Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-176 reopening Michigan’s gyms and pools in those regions where they remain closed and allowing for organized sports practices and competitions to resume in those regions where they remain restricted, subject to strict protections meant to limit spread of the virus. Gyms and pools may begin to reopen on Wednesday, September 9. The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-175 outlining strict workplace safety measures gyms and pools must follow to protect people from the spread of COVID-19.

A $25 million grant program for personal protective equipment (PPE) is now available from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to assist facilities facing increased costs for PPE as they provide critical services to Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant program is funded through the federal CARES Act and provides funds to eligible Michigan health and human services providers to cover costs for up to 90 days of PPE for frontline employees. Grant awards of up to $250,000 will be made based on the number of client-facing workers at each facility. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, September 8.

Huntington Bank announced a $5 billion, five-year lending, investment and philanthropic commitment to help improve financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers and communities. Part of a $20 billion Community Plan Huntington announced Sept. 1, the Michigan plan, developed in cooperation with Governor Whitmer and Michigan community organizations, emphasizes increased investments in access to capital, affordable housing and home ownership, and community lending and investment. The plan will evolve as Huntington continues to listen and take action to meet the changing needs of Michigan’s communities.

Fred Molnar, MEDC’s Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, talks with Under the Radar Michigan about MEDC's role in supporting businesses across the state, how the process of starting a business has changed amid COVID-19, and the resources available to Michigan-based innovators, tech startups and early-stage entrepreneurs.

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.