Under Governor Whitmer’s order, restaurants have quickly shifted to carryout-only service.
In recent days, the way SEMCOG operates has changed drastically. Our day-to-day work of making connections and collaborating typically involves a lot of face-to-face meetings and convening groups of people to work on issues that shape the future of Southeast Michigan. For the time being, all those in-person events are on hold and staff are working from home. Thankfully, SEMCOG staff have access to tools and technology that enable us to continue working and meeting with each other and our partners while social distancing.
We know how fortunate we are to continue functioning with relative normalcy, as businesses all over are being impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, including the temporary closure of theaters, bars, and casinos, with restaurants limited to carry-out and delivery orders under Executive Order 2020-9 signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on March 16. More information about the State of Michigan’s response can be found here.
Resources are available to provide some assistance during these uncertain times. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released a toolkit that offers guidance for businesses and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can offer vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing as a result of COVID-19. To qualify, the business must be in an area in which the SBA has issued a disaster declaration; Michigan does not yet qualify, but continue to monitor this situation.
SBA programs that can assist small businesses include Capital Access and Business Counseling.
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development provided links to resources for businesses and employers, including OSHA Guidance, food-related businesses information, and how to apply for unemployment. There is also a searchable directory of restaurants providing carry out/delivery services offered throughout the area.
TechTown – Working with the City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity Department and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Tech Town has developed a resource guide that addresses general information on COVID-19, staff considerations, communication to customers, financial planning, operations recommendations, and resources for small businesses, marketing suggestions, and more.
With business now being conducted differently, Automation Alley urges that we explore the things that can go right in uncertain times. The global pandemic is forcing companies to change their behavior and culture, which can be an opportunity to find new ways to engage with employees and to lean on each other.
Working remotely – especially for this duration of time – might be a new experience for many of us. Here are a number of tips and resources provided by Ann Arbor SPARK on how to conduct business in the virtual world. These include tips for preparing for remote meetings, call etiquette, and, if on video, staying away from brightly lit windows.
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