:  The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved $2 million for Metro Community Development to provide micro- and small business loans to Michigan businesses that have been most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, including restaurants, coffee houses, retail stores and service providers.  These funds can be used to provide loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 for working capital, acquiring machinery and equipment and to support inventory needs during this public health crisis. Businesses can apply through the BizTHRIVE program link on Metro Community Development’s website. 
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Advance:  The EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.  At this time (5/15/20) applications are only being accepted from agricultural businesses.
Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program:  The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.  The Small Business Administration will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.