Macomb Today

Small businesses in Michigan continue to receive COVID-19 relief by the millions, according to Crain’s Detroit.

As the state moves through various reopening phases, small businesses are taking advantage of funds from county and state government funds to keep them afloat while readjusting to new capacity limits and social distancing guidelines. 

Most recently, the Michigan Economic Develop Corp. rolled out more than $5.3 million that can go for small businesses hoping to stay afloat. It’s slated to help 373 local companies. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer touted the relief and she said in a statement, “This is good news for small business owners everywhere as we continue to safely re-engage sectors of our economy,” according to Crain’s Detroit. “The COVID-19 pandemic hit our small business owners hard, and we’re working around the clock to ensure they have the support they need to move forward.”

She added that one of those things is to be able to pay their employees and afford personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them and their families safe as they interact with others. 

Whitmer also vowed to keep the success of small businesses a top priority. 

“I will continue to work with partners at the state and federal level to ensure or small business owners can get back on their feet," she said, according to Crain's Detroit.

Meanwhile, Southeast Michigan organizations are making their own type of assistance. 

David Coulter, Oakland County Executive, said he will be asking the Board of Commissioners to provide $32 million to launch the Oakland Together Economy Recovery Grants. Money under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act will also help pay for continued fees, according to the news agency.

The board is slated to make a decision next week and the grants would start on July 1 and wrap Aug. 25 should it be accepted.