Approved in July, the program allocated $100 million of federal CARES Act funding to provide support to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits that are reopening and have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Grants awarded on September 10 have helped retain 72,950 jobs in the state and EDOs are meeting, or exceeding, requirements that 30 percent of grant funding be awarded to minority-owned, women-owned or veteran-owned businesses. All remaining grants will be awarded by September 30, 2020 and reported by mid-October.

Governor Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring September 28 to October 2, 2020 as Manufacturing Week to recognize Michigan’s more than 11,386 unique manufacturing firms, which account for 626,000 jobs and $98.64 billion of total output annually. These businesses were some of the first to go back on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of them unleashed the state’s ‘Arsenal of Innovation’ to creatively retool their operations to provide critical PPE and other products to keep the state safe and healthy. The manufacturing industry is the backbone of Michigan’s economy and will continue to be a crucial part of the state’s recovery.

In celebration of National Manufacturing Day Friday, October 2, Pure Michigan Business Connect is excited to host an Innovation Pitch Event that highlights Michigan startups. This virtual event feature pitch competitions focused on Industry 4.0, manufacturing tech, and hardware verticals. In order to facilitate matchmaking/networking connections both during and after the event, please click below to apply.

With just over two weeks since the program launched, more than 60,000 Michiganders have submitted applications for the new Futures for Frontliners program. The first in nation initiative provides a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who do not have a college degree, including those who lack a high school diploma. Applications are still being acceptedTo learn more about the program and how to apply, join one of the upcoming regional Futures for Frontliners virtual townhall sessions starting October 1 or visit www.michigan.gov/Frontliners.

Michigan is at its best when entrepreneurs see a need and create a solution. When COVID-19 hit the state earlier this year, entrepreneurs turned a crisis into an opportunity to learn. Business leaders attacking the coronavirus pandemic have mastered multiple lessons as they’ve steered their companies through a COVID-19 obstacle course. In a “We’re in this together” spirit, they’ve risen to the challenges of this health crisis, and now they’re sharing what they’ve learned. Read on for insider tips from those who were able to pivot – and succeed.

Governor Whitmer has signed Executive Order 2020-183 allowing for the reopening of movie theaters and performance venues. Beginning October 9, a number of businesses are slated to reopen statewide, including indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks, and more. New requirements for non-residential indoor and outdoor gatherings and events are also included under EO 2020-183.

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.