Michigan announces $52 million in relief for 6,000 small businesses hurt by COVID-19
(Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan announced Wednesday that $52.5 million will be given to nearly 6,000 small businesses across the state that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will come from the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program, Gov. “The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program provides crucial support to Michigan’s small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Whitmer said. “These grants, combined with additional business relief efforts offered by the MEDC, will create a strong foundation for Michigan’s long-term economic recovery.”The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program allocated $55 million to provide support to Michigan small businesses hurt most by COVID-19 safety orders. Was not a live music and entertainment venue eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival grant program.
May Mobility expanding in Ann Arbor; highlights leadership in autonomous vehicle technology
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Autonomous and connected vehicle developer May Mobility is looking to expand its footprint in Ann Arbor. With headquarters in Ann Arbor, May Mobility and operates in cities across the United States, including Grand Rapids and Detroit. In 2019, the AV technology company worked with MEDC and the city of Grand Rapids to form the Grand Rapids Autonomous Vehicle Initiative. The initiative saw autonomous vehicles operating on city streets in Grand Rapids to demonstrate civic infrastructure and operational capabilities of the growing autonomous vehicle market. May Mobility will work with Ann Arbor SPARK to find candidates to fill the anticipated positions.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation launches campaign to help Detroit businesses
DETROIT Three months of lost revenue is enough to bring down any small business, and thats especially true for restaurants, but now the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has come up with a plan to help Black-owned businesses. Ivys Kitchen and Cocktails is one of the newest restaurants here on Detroits east side, right off Jefferson. Its dollar for dollar. They match every single dollar that I raise.Right now, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is initiating a crowdfunding campaign for 12 days, with local Detroit businesses. Marshall said she is one of them and the MEDC will match every dollar she raises.
Companies awarded $280,000 to deliver innovative solutions to Michigans mobility challenges
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)s PlanetM initiative is awarding more than $280,000 in technology innovation grants to companies developing solutions to mobility challenges related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The contactless delivery method will be used in Grand Rapids and Rochester and is meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Penske Vehicle Services -- $28,000The Troy-based vehicle services company is developing temporary barriers to increase physical separation between front seat drivers and back seat passengers. RCO Engineering -- $28,000Like Penske Vehicle Services, the Michigan-based RCO Engineering will also develop temporary partitions to separate front seat drivers from back seat passengers. Officials say the city of Detroit will provide vehicles that will be installed with the barriers.