Michigan Businesses Can Apply For Funding Monday: Monday Briefing

MICHIGAN — Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments across Michigan hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for $28.6 billion in federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund direct relief being provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the American Rescue Plan.

While registration for the funding began Friday, applications for the money opens at noon Monday.

“Restaurant owners and other food establishments have made incredible sacrifices over the past year to keep their communities safe and slow the spread of COVID-19,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said last week while encouraging Michigan businesses to apply for the funding. “This vital relief will help ensure they can keep their doors open and continue to serve their communities while also ensuring their workers can stay employed entering the critical summer season.”

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, according to a news release. After the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis with the online application remaining open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

Businesses eligible for the funding include restaurants; food stands, food trucks, food carts; caterers; bars, saloons, lounges, taverns; brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms; breweries, wineries and distilleries; and bakeries. The minimum funding awarded will be $1,000 with businesses that remain open eligible to receive funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location.

The fund includes $9.5 billion in set-asides specifically for smaller businesses; $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

Recipients would not be required to repay the funding if the funds are used for eligible expenses no later than March 11, 2023, the state said.

MDOT Lifts Spring Weight Restrictions On State Highways Monday

The Michigan Department of Transportation is lifting its remaining spring weight restrictions on all state trunkline highways in the entire state beginning at 6 a.m. Monday. State routes are those typically carrying an M, I or US designation.

County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually, but not always, coincide with state highway weight restrictions, MDOT officials said. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.

Weather for the Week Ahead

Michigan saw warm temps over the weekend, but Michiganders can expect to see things get a little cooler in the week ahead, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

On Monday, rain will be likely throughout most of the day in Metro Detroit. Rain will be expected again on Tuesday, with temperatures settling at around 73 degrees. The sun will return on Wednesday, although temperatures will only get to a high of 61. Metro Detroit is expected to see partly sunny weather on Thursday.