Business/Nonprofit Resources and County Assistance

We understand that many businesses in Hillsdale County have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past few weeks, there have been many new programs designed to help your business evolve quickly with these changing circumstances.

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We’re here to assist you in any way possible so that your business can withstand this pandemic. We can be your one-stop guide to assess your unique needs and provide the information, programs, and guidance you need to help your business through to the other side of this crisis.

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NEW-Michigan Small Business Survival Grants

The State of Michigan has created grants of up to $20,000 for eligible small businesses. Each County has been allocated funding by population. The application window is January 19, 2021 at 9am through noon on Friday, January 22, 2021.  Applications must be submitted by the close time and date. Application and complete information will be available at: Michiganbusiness.org/survival. THIS IS NOT DETERMINED BY FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. All applications will be reviewed after close of application.

Federal Agencies and Organizations

• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application:

• The Small Business Administration’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus

• U.S. Chamber Coronavirus Resources + Coronavirus Response Toolkit

• DoL Guidance for Preparing your workplace for COVID-19

• The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

State Agencies and Organizations

• State of Michigan’s COVID-19 Volunteer Website

• MEDC COVID-19 Resources

• Michigan SBDC COVID-19 Resources

• State of Michigan’s Coronavirus Resources

• Michigan Works! Southeast COVID-19 Resources

• Business Leaders for Michigan COVID-19 Business Response Center
  Reviewing HR policies and business practices is highly recommended

• Small Business Association of Michigan Coronavirus Resources
  review best practice guidance from LEO

Other EDP Resource Recommendations​

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA)

​Self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors, and low-wage workers can now apply for federal benefits online. Workers need to use the UIA’s daily filing schedule based on their last names. The UIA will be accepting claims and benefit applications back-dated to reflect the date on which the claimant was laid-off due to COVID-19, beyond the previously established 28-day period ($600 federal payment is only retroactive back to March 28). Learn more about applying for benefits here.

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Federal CARES Act

Additional support services are available to small businesses. Specifically, we encourage small businesses to access resources available through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA recently expanded its loan programs under the federal CARES Act.

• Start here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

• Guidance is available here: https://sbdcmichigan.org/disaster-loan-help/

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MIWISH Grants Available for Small Employers

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program awards qualifying employers a dollar-for-dollar match – up to $5,000 – to purchase safety and health-related equipment and equipment-related training  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIEDC/bulletins/288d463