Economic Resources


Economic Resources

Mitigation Strategies

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has developed a comprehensive mitigation strategy for communities, schools, and workplaces. These are actions that individuals, businesses, and community settings (such as schools and churches) can take to slow the spread of COVID-19. On May 15, 2020, the CDC also released this simple one-page guide on reopening workplaces.

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension has a number of resources available to various industries. Will Cronin, Tourism & Community Development Director with MSUE, hosts a weekly Tourism Coffee Hour via Zoom every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to receive login information for the forum, click here.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has created a toolkit designed to help businesses create mitigation strategies and develop a plan for re-opening. Employers will be expected to utilize health screening requirements set forth by the Health Department and the Governor's executive order. Details on questions that employers need to ask and how to properly document are included in the toolkit.

Small Business

Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Through the CARES Act, the US Department of the Treasury is working to provide business with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees, and cover applicable overhead. For more information on the CARES Act and how the Department of Treasury can assist your business, click here.  

The Small Business Administration of Michigan has provided a number of webinars and training videos focused on assisting small business navigate COVID-19 related issues that are relevant to businesses across multiple industries. The SBA has also created a general safety checklist for small business that can be used to guide business as they reopen and help employees feel safe as they come back to work

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced several new initiatives designed to help support the COVID-19 recovery efforts of small businesses. One such program, the MI Local BIZ program, builds on the MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. It will allow for a small business to utilize donation-based crowdfunding through Patronicity's existing platform. Other resources for businesses struggling with economic loss as a result of the COVID-19 crisis can be found at the MEDC website.

In partnership with Networks Northwest (NW Reg 2) and Target Alpena (NE Reg 3) the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance will facilitate $2,011,306 in business grants in the NLEA service area. Within our area, the NLEA will work closely with area chambers, DDA’s, Main Street programs, the Industrial Association and other organizations to promote the opportunity. This is part of the state-wide MI Small Business Restart Program.  For more information on the program, click here.

Industry Specific Trainings, Webinars, Toolkits

Restaurant, Hospitality
In conjunction with the Michigan Restaruant and Lodging Association (MRLA), a ServSafe Reopening Guidance webinar is available to non-MRLA members. The MRLA is also a reliable source for a number of training videos and webinars specifically aimed at the restaurant and hospitality industry. Free webinars have been extended through May 31, 2020. They have also provided a "Roadmap to Reopening," a step-by-step guide to navigating restaurant reintegration.

The CDC released a simple infographic that can be used to help guide restaurants and bars in making decisions to reopen to the public during the pandemic.

The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds has released guidelines for Re-Opening RV Parks and Campgrounds. Included in the guidelines are recommendations for best practices and procedures to protect guests and employees throughout the facilities, including all outdoor equipment (bikes, kayaks, golf carts, playground equipment) and acquatic amenities (pools, splash pads). The CDC has also released guidance on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, including parks.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has provided a tool-kit specific to Northern Michigan.

Construction
Health Department of Northwest Michigan: COVID-19 Toolkit

Manufacturing
Health Department of Northwest Michigan: COVID-19 Toolkit

Real-Estate
Health Department of Northwest Michigan: COVID-19 Toolkit

Retail
The American Industrial Hygiene Association has released a guidance document for retail business working to re-open their establishment.

Covid-19 Guidance and Orders