Michigan’s economic development agency has named a new leader, hiring the top economic development official in New Orleans for the role.

The day after Black Friday is commonly known as Small Business Saturday, when consumers are encouraged to patronize and support small, local businesses. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. said if Michiganders switched one in every ten purchases from big-box stores to local businesses, it would pump more than a billion dollars into the economy and create more than 10,000 jobs. With the coronavirus pandemic hitting locally-owned businesses extra hard, it’s safe to say that it’s important to support small businesses on more than one day this year to help them stay afloat. Michigan shoppers, we want to know: Are you more likely to shop at small, locally-owned businesses or big-box stores? Take the quick poll and give us your reasoning in the form below.

Stakes are higher for Metro Detroit small businesses trying to survive the pandemicThe stakes are higher than ever for local businesses trying to survive amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Saturday, Iran’s supreme leader called for the “definitive punishment” of those behind the killing -- a slaying the Islamic Republic has blamed on Israel. A new lawsuit filed with the Michigan Supreme Court Friday is only one of a few continuing the president and his campaign’s calls to undo an election they lost. Over Thursday and Friday, the average number of daily cases was 8,581, and the average number of daily deaths was 86. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 159,000 on Tuesday, its highest mark on record.

DETROIT – Small Business Saturday is here and the stakes are higher than ever for local businesses in the pandemic. He’s gearing up for small business Saturday, but he knows this year things will be different. “Sales online are higher than normal.”“More than 40% of Black Small Businesses shutdown this year due to COVID-19,” said Marketing Manager Racheal Hawk with Facebook. “Knowing that, we felt compelled to help.”That’s why they started the Buy Black Friday Campaign, which urges people to ‘Buy Black’ and ‘Buy Small’ every Friday in November, but they’re extending that initiative to Small Business Saturday. It’s been a tough year for local businesses, so let’s rally together to #SupportLocal this holiday season.

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Small Business Relief Program, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. was established in response to businesses experiencing COVID-related distress. Ann Arbor SPARK administered this funding for Washtenaw and Livingston counties. “This is an unprecedented time that we are all facing and navigating together,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. In Livingston County, the review panel was comprised of representatives from the Economic Development Council for Livingston County, Ann Arbor SPARK, and the Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ann Arbor SPARK has two upcoming virtual events next week to provide timely information and resources to businesses.

GOP lawmakers say their plan could prevent a gasoline tax increase and would spend a record amount on infrastructure. Spokesman Chris Gautz warned of cuts to inmate education programs and prisoner health care, along with 75 layoffs. It also couldn't fill prison guard vacancies or open a vocational village at Michigan's only women's prison, he said. BUSINESS INCENTIVESThe Michigan Economic Development Corp. would have to reduce its business attraction and community revitalization incentives by $26 million, or 25%. I don't think we should be spending more tomorrow on things that would cost less today."

Officials say auto parts maker Faurecia is planning to invest $10.7 million and create 500 jobs in the Detroit enclave of Highland Park. The planned investment was announced Tuesday as the Michigan Economic Development Corp. said the company is expected to get a $2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In other projects announced by the MEDC, Caledonia-based insurance broker Acrisure plans to invest $33 million in Grand Rapids to expand its future world headquarters in the western Michigan city. The project will include relocating 280 employees to downtown Grand Rapids and creating 400 new jobs. The company is getting incentives including a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.