January 13, 2021
Michigan law imposes on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) a duty to continually and diligently endeavor to “prevent disease, prolong life, and promote public health,” and gives the Department “general supervision of the interests of the health and life of the people of this state.” MCL 333.2221. MDHHS may “[e]xercise authority and promulgate rules to safeguard properly the public health; to prevent the spread of diseases and the existence of sources of contamination; and to implement and carry out the powers and duties vested by law in the department.” MCL 333.2226(d).
Learn moreJanuary 13, 2021—Gatherings remain limited, group exercise and non-contact sports now open to support mental and physical health
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its epidemic order today to allow re-opening of additional activities where Michiganders can remain masked and socially distanced, as this has been scientifically shown to slow the virus. This includes indoor group exercise and non-contact sports. The new order is effective Saturday, Jan. 16 and will last until Sunday, Jan. 31.
Learn moreIn an effort to continue to support small businesses, the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program will provide funding to eligible small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the Gatherings and Mask Order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service on December 7, 2020 through December 20, 2020 and the order taking effect on November 18, 2020 that it rescinded and replaced.
How to Prepare to ApplyCongress recently passed an end-of-year relief package that included a new and improved round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. If you are curious about what has been changed from the first round, and how those changes affect you, here’s a brief summary of what you need to know.
Read the summaryOnly small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. The next grant application period opens on Jan. 26, 2021 and runs through Feb. 2, 2021
Find out if you’re eligibleMichigan Women Forward’s WomanUp & Pitch brings together 30 women entrepreneurs from across the state to pitch their business ideas and win cash prizes. Watch as each of 30 competition finalists pitches her business idea to a team of judges, and vote for your favorite! Mark these dates on your calendar so you don’t miss it:
All pitch competitions will be virtual and free and will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Register for the eventToday, the SBA announced details on Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program.
To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders “shortly thereafter.”
More details, application and lender listThe Southwest Michigan PTAC team is ready to assist you with your government contracting needs. During our temporary office closure please contact our team using the information below:
Check out our 2021 Class ListingThe PMBC Access and Certification Grant is designed to break down barriers preventing Michigan businesses from winning purchase orders.
The program has three objectives:
With federal funding made available through the City of Kalamazoo, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is partnering to provide immediate grant support to businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 for costs related to health and human safety.
Beginning Dec. 7, 2020, eligible businesses may apply for a Kalamazoo Small Business Health Protection Grant, a reimbursement of up to $2,500 for expenses including PPE (personal protective equipment) or other costs incurred in pursuit of the general preservation of health and human safety.
Expenses must be dated from April 1, 2020 until present. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact: smallbusiness@uwbckr.org.
Learn moreToday Governor Whitmer announced an update of MDHHS epidemic orders, effective Monday, Dec. 21 until Friday, Jan. 15.