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Column: What a difference a week makes

ESCANABA — The COVID-19 virus has invaded our lives whether we have the actual virus or not. We have seen policies, updates and tips to prepare us come out hourly. Once this is a distant memory, we will remember how did we react and treat each other? Did we display the leadership needed to make our families, co-workers and friends able to understand the changes that needed to be made in our lifestyles to protect everyone. The things I will remember is how many of our small businesses stepped up to help feed our school students that rely on the school lunch program for their meals, how business leaders were more concerned for the well-being of their employees than their selves, and how everyone is taking the precautionary measures in stride to make sure we make this issue as short as possible! The Upper Peninsula has always pulled together when times were tough.

Small businesses make up about 50% of the businesses in Michigan and the U.P. has a higher percentage than the state. As I write this article, the state of Michigan is in the process of being eligible for “Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration.” That means financial help to our small business and nonprofit enterprises that have been injured by the declarations made to protect the public health and well-being. These loans will be through the Small Business Administration. Information regarding the loan process can be found on their website. (www.sba.gov). This is only one tool that can assist our small businesses. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has tools that can assist as well. Many business associations are also providing assistance to their members. Our local lenders are also reaching out to see what they can do to help us move forward from this set back. The Federal Government is also working on aid packages for both businesses and individuals that have been harmed by the changes that have been put in place.

The Delta County Economic Development Alliance will be available to help with any questions regarding options you might have or where you can get help. Based on support of “Social Distancing” we are not available to meet in person right now, but feel free to email me at eda@deltami.org or call at 906 786-2192.

We will also be posting information that is important to you and your business as more information is available. All of the area business organizations, as well as our local, county, state and federal groups are really stepping up to help.

Please continue to do your part to help this pandemic pass as quickly as possible! Do what you can to keep yourself and your families healthy and safe.

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Ed Legault is the Delta County Economic Development Alliance director

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