Michigan Small Business Restart Program

Small businesses can now apply for grants of up to $20,000 through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program. The program will provide $100 million in economic assistance to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits and in turn, help support workers and their families facing economic uncertainty during the outbreak. Information on how to apply, as well as eligibility criteria and program guidelines are available at michiganbusiness.org/restart.

The funding will be distributed across 15 local or nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) covering all 83 counties in the state for grants up to $20,000 to support certain small businesses and nonprofits that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

Additionally, at least 30 percent of the funds awarded under the program must be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses.

The application period will be live through Wednesday, August 5.

View the full press release for additional information.

New Eviction Diversion Program

The new Eviction Diversion Program administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The program utilizes a special court process to get fast rental assistance for renters who have been impacted and recoup missed payments to landlords.

Rental assistance in the amount of $50 million is available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes, forgiving late fees and up to 10% of amount due.

MSHDA will administer the program through Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies, a statewide network of homeless and special housing needs service providers.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EDP.

View the full press release for additional information.

MIOSHA Workplace Safety Resources

Make sure you check out Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety – the one-stop-shop for employer, employee workplace safety resources including posters, videos, fact sheets and industry specific guidelines.

This week, MIOSHA added downloadable signs for businesses to make mask requirements clear.

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Q & A 

Sean Egan, Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director, recently hosted a live session to answer your most pressing questions about workplace safety amidst the pandemic. View the full video and the presentation for additional information.

Anyone with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

In addition to reviewing the Workplace Safety Guidelines, employers should continue to review U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) websites, to ensure their workplace policies and procedures are based on the most up-to-date information available.