Michiganders filled northern Ohio restaurants over the past two months while Michigan was one of the last states to allow restaurants to reopen with some indoor dining. But other states that opened sooner still saw businesses struggle under capacity restrictions and continued fears of virus transmission.
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 to allow indoor dining at 25 percent capacity as COVID eases
Even as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced limited reopening for the state’s battered bar and restaurant industry starting Feb. 1, she warned that indoor dining will last only so long as COVID remains under control.
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Q&A: U-M researcher says Black businesses shorted in first PPP loans
Government programs should create an equitable playing field for business owners and entrepreneurs, Felix Kabo said of racial disparities his research team found in Paycheck Protection Program loans amid COVID.
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New financial help for Michigan small businesses amid COVID
Emergency pandemic funding for small businesses expands this week, as PPP options broaden and state grant programs launch.
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Michigan restaurants frustrated by tentative Feb. 1 reopen date
‘Everything we’ve worked for is in jeopardy,’ says Andy French of Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill. Feb. 1 is the most recently announced possible date for reopening, but state officials still have not released specific requirements.
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Latino contractors seek bigger piece of southwest Detroit’s building boom
Word-of-mouth referrals and neighborhood work can keep Spanish-speaking builders busy, but many now aim for bigger jobs. An industry-focused group is helping them make business plans and grow.
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Q&A: Help is on the way in 2021 for firms struggling in Michigan
The CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. says the business development pipeline is active – and important for the state’s recovery.
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Q&A: Michigan nonprofits facing ‘uncertain environment’ in pandemic
Donna Murray-Brown, CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, speaks to the challenges and opportunities emerging during COVID-19.
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Best of Bridge Michigan: The top business stories of 2020
The pandemic left hundreds of thousands out of work, closed businesses and left others struggling for their livelihoods.
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What COVID relief deals in Lansing, Washington mean for Michigan families
Here’s what we know about new legislation that, when signed into law, will help laid-off workers with extra cash payments and extended benefits.