​Small Business Relief Application is now open. All applications are due Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m.
Times are tough right now, especially for our small businesses. Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is pleased to announce it is working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to coordinate economic assistance for local businesses affected by the COVID-19 situation. 
On Thursday, March 19, the MEDC announced $20 million in support for small businesses, $10 million of which would go to economic development organizations (EDO) to distribute as grants to their communities. The other $10 million will support small business loans, which MEDC will administer. MCPED received $800,000 from that allocation, with an additional cash match of up to $100,000 from First State Bank and $30,000 from MCPED to assist businesses through these tough economic times.
Small Businesses have two options - Grant or Loan (select only one)
Small Business Relief GrantStep 1: Is my business eligible?
To be eligible for the Small Business Relief grant, Macomb County businesses must meet the following criteria:

• The company is in an industry outlined in Executive Order 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 to companies or employees impacted by EO;
• The company has 50 employees or less;
• 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 can demonstrate an income loss as a result of Executive Order 2020-20.
• Requesting between $5,000 than $10,000

And the business must:

• Reside within a Macomb County downtown district or within one mile of a downtown development authority or high impact corridor (Van Dyke/Mound, M-59, Groesbeck, Gratiot or Nautical Mile). Verify your business address: https://gis.macombgov.org/go/grant 

Or

• The business is providing support to impacted employees (please include description on application)

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.
If you have any questions please fill out this form with as much detail as possible and a business development rep will be in touch. 
Step 2:  I read everything about and I believe I am eligible.  What is next?
Eligible businesses need to fill out this qualification form. If you meet the requirements, you will receive access to the application. 
Applications period ends: Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m.
Step 3: I submitted an application. When will I know if my business will be awarded a grant?
A review team of local business leaders has been established and will review all applications.  All applications will be evaluated on number of employees, financial need, fiscal stability, and other determining factors (history of business, impact to the community, etc.)
Step 4:  When will I receive a check?
All grant recipients will be announced by mid-April.  If you were not selected to receive a grant, we encourage you to visit MEDC’s website for additional resources and programs. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/about-medc/covid19/
If additional rounds of funding are available, we will open up the application period again. Details will be updated on www.Macombbusiness.com.
​Small Business Relief LoanIf your business is seeking funds greater than $10,000 or do not reside within the downtown districts or high impact corridors, consider applying for the Small Business Relief Loan. 
Loans provided under the program may include the following terms:

• Interest Rate: .25% per annum
• Draw Period: 24 months following loan closing.
• Term: Interest only for 60 months following loan closing followed by a fully amortizing 60 month term.
• Repayment Terms: Anticipated to be monthly interest only payments for the first 60 month of following closing. Payments made in excess of interest due will be applied to principal. Payments of principal and interest will begin at 61 months following closing and will be paid monthly with all principal due to be repaid no later than 120 months following closing.

In order to qualify for loan support, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• The company is in an industry outlined in Executive Order 2020-20, or any subsequent Executive Order of similar intent (“EO”), 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;
• 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.

For additional details visit https://www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/

Dear friends of Beaumont Health,
I am writing to update you on what is happening at Beaumont during this difficult time and what is being done to assist patients as well as the thousands of physicians, nurses and other caregivers on the front lines of this COVID-19 pandemic.
But first let me say that as a friend of Beaumont, you already have helped make a profound difference. Your support has given Beaumont a strong base from which to address this crisis, something for which I am personally most grateful. However, we are reaching out to you again at a most critical time in health care. We need your support now more than ever to address this pandemic and the patients it is impacting in your community.
Right now, as you’re likely aware, Beaumont is providing COVID-19 care in the following ways:

• Conducting curbside screenings that allow people to drive up to the hospital, talk with a clinician and receive a COVID-19 test, if appropriate. Note: everyone does not need to be tested for COVID-19.
• The Beaumont lab is now able to process hundreds COVID-19 tests onsite at the Royal Oak campus, which allows us to get results faster than solely relying on state and private labs. Watch this video to learn more about how Beaumont laboratories are processesing tests.
• Over the past week, more than 8,000 patients have been tested for COVID-19.
• More than 800 Beaumont patients have tested positive for COVID-19.
• As of 4 p.m., March 24, approximately 450 confirmed COVID-19 patients are hospitalized and receiving care within the Beaumont system.
• Beaumont launched a Coronavirus hotline staffed by Beaumont nurses and employees to help patients evaluate their symptoms and determine whether they need to seek medical attention. Since its launch on March 12, Beaumont has answered 36,000 calls.
• Beaumont launched an online risk assessment tool to help patients better understand whether they need to seek medical attention for their COVID-19 symptoms. Since its launch on March 18, more than 60,000 people have taken the assessment. 

As you can imagine with all of this activity to date, Beaumont is sorely in need of medical equipment to ensure the best care possible for our patients and to protect our physicians, nurses and other staff. This equipment includes:

• Ventilators, to help COVID-19 patients breathe until strong enough to do so on their own
• Personal protective equipment, to protect caregivers and healthy patients from infection and transmission of the virus

• • N95 respirators
  • Goggles
  • Masks and face shields
  • Gowns
  • Gloves

• iPads, to expand telemedicine capabilities for caregivers to communicate with patients in a safe and effective manner during this difficult time

Meeting these equipment needs will require donations from multiple sources including cash and in-kind gifts. If you can help, here’s how:
Cash donations to our COVID-19 Fund:
Donations will help Beaumont acquire personal protective equipment and secure ventilators and other needed equipment for treatment. Gifts can be made online, or mailed to: 
Beaumont Health Foundation
26901 Beaumont Boulevard, Floor 5D
Southfield, Mi 48033
In-kind Donations: 
If you have access to masks, gloves, gowns or respirators, these contributions would make an immediate difference in our ability to provide care safely and with reduced risk. 
Most Needed Items
To view a more detailed list of equipment needs or learn about other ways your gifts can help, please click here to visit the Beaumont Health Foundation website.
If you have medical questions or concerns about the coronavirus, please visit Beaumont’s COVID-19 information page or call Beaumont’s COVID-19 hotline at 800-592-4784.
I want to thank you for being a loyal Beaumont supporter and to ask you to once again step forward at this time to support those people who are now taking care of and will be taking care of so many of our family members, our friends and perhaps ourselves who need this equipment. Stay safe, stay strong and thank you for your generosity and support of the patients and families counting on Beaumont for care.
With sincere gratitude,
​Margaret Cooney Casey
President, Beaumont Health Foundation
Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Beaumont Health

To help you, the Michigan Chamber is offering all of its COVID-19 resources to you and your members at no charge at this time:

Webinars: All of our webinars have been recorded and are now available on-demand. Direct your members to  https://webinars.michamber.com/on-demand-webinars and ask them to register for the free content. Future COVID-19 related webinars will be available to your members at no charge in both live and on-demand formats. We will let you know when more are scheduled.  Current topics include:

• Sweatpants and Laptops: Dealing with Remote Work and Legal Concerns
• What Employers Need to Know about Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• Unemployment Benefits During COVID-19

Posters: There is currently a mandatory update to federal posters in response to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. During the stay at home order, employers should post it in an intranet or email it to all employees. Once the order is lifted it must be posted through December 31. You can forward this link to your members to be sure they are in compliance: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf​

Full Toolkit: The Michigan Chamber continues to update its toolkit with resources for chambers and your members.  It is important that employers have access to accurate, factual and reliable content to deal with the current uncertainty. Current content can be found at https://www.michamber.com/coronavirus-toolkit and includes reliable links to:

• the executive order and templates for essential employee and supplier letters
• unemployment benefits
• financial assistance for small business
• federal legislation and benefit information
• HR resources
• Primary-resource COVID-19 information

Dear Michigan employees and employers,
Governor Whitmer, in an effort to protect all Michiganders, today signed Executive Order 2020-21 that directs residents to remain at home or in their place of residence to the maximum extent feasible. A summary of her, "Stay Home, Stay Safe,” Executive Order is available online. 
For purposes of this order, critical infrastructure workers are those workers described by the Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in his guidance of March 19, 2020 on the COVID-19 response.
Below you will find available resources for workers and employees affected by COVID-19. If you have questions related to the governor’s order or the resources below, contact: LEO-Coronavirus@michigan.gov.
We will continue to do everything we can to provide economic relief to employees and businesses affected by COVID-19.
Jeff Donofrio, 
Director

For Workers
Filing for Unemployment Benefits
Eligible employees are strongly encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 866-500-0017. A factsheet on how to apply for benefits can also be found online.
Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-10 expands unemployment benefits to: 

• Sick Workers: Workers who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off. 
• Workers Caring for Loved Ones: Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, including those who have childcare responsibilities due to school closures, or those who are forced to care for loved ones who become ill and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off
• First responders: Individuals working in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19 and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off.

The governor’s order also extends access to benefits for unemployed workers:

• Increased Weeks: Benefits will be increased from 20 to 26 weeks. 
• Longer Application Time: The application eligibility period will be increased from 14 to 28 days. 
• Fewer Requirements: The in-person registration and work search requirements will be suspended.  

Visit the Unemployment Insurance Agency website for: 
Unemployment Resources for Employees
Employee Frequently Asked Questions
Self-Employed Workers
The State is also seeking solutions for self-employed workers and independent contractors who traditionally do not have access to unemployment insurance. The governor has requested that President Trump issue a Major Disaster Declaration so that Individual Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance through FEMA may be made available to additional Michiganders affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employers
Work Share
Employers are encouraged to implement the State’s Work Share program that permits employers who may be facing maintain business operations during declines in regular activity instead of laying off workers. The program allows employers to keep their employees working with reduced hours, while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages. More information about Work Share is available online at www.michigan.gov/WorkShare.
Visit the Unemployment Insurance Agency website for: 
Unemployment Resources for Employers
Employer Frequently Asked Questions
Unpaid Leave vs. Termination
Due to the uncertainty regarding potential congressional action regarding whether furloughed workers will be able to access federal resources, employers are urged to place employees on temporary leave as opposed to termination. View the State’s guidance for employers contemplating potential layoffs.
Capital Resources for Employers
Business Call Centers
The MEDC’s call center stands ready to support businesses with questions about assistance available to small business through existing state programs by calling 888.522.0103. The Michigan Small Business Development Center can also provide resources at https://sbdcmichigan.org/small-business-covid19/.   
Small Business Association Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved the governor’s request for a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration, opening the opportunity to small businesses to access low-interest loans from the SBA.     
Michigan small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak can now apply for low-interest loans as part of $1 billion in funding. The application for disaster loan assistance is available at: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Michigan Small Business Relief Program The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the Michigan Small Business Relief Program which authorizes the MEDC provide up to $20 million in support for small businesses. The funding is divided between $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in small business loans to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce. The $10 million in grant funding will be provided to local or nonprofit economic development organizations throughout the state to provide grants up to $10,000 each to support certain small businesses that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus. For more information visit, michiganbusiness.org/covid19
Tax Assistance for Small Businesses The Michigan Treasury Department is providing small businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the COVID-19 additional time to make their sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment. Small businesses scheduled to make these payments on March 20 can postpone filing and payment requirements until April 20. Penalties and interest penalties will be waived for 30 days. Learn more about penalties and interest online or by calling the Treasury Business Tax Call Center at 517-636-6925.

Ongoing Updates
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  
The above resources and more can be found on the Michigan Coronavirus website, under Employer and Employee resources. 

Helpful Tips for Working From Home
By: Ashley Edwards
In these unprecedented times, many of us may be working outside of our comfort zones. Here are a few times to manage working from home and some IT ideas that can make team collaboration easier during these times. 

• Create a designated area for your work space: Designate an area where you can shut the door as needed, especially at the end of the day. Avoid using the bedroom for office work. 
• Maintain regular hours: Set a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Create an hour for lunch and two 15-minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. 
• Create a To-Do List: Create a list at the end of each day for the following day. It's helpful to use these three categories: 1) Must Do, 2) Should Do, and 3: Do DO
• Working at home can be distracting: It's helpful to set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes to concentrate on a task. Whatever time you set, make sure to get up from your desk after that amount of time to stretch. 
• Set Ground Rules for your space: Friends and family tend to think if you're home, you're available. Be sure to remind them that you are working and will catch up with them when you are free. 

Making IT Work Remotely
Invite everyone you work with to chat, meet, call, and collaborate in one place, no matter where you are. Microsoft is now offering Teams free for a limited time. 

• Unlimited chat and search app
• Video Calling (Built-in group and one-to-one audio/video calling)
• Team and personal storage (SharePoint and OneDrive)
• Real-time collaboration with office (Web enabled Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote)
• Zoom

How to access desktops and applications remotely

• Implement a low-cost gateway allowing secured remote access to your desktop computer in the office. 
• Web enable applications such as QuickBooks, Sage, Dynamics, etc. that are used on your office network. 
• Use Web based applications such as Google Mail, Office 365 or Outlook WEB access to access your email. 

   We have compiled a list of Restaurants that are still offering services, like curbside, takeout, and delivery. Please support our local businesses during this time. If you don't wish to order food, gift cards can go a long way too. Click on their names to view their websites or social media profiles highlighting their hours of operation and specials.
   Please continue to follow the Chamber's Facebook page, as we will be doing our best to share as many posts as we can to support these businesses.
American Polish Century Club - Takeout Lent Orders. Please call 586.264.7990 to place your order. To view their special lent menu, please click here.
Applebee's - Curbside and Delivery services.
Andiamo (All locations) - Curbside, Takeout, and Delivery through Grub Hub and UberEats.
Blake's Farms - Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Curbside orders, click here to view their carryout menu.
Brown Iron Brewhouse (Washington Twp. & Royal Oak Locations) - Curbside and Takeout.
Offering pick up packs, click here to view the specials.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Takeout and Delivery, visit their website for more information. 
Celebrity Catering - Curbside, Takeout and Delivery. Donations for families struggling from the pandemic. $10 Dinner Deals: Entree, Side, Salad and dessert optional add on. 
Cherry Creek Banquets - Friday only, Fish Fry Carryout Specials. Click here to view their menu.
Culver's of Sterling Heights- Drive-Thru only!
Da Francesco's Ristorante and Bar - Takeout, please visit their Facebook for specials.
Hamlin Pub - Curbside and Takeout. Please check their Facebook for their daily specials.
Ike's Restaurant - Takeout and Delivery (up to 5 miles). Please check their Facebook for daily specials.
Italian American Cultural Society Banquet Center - Curbside and Takeout. Please check their Facebook for specials.
Joe's Italian Takeout - Curbside, Takeout, and Delivery.
Offering discounts: Muffuletta Han & Provolone (8 slices) $27, Sfincione (8 slices) $20.
Kentucky Fried Chicken - Takeout through drive through only, online ordering through Grub Hub and UberEats.
Offering a discount: Free Delivery through Grub Hub through April 26, 2020.
Kristina's Catering - Curbside, Takeout and Delivery. 
Lino's-To-Go - Takeout and Delivery through DoorDash, Grub Hub, UberEats. Open Monday-Sunday 4 -8 p.m.
MacRay Harbor Banquet Center - Curbside. Please call 586.329.7880 to place your order, click here to view their menu.
Momma B's Pizzeria - Takeout, Delivery, and online ordering.
Offering a discount: Free bread offer and coupons are on our website.
Nothing Bundt Cakes - Curbside, Takeout, Delivery and online ordering. Guests who have signed up for our email club will receive a BOGO bundtlet offer beginning March 23rd - April 11th
Olga's Kitchen - Curbside, Takeout and Delivery.
Panera Bread - Rapid Pickup, Delivery, and Drive Thru. 
Tap & Barrel Grill - Carryout options from 4 - 8 p.m. Click here to view their menu.
Ventimiglia Restaurant - Takeout and Delivery through Grub Hub. Visit their Facebook for specials.
Villa Penna - Curbside Pickup. Click here to view their menu and please call 586.566.9900 to place your order.
Vintage House - Carryout only, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Click here to view their menu.

We will do our best to keep this updated and send it out weekly as this crisis continues. If you would like to be added to this list, please fill out the google form here.
If you are current restaurant listed and you have updates on your services, please send those updates to Ashley Edwards at aedwards@shrcci.com.  

At Henry Ford Health System, the health and well being of our friends and neighbors has always been our top priority. This is especially true as we address the unfolding COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. 


​First In-House Testing in Michigan
Henry Ford is proud to announce that we are the first health system in Michigan to adapt the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's test kits to test samples from our own labs. That means that Henry Ford is best equipped to rapidly test more patients presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 - helping the patients themselves and slowing the spread of the disease in our communities. 

Q&A on the Coronavirus 
In case you missed it, Betty Chu, M.D., Henry Ford's Associate Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, led a Facebook Live Session, Wednesday, March 18, answering some of our community members' most pressing questions about COVID-19. Click here to view a recording. 

Tips for Staying Healthy

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and frequently used objects. 
• Learn more about how to practice social distancing to reduce your chances of getting the disease and spreading it to others. 
• More recommendations on the CDC's website.

COVID-19 Patient Hotline and Resources 
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have COVID-19, please consult with your doctor by phone, virtual care or your MyChart account for next steps. If your symptoms worsen, call 911 and alert the 911 operator of your exposure so the EMS crew can be prepared for transport, and limit others from being infected. 

For additional questions or patient advice, please call our new COVID-19 hotline: 
313-874-1055, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

In the meantime, if you would like to make a gift to support Henry Ford's efforts to combat COVID-19 click here. You can also visit our coronavirus resources webpage for more information and the latest news.