Chris Holman talks with Josh Hundt, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). They cover MEDC’s COVID relief efforts to date including the 23 programs implemented which have provided over $240,000,000 in critically needed relief funds across the state.
Watch the full interview with Chris and Josh now!
Resources Available to Help Apply for Michigan Small Business Survival Grant
Resources to help small businesses apply for the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program are available on the program landing page at www.michiganbusiness.org/survival. Resources include a tutorial video that walks applicants through the process from start to finish as well as highlighting key questions to be prepared for throughout the application. The landing page also includes an FAQ with eligibility requirements and the application questions so that businesses can gather the information they need ahead of time to complete the application process.
The application for the $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program went live at 9:00 a.m. today, January 19. The application period will run through 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST on Friday, January 22 and businesses can apply at www.michiganbusiness.org/survival. All applications received will be reviewed by the 15 economic development organizations, representing all 83 counties, that will serve as the administrators of these grants; funding is not first come, first serve.
State Economic Recovery Plan Announced
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan COVID Recovery Plan to grow Michigan’s economy and help end the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes a strong focus on economic recovery including:
- $225 million for three new programs through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help stabilize, recover and ultimately grow the economy in Michigan.
- A call for the Michigan Legislature to pass Good Jobs for Michigan to help Michigan retain and grow our businesses and create jobs.
- Providing targeted employment and training services through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to connect unemployed and underemployed Michigan residents with training and resources necessary for gainful employment.
- Funding to waive penalties and interest for certain property owners who did not pay their summer 2020 property taxes on time as a result of economic hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A call to permanently extend unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to 26 weeks.
The Administration is calling on the Michigan legislature to take action on this plan as it is meant to direct dollars where they are needed most to ensure both relief and long-term recovery.
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Michigan Begins Pandemic-Related Unemployment Payments
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has continued its phased approach of implementing the recently extended federal unemployment benefit programs. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants who had benefit weeks remaining on their claim as of Dec. 26, 2020, can now begin certifying their claims through their MiWAM accounts. The UIA is still in the process of programming new system changes necessary to begin additional payments for PEUC and PUA claimants who have exhausted their benefit allowance on or before Dec. 26, 2020. The target date to complete these changes for the remaining PEUC and PUA claimants is Jan. 30, 2021.
Claimants should continue to monitor their MiWAM accounts and www.michigan.gov/UIA for more updates.
Additional Resources Available Online
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.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.
The mission of the MEDC is to achieve long-term economic prosperity for Michiganders by investing in communities, enabling the growth of good jobs and promoting Michigan’s strong image worldwide. MEDC's strategic focus aims to position Michigan at the leading edge of economic development in the nation. Read more in our Strategic Plan. - https://www.michiganbusiness.org/
