Alliance Sends Letter to Governor Whitmer Offering to Showcase Reopening Strategies in Northern Michigan
The Chamber Alliance sent a letter on May 14 to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, offering to showcase how northern Michigan can reopen and implement clear guidelines and safe operating practices (following the Governor’s regional reopening plan). The letter states, “The Alliance is supportive and excited about the regional reopening plan that you announced late last month, because our organization knows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our rural northern Michigan communities are eager to show that our business owners are committed to protocols to keep customers and employees safe”.
The new MI Local Biz program builds on the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC.
MI Local Biz will allow for a small business to utilize donation-based crowdfunding through Michigan-based Patronicity’s existing platform and to receive a 1:1 matching grant from MEDC of up to $5,000. Funds must be used by the businesses for working capital needs in order to maintain ongoing operations during and through the COVID-19 crisis.
If employers are financially distressed but hope to continue operations by cutting back hours, they are encouraged to use the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s Work Share Program that allows employers to maintain employment levels and business operations during declines in regular business activity rather than laying off workers.
If you’d like to learn more about the Work Share Program, Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency is offering several webinars next week on this program.
Tuesday, May 19, 1-2pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
+1 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll)
Conference ID: 523 317 933#
Wednesday, May 20, 9-10am
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
+1 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll)
Conference ID: 174 735 986#
Thursday, May 21,1-2pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
+1 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll)
Conference ID: 979 021 084#
Friday, May 22, 10-11am
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
+1 248-509-0316 United States, Pontiac (Toll)
Conference ID: 404 079 480#
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance also offered a webinar with the Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity on unemployment.
The recording and presentation can be accessed here.
