COVID-19 Small Business Resources

Kiva – Because of the #COVID19 outbreak, the Kiva U.S. program has expanded to include zero fees, a $15,000 loan maximum.

Honeycomb Credit – To help deliver the working capital that businesses need, up to $50,000, Honeycomb is offering 45-day payment free periods, 6-month interest-only periods and reducing our posting, success, and investor fees.

TechTown Stabilization Fund – To mitigate barriers for Detroit’s most vulnerable businesses and entrepreneurs, TechTown Detroit will administer an emergency fund that provides working capital grants in amounts up to $5,000 to qualifying applicants. Note that we are not able to respond to applicant inquiries via phone and email. Please refer to our website for information.

Applications for the TechTown Stabilization Fund will be open from Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 9 a.m. until Friday, April 17, 2020 at NOON. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for funding awards.

DETROIT/WAYNE COUNTY COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, through the Michigan Strategic Fund, granted Detroit and Wayne County $1.6 million in grant funds to small businesses. The DEGC, Detroit City Council and Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit approved a $3.1 million COVID-19 Grant Relief Fund for Detroit Small Businesses. This brings the total funding pool to $4.7 million, which Detroit and Wayne County will administer through a single unified team. Applications will be accepted and awards will be made on a rolling basis subject to availability of funds. First payments are expected to be processed by April 10, 2020

Wayne County Small Business Relief Funds –

TCF Wayne County Relief Fund – TCF Bank and Wayne County are working together to provide fast relief through microloans, to help small businesses with the effects of COVID-19.
Available loan amounts will range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of employees

Level One Bank ELEVATE Grant for Small Business – Applicants can be eligible for up $25,000 to help their businesses with various eligible uses of funds. Attached is the program guide, brochure and application.
Please note that in order to be eligible to submit an application for the ELEVATE Grant for Small Business the clients will need to be a Level One Bank Client. If you do not have any account you may open an account at any one of the Level One Bank banking centers and open up a business saving or checking account. Business accounts can also be opened online at www.levelonebank.com.

SBA Disaster Loan – The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Loans to cover small business operating expenses after a declared disaster.

SBA Paycheck Protection – An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund – Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, LISC is offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. First round applications due April 4

Michigan Small Business Relief Program – The Michigan Small Business Relief Program grants are administered by 15 local and nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs). To apply, find the EDO below that represents the county in which your business is located. Click on the appropriate website for more information and to submit your application.

Facebook for Business – Facebook is offering cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate. In the coming weeks, they will begin taking applications.

Quick Books Small Business Relief Initiative – Join us as we combine forces to support small businesses across the country. Intuit QuickBooks is seeding this initiative with up to $1 million through a fund and employee-directed contributions.*

Resources for Michigan Businesses During COVID-19 –

Detroit –

Oakland County –

Macomb County –

State of Michigan Coronavirus landing page –

Startup Space – Are you a for-profit entrepreneur or small business owner looking for assistance during the COVID-19 crisis? The partners and resources listed below provide critical support, programs, and funding for those in need. We’re here to deliver support for starting, stabilizing, sustaining and growing your business.


Metro Detroit Restaurant Updates – Add your restaurant to this list!
As part of our social responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, BEYOND Juicery + Eatery & BMG Media are partnering together to provide the community with a list of local restaurants. These local restaurants are all running promotions to have one common purpose: to help our neighbors find a business that meets their needs. We hope that in this time of crisis, this gives our communities and its local restaurants an opportunity to support and be there for one another.

Detroit Restaurant Carryout Zone – Mayor Mike Duggan announced the Restaurant Carryout Zone program, which allows any restaurant that has parking meters in front of their establishment to petition to have paid street parking areas converted to free 15 minute pickup zones. Signage will be installed within 48-72 hours after the request is made. The request form can be found at www.detroitmi.gov/coronavirus

James Beard Relief Fund – The James Beard Foundation recognizes the dire situation the food and beverage community is in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The purpose of the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide critical financial assistance to small, independent restaurants that, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) national disaster, have an immediate need for funds to pay set operating expenses and keep from going out of business.

Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association – Delivery of food via curbside carry-out, we encourage you to promote this via store windows, social media and/or website as this seems to be a well-received service from many who are highly concerned about social distancing.

ServSaf Courses – ServSaf has developed free courses due to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Treasury: Small Business Taxpayers Provided Tax Assistance – More information regarding Small businesses that have experienced disrupted operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have additional time to make their sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

MRLAEF Employee Relief Fund – The fund is designed to assist employees of Michigan’s restaurant and lodging industries who are in need of support due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants in the amount of $500 will be awarded to approved applicants until resources are fully depleted. Applicants must demonstrate proof of employment in the hospitality industry on March 10 when Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Michigan, as well as proof of furlough or job loss in the wake of that date.

COVID-19 Arts and Creative Community Assistance Fund – CultureSource is pleased to join the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan in launching the COVID-19 Arts and Creative Community Assistance Fund.

The fund is a pool of resources, held at the community foundation and managed by CultureSource that aims to support our seven-county region’s arts and culture organizations in navigating crisis spurred by the spread of COVID-19.

Assistance for Freelancers and Gig Workers – A guide of resources for artists, musicians, freelancers, and other gig workers who may be struggling or out of work due to the coronavirus crisis

Creative Capital – As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, we have created a list of resources for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals.

Freelances Relief Fund – Freelancers Relief Fund is operated by Working Today, a nonprofit subsidiary of Freelancers Union, and provides assistance of up to $1,000 per household to qualifying freelancers to cover lost income and essential expenses. Applicants will be asked to submit a detailed funding request outlining their needs. Funding amounts will be determined by magnitude of income loss as a result of COVID-19. Applicants should be as detailed as possible, and provide as much documentation as possible, to support their funding requests.

Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity – Resources and guidance for emploers

Beyond the Policy: Documenting a Business Interruption Claim – Business interruption policies define the nature of the indemnity but do not define the exact documents required to support a claim. This article addresses common and best practices in one of the most important steps toward a smooth settlement—documenting your business interruption claim.

SBA Small Business Guidance – Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

Employer Resources from Detroit Regional Chamber –

Work Share Program – Michigan’s Work Share program allows you to keep your employees working with reduced hours, while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages.

SDBC Resource Page – Learn about the SBA’s loan programs & discuss your next steps with an SBDC business consultant. Also access free webinars regarding support programs

CDC Guidance for Business and Employers – Resources for businesses and employers to plan, prepare, and respond to coronavirus disease.

SCORE Coronavirus Small Business Resource Hub – While you may be facing uncertainty, there is one thing you can be certain of: SCORE is here for you. More than ever, challenging times call for trusted business guidance and resources. We offer practical advice and insightful tips based on years of experience.

COVID-19 and the Workplace – Find U.S. Department of Labor Resources on preparing workplaces for the COVID-19.

HR Assistance for City of Detroit Small Business Owners – Regarding Unemployment- Please use Everything HR to set up WorkShare or file unemployment on behalf of your employees. You’ll save your employees a lot of headaches, and you’ll help relieve the burden on the State’s UIA system. DTE has generously funded this support for Detroit Small Businesses only.

Small Business Guide for Coronavirus Relief – Updates and tools for local businesses navigating the crisis

Protecting your mental health during a crisis – It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:

Woodward Movement – Creative market and print shop offering services at market price.

Startup Space – Are you a for-profit entrepreneur or small business owner looking for assistance during the COVID-19 crisis? The partners and resources listed below provide critical support, programs, and funding for those in need. We’re here to deliver support for starting, stabilizing, sustaining and growing your business.