Michigan’s small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus will be able to apply for grants of up to $15,000 through the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative beginning at 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday, December 15. Applications will be reviewed on a “first-in” basis by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation, who is serving as the statewide administrator of the grant. Application questions and instructions, eligibility criteria, and a video tutorial on the application process are available at michiganbusiness.org/relief.

Businesses that require social gatherings for customers and have experienced disrupted operations due to COVID-19 epidemic orders now have additional time to make their December sales, use and withholding tax payment. Effective immediately, most entertainment and recreational venues and restaurants that depend on indoor dining scheduled to make their monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments on Dec. 20, 2020, can postpone filing and payment requirements until Jan. 20, 2021. The state Treasury Department will waive all penalties and interest for 31 days.

Consumers Energy is helping Michigan’s local businesses this holiday season, providing $500,000 to support shopping in 55 local communities through its new “Our Town” gift card effort. Holiday shoppers can unlock a 1:1 match from Consumers Energy for gift cards bought through local Chambers of Commerce and downtown organizations, doubling the amount they can spend in downtowns across the state. Shoppers should contact their local Chamber of Commerce or downtown association to buy gift cards.

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.