COVID Resources

Our ongoing list of resources for Michigan small businesses facing the coronavirus. Please send an email to [email protected] with additional resources to share.
 

For Small Businesses:

Michigan Good Food Fund Resources

The Michigan Good Food Fund’s technical assistance partners are prepared to offer one-on-one support to Michigan good food entrepreneurs.

Small Business Association for Michigan

SBAM offers daily COVID-19 briefings as well as the latest news and resources for Michigan businesses, such as determining eligibility for Disaster Assistance Loans. *SBA Economic Disaster Interruption Loans are NOW available to MI businesses

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Mark your calendar for upcoming webinars with the Michigan SBDC and check out their advice for your business’ next steps. 

MEDC Access to Capital

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation can help connect your business with capital providers – federal grants, banks, venture capitalists and more.

Small Business Marketing during COVID-19

Check out this list of advice on how to take your marketing digital, create a communications plan, and maintain positive public perception.

Tips and Recommendations from Google

A few resources from Google on how to effectively communicate with customers and employees, as well as work remotely.  

Local Food Systems Response to COVID-19

A collaboration of organizations sharing resources for local food businesses to survive and adapt stronger through this pandemic.

For Employees:

Michigan Unemployment Benefits during COVID-19

Fortunately, the fastest and preferred method to file or re-open a claim is online.

Workplace Safety Guidance

In addition to frequently washing your hands, see other guidelines for keeping your employees and customers safe.

News & Updates from the USDA

Find answers to frequently asked questions related to food safety, pet & animal safety, food access, and more during this time.

For Farmers Markets and Farmers:

MOSES CoVID-19 Resources for Farmers

Lots of resources for small to large farms, information on selling online, health and safety guidelines, and more.

NCAT ATTRA Resources for CoVID-19

Videos on adjusting your marketing, resources for agricultural producers, tips on food safety measures.

Michigan Farmers Markets Association Resources & Guidelines

MIFMA offers guidance and considerations on operating farmers markets in Michigan during this period of heightened public safety. 

The Direct Market Farmer’s Guide to CoVID-19

A helpful guide from the Local Line on Ontario highlighting the marketing and logistics of adapting to the current circumstances.

Guide to Alternative Delivery Systems for Local Producers

Check out Purdue’s list of ways to safely deliver your products while safely social distancing.  

Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Recommendations for maintaining safe growing and selling practices from the Fruit Growers News.

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC)

The FMC has published a resource for farmers market managers and vendors with information regarding COVID-19. It includes preventative measures, market operations procedures, and other information that will help keep your community and market safe during this time.

Michigan Food and Farming Systems Resources 

MIFFS has compiled a list of technical resources, food safety guidelines, loan applications, and more.

Farm Stand Food Safety Tips 

Tips for best practices regarding communication and sanitization for your farm stand.

Community Alliance of Family Farms Resources

A wide array of information regarding financial assistance, food safety, marketing, advocacy and more. Some resources may be California specific.

Certified Naturally Grown Resources for Farmers

A vast collection of best practices for farmers from organizations across the country.

Agricultural Justice Project COVID-19 Prevention Strategies

Find informational links, relief funds, and sign on letters to support food system workers.

Virginia Cooperative Extension COVID-19 Resources

Also available in Spanish, these guidelines provide preventative measures for food system workers.

MIFFS Tips for Farmers

Tips for farmers looking to access relief funding available through the USDA. 

For Restaurants:

Small Business Delivery & Take-out Guidebook

A guide to available technology and platforms available to set up your delivery and take-out system. Note: some of this information may be specific to Boston. 

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation

Find updates, tips, hotlines and more to help your business deal most effectively with the COVID-19 emergency. 

Relief Funds for Coronavirus-Affected Food Businesses and their Employees

Eater has compiled a list of funds that diners can donate to and restaurants can find financial help through. 

James Beard Foundation Resources for the Food Industry

The James Beard Foundations offers advice on how food businesses are adapting and resources to consider, as well as a webinar. 

Independent Restaurant Coalition

Sign the petition to tell congress that you support a financial relief package for restaurants. 

Pure Michigan Business Relief

The relief initiative will debut on December 15th at 9 AM EST. Applications will be reviewed on a “first in”  basis.  Application questions can be found online and we recommend filling them out in advance for ease and swiftness in the application process. 

Long Term Restaurant Pandemic Trends

Five trends that appear likely to outlast the pandemic.

Upserve 2020 State of Restaurants Report

Download the 2020 Report featuring insights from over 10,000+ restaurant customers to find out what menu items are most popular for guests online or in-person.