Keeping Neighborhood Businesses Strong

To slow the spread of COVID-19, independent retailers, hair salons, barber shops, bakeries and restaurants who employ their neighbors closed their doors to save countless lives in the process.

While any business closure creates economic waves, the impact to neighborhood businesses and their communities can be devastating. Michigan House Democrats know that our neighborhood businesses are the backbone of our communities and we owe it to them to do everything we can to keep them going strong now and long after this crisis is over.

Delivering on Our Commitment

We’re proud to say that we’ve taken important steps to deliver on our commitment to build a stronger future for Michiganders. We’ve secured funding for the priorities our communities care about most, including:

$ 0 M

to protect residents and businesses from flooding along the Detroit River.

$ 0 M

for Small Business Restart Grants for businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, and dedicated support for minority, women and veteran owned businesses.

$ 0 M

in grants for hospitality businesses adversely affected by COVID-19.

$ 0 M

to support Michigan farms and farmers, as well as improving housing accommodations to keep workers safe.

Michigan House Democrats will continue to support neighborhood businesses by:

Providing loan and grant assistance and creating a fund for neighborhood businesses, seasonal and majority-minority owned businesses.
Expanding the MEDC Small Business Relief Program to expedite assistance.

Establishing a pandemic fund to provide a “fresh start” by forgiving back-payments of rent and mortgage for individuals and businesses.
Requiring standards for safe reopening and customer interactions.
Providing short-term funding to help displaced workers return to the workplace.