Small Business Resources

Programs & Resources Specific to COVID-19

• The State of Michigan has allocated $100 million of CARES Act funding to implement the Michigan Small Business Restart Program to support the needs of Michigan Businesses directly impacted by COVID-19. The application for businesses to apply for funding will open on July 15, 2020.
• Wayne County will allocate up to $50,000,000 in CARES Act funding for small business relief grants. To learn more and to apply, please see here. Applications close Friday, July 10 at 5 P.M.
• The CARES Act has been created to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Applications are now open and loans will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. More details and the application can be found here.
  • The CARES Act created a new Employee Retention Tax Credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. 
• Detroit-based, Autobooks launched its “Get Paid” campaign, providing a complimentary option for small businesses to easily accept digital payments and deposit the money directly into their current banking accounts.

General Anytime Use

• U.S. Small Business Administration provides a number of loan resources for small businesses to utilize when starting, expanding or operating their businesses.
• Companies can reach out directly to the Michigan Small Business Development Center for free and confidential 1:1 counseling for businesses.
• The Michigan Economic Development Corporation works to increase the availability of capital for companies in Michigan at every stage of development. The MEDC can help connect your business with capital providers – federal grants, venture capitalists, banks, and others – as well as offer programs that can expand the reach of those capital providers.

• Looking to purchase PPE or masks for your business? ISAIC produces Protective Masks right here in Detroit! The order minimum starts at 600 masks for $1 each. 
• Metro Detroit’s Front Line Appreciation Group is purchasing meals from local restaurants to donate to local medical staffs. Interested restaurants can sign up here to participate. 
• Airbnb recently launched Online Experiences– a new way for people to connect, travel virtually and earn income. Businesses can learn more and apply to Host here.
• Waymark has partnered with Spectrum Reach to offer free, custom commercials to anyone in need.
• Populace is selling bags of coffee with small businesses branded on the front. For each bag sold, they will be donating 50% of profits to the respective business.
• Detroit at Work has created a portal to connect temporary or long-term jobseekers with businesses that are hiring for temporary or long term team members. Businesses looking for employees can fill out this form.
• Businesses interested in supporting FEMA’s response to COVID-19 may be eligible to join the Industry Liaison Program. 

• Having clear signage and wayfinding can help your employees and customers stay safe and healthy. Bedrock has created editable signage templates for you to use and adjust to your own specific needs. See here for editable PDFs and here for an InDesign file. 
• Detroit Means Business is an online resource hub created by the City of Detroit and dozens of other public and private partners to aid small businesses as they begin to reopen. 
• Stand for Small is a coalition comprised of more than 60 industry leaders offering educational resources, network connections, offers and mentorship opportunities to help address small business needs.
• Michigan Community Resources’ COVID-19 legal clinic is here to help Detroit’s nonprofits, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to receive free legal advice during a 45-minute remote consultation with a volunteer attorney.
• The Quicken Loans Community Fund Entrepreneurs in Residence are holding office hours for businesses owners to talk 1:1 and get support navigating and applying for various forms of assistance. 
• TechTown is offering free office hour consultations to answer specific business questions.
• The Facebook group City of Detroit Business Owners’ Covid-19 Rapid Alerts is a great place to find latest updates and share ideas and resources.