SBAM applauds House Republican COVID recovery plan prioritizing help for small businesses

January 27, 2021

The Small Business Association of Michigan today applauded the COVID-19 recovery plan released by House Republicans focused on providing direct relief for Michigan’s small businesses struggling during the pandemic.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and it’s an understatement to say most have been struggling during this pandemic,” said SBAM President Brian Calley. “This relief plan will help our critical small businesses weather this crisis so that we can bridge the gap and keep paychecks coming for Michigan businesses.”

Calley and Fenton Winery & Brewery owner Ginny Sherrow testified in support of the plan in today’s House Appropriations Committee, where Sherrow shared the struggles her small business has been through trying to survive.

Watch Ginny Sherrow’s Testimony Here

“The struggles our business has been through over the past 10 months have been excruciating,” Sherrow said. “We have been team players helping to flatten the curve, following the rules, making safety of our employees and customers a priority and so much more. We’ve passed the test so far but many of us are at a breaking point. The plan announced today would provide us the relief we desperately need and we appreciate the support.”

SBAM applauds key attributes of the plan, including:

A grant program for businesses negatively impacted by COVID restrictions ($415 million).
Investments in the unemployment insurance trust fund to ensure benefits for unemployed workers continue ($150 million)
Reimbursement of fees for liquor licenses and health department inspections as businesses work to reopen ($38.5 million).
Property tax relief for job providers ($22 million)
Rent and utility assistance ($165 million)

“The pandemic has already led to countless business closures and thousands of other businesses just barely hanging on,” Calley said. “We don’t have time or money to waste and this plan provides meaningful help and hope for the road ahead.”

The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration and buying power. Today they serve over 28,000 members in all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.