These loans will offer critical support to businesses that are working to recover from the short and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Today’s support builds on the $4.35 million in loans awarded to 74 businesses through the program in June. To date, a total of 2,879 small businesses around Michigan have been awarded nearly $20 million in relief grants and loans through the program to assist with COVID-19 recovery efforts. The full list of businesses receiving support is available at michiganbusiness.org/msbrp.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders in education, business, labor and workforce development, launched the nation’s first Futures for Frontliners program offering tuition-free college to an estimated 625,000 Michiganders who provided essential, frontline services during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April to June 2020. The funding is not only available to those in the medical field, but also essential workers in manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more. Frontline workers are encouraged to click on the link below to learn more about the program and find out whether they are eligible to apply.

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) are launching a new program to support Michigan businesses to reopen safely amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The MIOSHA Ambassador Program offers education and one-on-one guidance to help businesses understand regulations on workplace safety. Ambassadors will visit businesses statewide to offer education and support, with a focus on workplaces with a higher risk of community transmission. Ambassadors will not propose citations or issue penalties. Guidance and resources are posted at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.

Governor Whitmer signed Public Act 150 of 2020, which appropriates $2.8 billion in supplemental funding from federal revenues awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover a temporary $300 per week enhanced federal payment for eligible Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. As part of the FEMA program, the additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits will continue until the federal emergency disaster relief funding made available for this program has been exhausted.

Access additional COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19.

Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find other valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities.