Detroit Regional Chamber > Uncategorized > Small Business Resources

Small Business Resources

March 18, 2020
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As small business owners begin to feel the impact of COVID-19, the Detroit Regional Chamber is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date resources from reliable organizations to help manage the fallout from the crisis. Check back as additional resources become available.


View And Download The PDF: Financial Relief Resources For Michigan Businesses


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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) COVID-19 Response Resources 

LISC is supporting businesses in various ways during the crisis. View a list of grants, loans, and additional resources available to businesses.

Southeast Michigan COVID-19 Resources

Are you a for-profit entrepreneur or small business owner looking for assistance during the COVID-19 crisis? The partners and resources listed below provide critical support, programs, and funding for those in need. We’re here to deliver support for starting, stabilizing, sustaining and growing your business. Learn more.

U.S. Chamber Emergency Loan Guide & Checklist 
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan. View more.

Unemployment Benefits Expanded
Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order to expand eligibility for unemployment benefits in effect from March 16 through April 12. Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance program provides temporary income to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Learn about who the benefits are extended to and apply online.

U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes Guidance Explaining Paid Sick Leave And Expanded Family And Medical Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act
With help from the U.S. Department of Labor, your employees will soon have the option to take paid sick leave when necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic – and your business will be reimbursed. The DOL will expand paid sick leave as well as family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Act for businesses with under 500 employees, which takes effect April 1. This measure will help stop the spread of the coronavirus while protecting businesses from loss. Continue reading. 


Michigan Department Of Labor & Economic Opportunity

State & Federal Liquidity Programs for Small Businesses

  • MEDC Programs for Businesses Affected by COVID-19: Please visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19
  • Michigan Small Business Relief Program: MEDC is providing up to $20 million in support of small businesses. Funding is divided between $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in small business loans to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce.
  • Business Call Centers: The MEDC’s call center stands ready to support businesses with questions about assistance available to small businesses through existing state programs by calling 888-522-0103.
  • Tax Assistance for Small Businesses: The MI Treasury Dept. is providing small businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the COVID-19 additional time to make their sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment. Small businesses scheduled to make these payments on March 20 can postpone filing and payment requirements until April 20. Penalties and interest penalties will be waived for 30 days. More information can be by calling the Treasury Business Tax Call Center at 517-636-6925.
  • Small Business Loans: Through the U.S. Small Business Administration, Michigan small businesses that have suffered substantial economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak can apply for low-interest loans as part of $1 billion in federal funding. The application for a disaster loan assistance is available at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
  • MEDC Paycheck Protection Program: MIpaycheckprotection.com serves as an information portal for businesses seeking support through SBA Paycheck Protection Program. Forgivable loans will help businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 keep employees on the payroll, pay bills. Strong Michigan participation in PPP critical for COVID-19 economic relief efforts

Accenture Small Business Quick Pivot Workshop

Join Accenture for our free virtual co-creation workshops designed for small businesses to help you navigate the changes forced upon you, by harnessing the power of innovation to reshape your strategy and meet the extraordinary new challenges.

Through virtual workshops and innovation sessions, we pledge to bring the best of Accenture to our local communities utilizing the same tools and methodologies we use with our clients. Sessions will be based on collaborative discussions, proven design thinking methodologies and practical tools.

Learn more or email Detroit.hub@accenture.com if you are interested in participating.


Bamboo Detroit: Coping with COVID Webinar Series

Amanda Lewan, Tapan Kataria, & David Smith host live lunch hours with startup experts so YOU can get YOUR questions answered.


Bedrock Detroit

Small businesses are the heart and soul of Detroit. Bedrock Detroit pulled together an inclusive list of resources to help support local businesses, including information on their food and beverage, retail, and online marketplace tenants who are currently open for business virtually or via delivery/carry out services.


City of Detroit

  • Restaurant Carryout Zone Program
  • The Restaurant Carryout Zone is intended to make it convenient for customers to pick-up orders from restaurants.  It is the expectation that restaurants will take orders to the customer’s vehicle to reduce exposure to COVID-19
  • To request a Restaurant Carryout Zone, all you need to do is provide basic information about your restaurant: Carryout Zone Request Form.
  • Signage will be installed by the Department of Public Works within 48 to 72 hours of your request
  • The program is 100% free to City of Detroit restaurateurs and does not require a permit, only a completed application
  • This is a temporary program that will be evaluated over the upcoming weeks.

DEGC: Detroit/Wayne County Small Business Relief Fund


Consumers EnergyConsumers new logo 2016


CultureSource


Kresge


Michigan Small Business Development Center


Small Business Association of Michigan


Michigan Economic Development Corp. 
Economic assistance for small businesses around Michigan that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus gained approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The Michigan Small Business Relief Program approved today authorizes the MEDC to provide up to $20 million in support for small businesses. The funding is divided between $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in small business loans to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce.

View more MEDC resources at michiganbusiness.org/covid19


Oakland County

  • Small Business Stabilization Fund Grant qualifications:
    • 50 employees or fewer.
    • Working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage, utility, or other similar expenses.
    • Able to demonstrate an income loss as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak or related state executive orders.
    • Closes April 6, 2020, at 12:00 p.m.

TCF Bank and Wayne County Partner on Small Business Relief Fund

Helping our neighbors in a time of need is a top priority for us. We believe that small businesses are an essential part of keeping our communities thriving and we are committed to providing relief and peace of mind for businesses facing hardship during this challenging time. TCF Bank and Wayne County are working together to provide fast relief through microloans, to help small businesses with the effects of COVID-19. Learn more.


TechTown Detroit


U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation


U.S. Small Business Administration


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Additional Employer Resources

For any questions, please contact Devon O’Reilly at doreilly@detroitchamber.com.