The 648,000 Michigan residents who received federal pandemic relief benefits in error will not have to repay the funds if they applied in good faith. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said waivers will be awarded if payments were the state’s error.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
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Michigan’s tart cherry growers blame weather for yet another low harvest
One of the state’s signature crops is facing its second year of decline. Growers weighed whether the work of the small harvest would be worth it and experts are wondering what it means for the industry.
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What to do if you are asked to re-certify for Michigan unemployment benefits
The deadline is looming for those who’ve been flagged for receiving pandemic unemployment benefits. Step one: Don’t panic. Step two: Complete the process and be ready to appeal.
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Michigan changed unemployment rules. Now 648,000 may have to repay benefits
Lawmakers demand answers after Michigan officials send letters to recipients of federal COVID relief asking to update their qualifications or risk repaying benefits. It’s the latest gaffe for the agency.
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Unable to fill its big hotels, Detroit hopes for business travel rebound
Summer tourism isn’t solving the glut of rooms going unused in the biggest hotel market in the state. The city counts on business travelers and events to fill its rooms, and it could be years before it fully recovers.
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Michigan’s food truck industry is growing. So is a company that builds them
Brick-and-mortar businesses struggled to adapt during the pandemic, but a self-taught builder in Southwest Detroit carved his niche in custom food truck design. He’s now on track for $1 million a year in sales.
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Expanded outdoor dining ‘here to stay’ in Michigan restaurants after COVID
Social districts created a lifeline for the industry in 2020. Now many new communities are looking at establishing the areas — including on city streets — to retain the downtown vitality created during the pandemic.
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Michigan’s licensed cannabis industry wants bigger piece of $3.2B market
New study shows that the marijuana marketplace “has unlimited economic potential for Michigan,” according to the trade group representing the regulated providers. They’re trying to ‘rein in’ illicit sales.
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Michigan unemployment agency resumes in-person office visits
Jobless workers waited more than a year for the chance to solve their unemployment issues in person. As of Thursday, they now can make appointments at 12 of the state’s offices for June 30 and beyond.
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Survey: 7 of 10 Michigan small businesses now expect to survive COVID-19
While most businesses are optimistic, two thirds also say that the pandemic is negatively affecting their business, according to a survey released this week by the Small Business Association of Michigan.