Small Detroit business, working to grow bigger

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You can find something for everyone

All Things Detroit Holiday Experience is Nov. 5th

Company strives to improve the quality of life for pet birds

Event will be held April 2 at Eastern Market

Shoppers supporting small businesses in Oakland County have a chance to win a $1,000 prize as part of the county’s Local Gems sweepstakes.

Vendors and small businesses from across the state of Michigan will converge on Northville this weekend.

The USPS has launched Connect Local in 17 locations across Metro Detroit in an effort to help small businesses get packages out to local customers faster.

For small business owners in Detroit, Eastern Market was the place to be this weekend.

Since the pandemic started, Ann Arbor DDA has supported businesses in the area with several initiatives.

Supply chain issues are impacting businesses across the U.S. and the world -- but the impact has arguably been greater on small businesses.

Shopping at local businesses for the holidays isn’t just for Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday.

In terms of the post COVID economy for small businesses, you could consider bridal salons and dress shops among those most hurt.

Asian-owned small businesses will be given an opportunity to gain free access to resources to boost their success.

Many small businesses are eligible for thousands of dollars in money from the federal government.

(Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan announced Wednesday that $52.5 million will be given to nearly 6,000 small businesses across the state that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will come from the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program, Gov. “The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program provides crucial support to Michigan’s small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Whitmer said. “These grants, combined with additional business relief efforts offered by the MEDC, will create a strong foundation for Michigan’s long-term economic recovery.”The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program allocated $55 million to provide support to Michigan small businesses hurt most by COVID-19 safety orders. Was not a live music and entertainment venue eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival grant program.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – From Sarasota to Nashville, Tree Town rubs shoulders with retiree go-to’s and unexpected competitors on Travel + Leisure’s “11 Best Cities to Retire in the U.S.” list. The only Midwestern city named, Ann Arbor can thank its small businesses, Art Fair, public parks and numerous summertime events for its spot. While the list isn’t exactly scientific (Travel + Leisure says it used “input from several sources”), the accolade is just one of many Ann Arbor has recently received. Personal financial publication Money.com named it a top place to work from home while PETA called it the eighth friendliest small town in the U.S. for vegans. AdHere’s the full list from Travel + Leisure:Sarasota, FloridaFort Myers, FloridaPort St. Lucie, FloridaNaples, FloridaNashville, TennesseeAsheville, North CarolinaLancaster, PennsylvaniaAnn Arbor, MichiganManchester, New HampshireMyrtle Beach, South CarolinaDallas/Fort Worth, TexasFind more about each city here.

ANN ARBOR – For the third year running, the Main Street Area Association is honoring an individual who is central to its mission and the vitality of the downtown area. This year’s recipient of the organization’s Dennis Serras Award is Lauren Kosowski, an IT professional who has become a passionate advocate for and supporter of the Main Street area. “This year we nominated Lauren Kosowski for the award, someone whose job has nothing to do with downtown,” MSAA executive director Sandra Andrade said in a statement. AdLauren Kosowski is the recipient of the 2020 Dennis Serras Award. It’s people like you, with that love, that will help our businesses survive.”MSAA’s first two awardees were Lucy Ann Lance and A4′s Meredith Bruckner.

DETROIT – There could be some good news on the horizon in terms of reopening schools and getting back to normal. During a Harvard webinar, Dr. Anthony Fauci told a group that transmission in schools is lower than originally thought. Read: Michigan high schools allowed to reopen today as part of revised COVID order“When you look at it, the number of children getting it is less than you would have expected, which is good news for keeping the children in school,” Fauci said. “If it spreads in the school, the kids brings it home, parent brings it to work and spreads it there,” Sims said. “We have teachers who are ill, teachers quarantined from home and there’s a substitute shortage,” Roberts said.

As the vaccine rollout continues, many people are excited that 2020 is finally in the past. While that doesn’t mean coronavirus disappeared at midnight, experts are weighing in when it’s realistic to expect things to get back to normal. He said mask wearing, social distancing and other precautions will stay in place until at least 70% of the population is vaccinated. Those things will affect how long it takes to reach broad public immunity.”The same thoughts are held on a national level too. Dr. Anthony Fauci said masks, social distancing and other precautions will have to stay in place until the majority of people are vaccinated.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that her administration is taking action to support Michigan families, restaurants and small businesses among the COVID-19 pandemic. The Whitmer Administration plans to implement another liquor buyback program for restaurants and bars and partner with Michigan restaurants to allow SNAP benefits for prepared meals. It also announced another $2 million for the Eviction Diversion Program. Whitmer hints at possibility of resuming indoor dining at Michigan restaurantsAs we head into another Michigan winter, I’ll continue to do everything I can to support our families and small businesses.

WASHINGTON – Congress is nearing a long-sought deal on COVID-19 relief with a deal that could come Thursday. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a coauthor of a $908 billion bipartisan package, said leadership negotiators are closing in on an agreement that would extend direct payments of $500-$600 to most Americans but would deny Democratic negotiators long-sought aid to state and local governments. Manchin credited his bipartisan group with facilitating the breakthrough. “I think they’re basically now putting it all together,” Manchin said on CNN. “We were able to break the gridlock.”Negotiations on COVID-19 relief intensified on Tuesday after months of futility.

Gretchen Whitmer responded Tuesday to restaurant owners who are considering defying state COVID-19 regulations and reopening for indoor dining if the order is extended beyond three weeks. We are stronger if we stand together and use our strength of fight back.”“She decided to close restaurants, again. Here’s what she said in response to the question:“You know, let me just say this: I understand the frustration. “And yet, we know that this virus has taken the lives of over 9,000 people in Michigan. So many of us know someone who’s died or is struggling with COVID-19 or struggling with COVID-19 months after they’ve had it.

Gretchen Whitmer said indoor dining at restaurants has “all the different ingredients” for increased COVID-19 risk. During the governor’s COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, Local 4′s Mara MacDonald asked what it would take for restaurants to be allowed to reopen for indoor dining. Right now, Michigan is in the middle of a three-week “pause” that, among other restrictions, limits restaurants to delivery, take-out and outdoor dining. But Whitmer stood by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, arguing restaurants have the potential to contribute to the spread of COVID-19. “That’s just, unfortunately, all the different ingredients for a higher risk situation.”Whitmer said that’s why the MDHHS order targeted places that involve people from different households being inside together.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have implemented stricter COVID-19 regulations for three weeks, but will the order be extended beyond that timeframe? MORE: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictionsOn Tuesday, during her COVID-19 briefing, Whitmer was asked whether there’s been any talk of extending the pause. “At this point in time, it’s really too early to say precisely where we will be in a few days, much less next week,” Whitmer said. The top priority is to make sure the health system and medical employees are able to keep up with the number of COVID-19 cases, Whitmer said. “That will inform any decision going forward.”Michigan coronavirus data: Tracking case count, cases by county, deaths, cases by age, tests

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s top health official provided a rough timeline of when she hopes a COVID-19 vaccine could be available to the state’s general public. MORE: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictions“We are still working hard on planning for when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available,” Khaldun said. “We are actively working on plans for distribution when these vaccines become available,” Khaldun said. Hopeful vaccine distribution timelineWhen Michigan first receives the vaccine, it will be in very limited quantities, she said. “We hope to be able to have vaccine available to the general public by late spring,” Khaldun said.

LANSING, Mich. – Two of the most common measures of COVID-19 spread in Michigan are showing the state is slowly starting to move in the right direction again, according to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. She said both the case rate and test positivity rate are slightly improving. “Overall, our case rate is now at 608 cases per million people, and has been declining for the past week,” Khaldun said. Khaldun said case rates are above 500 cases per million people in every Michigan region, except for the Traverse City Region. “We will continue to watch these trends, as we have throughout the pandemic, and case rates and test positivity,” she said.

Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents to support local businesses during the holiday season as many of them struggle to survive due to COVID-19 shutdowns. READ: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictionsAs the holiday shopping season rolls around, Whitmer urged Michiganders to keep those businesses in mind. “As we head into the holiday season, I want to remind all Michiganders: If you are shopping for loved ones or friends or neighbors, strongly consider supporting businesses in your community,” Whitmer said. On Black Friday, Metro Detroiters stressed to Local 4 how critical the holiday season will be for their businesses to survive. “There are a number of ways that we can support local businesses this season and stay safe,” Whitmer said.

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.

DETROIT – As small businesses in Metro Detroit struggle through the coronavirus pandemic, owners want people in the area to think small this year while shopping for the holidays. After a lengthy shutdown and continuing as the pandemic stretches on, small businesses around the world are struggling to keep their doors open. Saturday is “Small Business Saturday,” and it’s on everyone to do their part to help. Kathy Hamlin Gay has owned Strictly Sportswear on Seven Mile Road in Detroit for 35 years. Like so many small businesses, the pandemic has taken a huge toll on profits, but by shopping at local businesses Saturday, residents can help make sure those shops continue to thrive.

Project DIAMOnD (Distributed, Independent, Agile, Manufacturing On-Demand) was created to address the need to move companies into digital manufacturing as quickly. Instead of giving grant money, the organization is giving grant equipment to up profits while also helping fight the global pandemic by building the United States' largest network of 3D printer users. An Industry 4.0 Assessment: outlining where their business stands today and what digital opportunities best fit their needs. Connections and introductions: to state-of-the art vendors and applied research that can help them along their path to Industry 4.0. A financial investment: will be granted to purchase Industry 4.0 and state-of-the art digital technologies.

Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails: This Woodward Avenue restaurant is offering Thanksgiving feasts for up to 8 people. Andiamo: Available at all restaurant locations, Andiamo is offering Thanksgiving feast packages for 4-6 people and for 12-15 people. San Morello: This Shinola Hotel restaurant is offering Thanksgiving Day feasts for about $85 per person. Slows BBQ: This Corktown staple is offering Thanksgiving packages with BBQ classics for 6-8 people. Crystal Gardens: This Southgate catering and banquet hall is offering pickup Thanksgiving meals for groups of 10 or 15.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Mark your calendars, the holiday shopping season is coming! During the first three Fridays of December, three downtown area districts are hosting special shopping events to help Ann Arbor’s small businesses and consumers get a jump start on holiday wishlists. Here’s what you need to know:Moonlight MadnessThe annual shopping event in the State Street District will take place across three Fridays this year. More details to be announced through the Festive Fridays website. Special shopping sales include 30% off at The Bo Store; 30% off at Underground Printing and cocktail bundles at Palio, Black Pearl and Chop House.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Welcome to Le Don Collection -- it’s the newest store in Downtown Royal Oak on South Washington Avenue, “We’re art, fashion, sneakers.”And Saturday, the owner Le Don will open up his second clothing store to the public. His first one is in Southfield and the new one is in Royal Oak. “It’s a scary thing to open up a business in times like this,” said Le Don. He’s competing in his late 20s, “Being one of the youngest Black men in Royal Oak and being Nigerian is different. More information can be found on the Le Don Collection’s official website here.

DETROIT – The fourth Rocket Mortgage Detroit Demo Day is doing something a little different this year to help small businesses thrive in the pandemic. The 17 finalists have been announced for Rocket Mortgage Detroit Demo Day. For the last 3 years, Rocket Mortgage Demo Day has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to local small businesses with big plans to expand and make a difference. “Rocket Mortgage Detroit Demo Day is an annual event where we showcase Detroit’s best and brightest entrepreneurs and give them the chance to compete for a million dollars,” said James Chapman. More information can be found on the official Rocket Mortgage Detroit Demo Day website here.

As pandemic-related rules and regulations impacting small business continue to evolve in the wake of COVID-19, businesses across Michigan continue to reopen in a world with new rules and boundaries. DTE Energy recently spoke with a few Michigan businesses to hear their perspective about their new normal and gather some tips that could help other businesses safely reopen. We also have social distance markers in place to show customers what six feet a safe social distance looks like, and arrows to guide a safe flow of traffic. So far, people seem much more comfortable outside, where we seat people at safe social distances, Murray said. For more about DTEs involvement with small businesses during COVID-19, visit this link.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved the second amendment of the 2019 Program Year Action Plan for $41.9 million to be incorporated in Community Development Block Grant’s (CDBG) Coronavirus Response funds. Related: Macomb County offering $5,000 small business grants; applications due June 24MSF approved an amendment to the Program Year Action Plan in May, adding $20.5 million for COVID-19. With the funding, counties would be reimbursed for unbudgeted expenditures allocated for prevention and preparation in response to COVID-19. Small business restart programThe MSF also adopted amended guidelines to the Michigan Small Business Restart Program. With the amendment, small businesses that received grants through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program would be eligible for grants from the restart program.

This article is sponsored by Lake Trust Credit UnionFor this edition of Finance Friday, we were joined by our sponsor, Lake Trust Credit Union, which has new way to help people pay it forward and help small businesses across Michigan. The Great Lakes Give Back Program is a crowdfunding campaign that lets individuals donate to their favorite small local business. Once those donations reach $1000, Lake Trust Credit Union will match them. Lipscomb says the program was created to help small businesses who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. You can also visit Lake Trust Credit Union at www.laketrust.org and click on Great Lakes Give Back.

DETROIT – Small businesses in the city of Detroit can receive free personal protective equipment (PPE) starter kits on Monday courtesy of DTE Energy. About 6,000 PPE starter kits will be handed out between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday at Eastern Market’s Shed 3. This is for Detroit businesses only. Retail businesses in Metro Detroit can finally reopen Tuesday, but some of the restrictions have them preparing for a completely different world. MORE: Here’s everything that’s reopening this weekIt’s been a slow ramp up and a major learning cure for businesses, especially the smaller ones.

Clawson Think of a commercial jingle - like Kit Kat, Chilis, or Folgers - you can likely sing the jingles in your head. She explained that since Leon and Lulu didnt have a jingle, and a lot of local musicians are out of work at the moment, she wanted to create a contest with a big cash prize to make a jingle for her store. Picking the winner will be a team of judges, including local musician Ann Delisi, local performer Ellen Doster, Local 4s Devin Scillian, and Mary Liz Curtin. If you are craving something to eat, their sister restaurant, Three Cats, is offering to-go meals you can heat up at home. Leon & Lulu and Three Cats are located at 96 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI 48017.

Sean Flynn, president of the Bloomfield Hills company, said it is important to them to give back to the community. They are worried about how small businesses will survive and realized they could offer something that might help. Wheelhouse Graphix is making free signs for other small businesses, like restaurants, to help let the public know they are open for business. Small businesses that reach out to Wheelhouse Graphix will receive two lawn signs and a banner. Wheelhouse Graphix also printed thank you signs to place near hospitals in the metro Detroit area.

Team behind Wheelhouse Graphix helping other small Metro Detroit businesses during virus outbreakPublished: March 20, 2020, 6:17 pmWheelhouse Graphix has seen its business slow down during this coronavirus crisis, but the team behind the company is focused on how they can use their time and resources to help other small businesses.

While there isn’t a whole lot we can do as restrictions are put in place, there are a few measures we can take to support our favorite local businesses during these unsettling times. Buy gift cards from your favorite restaurant or boutique. We’re all pretty used to shopping online (Amazon Prime Day is basically a holiday at this point), so one way you can support a local business is shopping from your computer or cellphone. Not all boutiques or retail stores may have the option to offer online shopping, but if they do, it’s a great way to support a small business and practice social distancing. Not everyone is able to do this, but if your income won’t be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, consider a donation to a local business that could need it.