MEDC Covid-19 Response and Resources
Unemployment Benefits Increased and Expanded for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
Under the federal CARES Act, Governor Whitmer signed an agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Department of Labor to expand unemployment benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment insurance. This includes workers who are self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig economy workers, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 per week for up to four months and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks.
If someone has already applied for unemployment benefits, they do not need to re-apply at this time. Additional guidance from UIA regarding eligibility and application details will be released in the coming days. 1099 & Self EE Resources For more information visit Michigan.gov/UIA
Join Thursday’s COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall with MEDC and the Detroit Regional Chamber
On Thursday, MEDC’s Chief Business Development Officer Josh Hundt will join the Detroit Regional Chamber for a panel discussion about the emerging Arsenal of Health in Michigan as manufacturing and medical device businesses are stepping up to support the fight against COVID-19.
It will also include a conversation about the ways in which businesses can connect directly with health and human service providers and municipal governments to provide critical supplies. The tele-town hall will conclude with a Q&A session for audience members to participate directly with the panelists and receive answers to their questions in real-time. Register Here
Application Now Available for Michigan Small Business Relief Program Funding
Michigan’s small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus can now apply for $10 million in grants and $10 million in loans through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program. The funding supports businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business. Apply Here
Virtual Matchmaking Platform Expands to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program is expanding its free, online procurement platform by now including donations from suppliers capable of filling health and human service needs across a broad range of product and service categories.
The platform is also offering a place for companies with manufacturing capabilities for personal protection equipment to indicate which items (i.e. masks, gowns, ventilators) they are able to produce, along with quantity and timing detail. Get Started
Additional Resources Available Online
Access additional resources by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19.
Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities and stay informed on Michigan’s latest efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on our state’s residents and economy.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.