July 10, 2020
Good afternoon,
Below are several updates and reminders for businesses in Downtown Marquette.
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Michigan Small Business Restart Proram Grant Opportunity
In response to the economic impact of COVID-19, the State of Michigan has allocated $4.5 million of CARES Act funding to implement the Michigan Small Business Restart Program to support the needs of businesses in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan directly impacted by COVID-19. The application for businesses to apply for funding will open on
July 15, 2020
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Grant Eligibility
Businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees, worldwide, located in Michigan who have NOT received a grant under the Michigan Small Business Relief Program (MSBRP) are eligible to apply. Businesses must also demonstrate the following:
- Part of an industry or nonprofit that can demonstrate it has been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency
- Needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses
- Demonstrates an income loss as result of the COVID-19 emergency as determined by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).
Additionally, at least 30 percent of the funds awarded under this program will be provided to women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses. The MEDC anticipates that more than 5,000 businesses across the state will benefit from this program.
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Governor Whitmer Mandates Mask Use In Michigan
On Friday, July 10, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed
Executive Order No. 2020-147 mandating the use of masks for individuals, and mandating that businesses require the use of masks by patrons while inside of businesses, with the specifics outlined below:
"Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:
- Any individual who leaves their home or place of residence must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth: a. When in any indoor public space; b. When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; and c. When waiting for or riding on public transportation, while in a taxi or ridesharing vehicle, or when using a private car service as a means of hired transportation.
- The requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to individuals who: a. Are younger than five years old, though children two years old and older are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering, pursuant to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”); b. Cannot medically tolerate a face covering; c. Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment; d. Are exercising when wearing a face covering would interfere in the activity; e. Are receiving a service for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service; f. Are entering a business or are receiving a service and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes; g. Are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication; 4 h. Are actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel; i. Are officiating at a religious service; or j. Are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.
- To protect workers, shoppers, and the community, no business that is open to the public may provide service to a customer or allow a customer to enter its premises, unless the customer is wearing a face covering as required by this order. a. Businesses that are open to the public must post signs at entrance(s) instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may, in its discretion, require such businesses to post signs developed and made available by the Department, or conforming to requirements established by the Department. b. A department or agency that learns that a licensee is in violation of this section will consider whether the public health, safety or welfare requires summary, temporary suspension of the business’s license to operate (including but not limited to a liquor license) under section 92 of the Administrative Procedures Act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.292(2)."
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Digital Downtown Marquette
The Marquette DDA will continue to update the Digital Downtown Marquette web page as long as it is needed.
Please utilize the update form anytime there is a change in the way you conduct business. It is an excellent resource for both locals and visitors to Downtown Marquette.
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We will continue to keep you updated on the ever-changing landscape during these uncertain times. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.
Sincerely,
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