News & Announcements
Covid19: Unemployment Benefits Increased and Expanded
Prepared by Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA):
The governor, under the federal CARES Act, signed an agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Dept. of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs that grant benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits. Workers include self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the pandemic. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks. If someone has already applied for unemployment benefits, you DO NOT need to reapply at this time.
The UIA will provide additional guidance regarding eligibility and application details in the coming days as it implements these new programs.
New Filing Schedule
The new system uses alphabetical order to manage web visits and calls. It is being implemented as UIA has moved nearly all of its staff members to customer service positions in order to faster assist Michiganders in filing for benefits. At the same time, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget is working to expand capacity and infrastructure of the State’s online systems. Potential benefit recipients can help alleviate the system overload by following a few simple steps:
If you have a computer and the internet, please use the website, not the phone system, to apply for benefits: Michigan.gov/UIA.
Log onto the website during off-hours for better access – late at night or very early in the morning.
Please be patient. If the page is loading slowly, DO NOT refresh. Give it a few minutes to load.
View the online tool kit and frequently asked questions before you apply to ensure that you have the appropriate information and documents you will need on hand.
If you must use the Call Center, please observe the alphabetical system outlined below beginning this Sunday to help ease the burden.
Online Filing Schedule - Michigan.gov/UIA
Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
Saturdays will be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.
Call Center Filing Schedule - 866-500-0017:
Last names beginning with the letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Last names beginning with the letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fridays (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) will be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.
When you file will NOT affect whether you are approved for benefits or the amount of payment. You will be compensated from the date you were laid-off or released from your employment. You have 28 days from your last day of work to apply for benefits. UIA understands the urgency that benefit recipients are experiencing, but the fastest way to secure benefits is to follow the UIA guidelines.
The current situation is unprecedented, and UIA is doing everything in its power to ensure that those who are eligible for benefits receive them. Our team is working as quickly as possible to process applications and approve benefits. Your assistance is essential to maximizing our efficiency as we work to help all Michiganders get the financial support they have earned.
For additional resources visit Michigan.gov/UIA.
Antrim County Small Business Relief Grants/Loans
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020
Media Contact: Dan Boss
Communication Specialist
231-929-5047
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
$500,000 State Grant Supports Service Industry Companies Affected By COVID-19
NORTHWEST LOWER, MI – A $500,000 Michigan Strategic Fund Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will support grants to businesses in the 10 counties of Northwest Lower Michigan affected by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-09. That order was issued March 16, 2020 and placed temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation.
The Northwest Small Business Relief Fund Collaborative consists of NetworksNorthwest, Northern LakesEconomic Alliance, Northwest Michigan Works!, Traverse Connect, Alliance for Economic Success, and Manistee Area Economic Development.
Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded to private companies impacted by Executive Order 2020-09 throughout Northwest Lower Michigan. Due to the significant number of businesses that will be impacted and limited resources available under this program, Northwest Small Business Relief Fund Collaborative will be looking to prioritize businesses previously financially viable and now at risk of closure or unable to pay working capital expenses (i.e. rent, payroll, etc.) without immediate support. With very limited funds, grants will likely range from $5,000 to $10,000. In addition, up to $10 million in small business loans are available through the Michigan Economic Development Organization (MEDC).
Small Business Relief Program: Grants
Eligible businesses include:
A company in an industry outlined in ExecutiveOrder 2020-20, or any subsequent Executive Order of similar intent (“EO”), or demonstrates it is otherwise affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, that meets one or more of the following:
· Provides support to impacted employees, is located in a downtown district or high impact corridor or has 50 employees or less, or is a company that provides services to companies outlined in the EO and requires additional employees to support companies or employees impacted by EO;
· The company had 50 employees or less as of March 16, 2020 ;
· The company needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business; and
· The company is able to demonstrate an income loss as a result of the EO, or the COVID-19 outbreak.
· The company needs to demonstrate that it was profitable prior to March 16, 2020.
The grants received must 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.
Small Business Relief Program: Loans
Eligible businesses include:
· The company is an industry outlined in ExecutiveOrder 2020-20, or demonstrates it is otherwise affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, or is a company that provides goods and services to companies to the aforementioned;
· The company has fewer than 100 employees as of March 16, 2020;
· The company needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business;
· The company can demonstrate that it is unable to access credit through alternative sources;
· The company can demonstrate an income loss as a result of Executive Order 2020-20.
· The company needs to demonstrate that it was profitable prior to March 16, 2020.
The loans received 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.
Matt McCauley, CEO of Networks Northwest stated, “The economic and social disruption associated with the COVID-19 outbreak is having significant effects on businesses in Northwest Michigan. This grant and loan program will contribute to our region’s economic resiliency and eventual recovery. This program will likely provide upwards of one million dollars to businesses in this region as a means to support households and communities alike.”
We encourage your organization to help spread the word about this opportunity to businesses that would qualify. The application window will open on Friday, March 27 and close on Friday, April 3, 2020 at noon EST. The review process will begin April 7, and all decisions regarding grants will be announced by April 8, 2020. Businesses interested in applying can do so here: www.networksnorthwest.org/grants
Businesses that qualify for a small business loan will have their applications submitted to the MEDC for further review.
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Mancelona Area Response to Covid19
Created 3/24/2020
Mancelona area businesses and organizations, please submit your content for this page to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 231-587-5500 (email is quickest due to reduced in-office hours). We ask that you let us know of any changes to your submission so that this page will provide up-to-date and accurate information to those seeking it:
GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE at most businesses. Right now, more than ever, the businesses who donate to every cause in our community need our dollars to stay afloat. Please consider purchasing gift cards
COVID-19 RESOURCES
WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP?
MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MEDC)
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/
NEW:
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS INCREASED AND EXPANDED
APPLY FOR GRANTS/LOANS -
Michigan Small Business Relief Program - $500,000 in grants/loans has been allocated for 10-county district. Applications will be accepted and processed by Networks Northwest. CHECK HERE FOR LINK FOR LOAN APPLICATIONS which are scheduled to go live on Friday, March 27, 2020.
4Front Credit Union Presents Free Workshop
Mancelona Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Business On The Clock, a free workshop presented by 4Front Credit Union Mancelona Branch Manager, Lissa Sizen. The workshop is set for Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mancelona Township Offices. There is no charge to attend, and a catered lunch will be served.
Learn more about 4Front Credit Union, their products and services. Have questions? Lissa has answers!
Business on the Clock Workshops are informal. We know you're busy. If you need to arrive a little late, or slip out a little early, we're OK with that! We welcome all in our community, businesses and individuals, to attend.
Please call Mancelona Chamber of Commerce by Monday, March 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. to reserve your space and help us provide a count for the caterer - 231-587-5500.
CLICK THE READ-MORE to view flyer and details.