Business Watch

What happens when you tell jobless workers to log in on Monday? They log in. Up to 340,000 login attempts per hour set a new record, crashing the state’s system as workers tried to reset benefits that expired in December.

The state’s computer system Monday was unresponsive for many workers seeking access to the unemployment benefits system. It’s the latest in a series of technology failures impacting workers put out of work by COVID.

Michiganders filled northern Ohio restaurants over the past two months while Michigan was one of the last states to allow restaurants to reopen with some indoor dining. But other states that opened sooner still saw businesses struggle under capacity restrictions and continued fears of virus transmission.

Even as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced limited reopening for the state’s battered bar and restaurant industry starting Feb. 1, she warned that indoor dining will last only so long as COVID remains under control.

Government programs should create an equitable playing field for business owners and entrepreneurs, Felix Kabo said of racial disparities his research team found in Paycheck Protection Program loans amid COVID.

Emergency pandemic funding for small businesses expands this week, as PPP options broaden and state grant programs launch.

‘Everything we’ve worked for is in jeopardy,’ says Andy French of Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill. Feb. 1 is the most recently announced possible date for reopening, but state officials still have not released specific requirements.

Word-of-mouth referrals and neighborhood work can keep Spanish-speaking builders busy, but many now aim for bigger jobs. An industry-focused group is helping them make business plans and grow.

The CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. says the business development pipeline is active – and important for the state’s recovery.

Donna Murray-Brown, CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, speaks to the challenges and opportunities emerging during COVID-19.

The pandemic left hundreds of thousands out of work, closed businesses and left others struggling for their livelihoods.

Here’s what we know about new legislation that, when signed into law, will help laid-off workers with extra cash payments and extended benefits.

Troy Tank has defied orders to close indoor dining at his restaurant in the Thumb, saying his economic survival depends on business as usual. But Sanilac County’s top health official wants the place closed amid a virus surge he calls “rampant.”

Demand for workers is high as a low unemployment rate in Grand Rapids and an active manufacturing sector prompts ‘war for talent.’

The awareness plan for ‘Industry 4.0’ technology calls for 50 percent of the state’s manufacturing sector to pursue the changes by 2025.

Doug Rothwell retired from Business Leaders for Michigan this year after decades of trying to boost Michigan’s economy. He says much work remains.

Bars, restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses are bracing for an extension to a state health order that ‘paused’ operations for three weeks.

A federal judge Wednesday denied a request from the restaurant industry to resume indoor dining during the COVID surge. But the judge hinted he may soon punt the case to the state Supreme Court, which struck down the governor’s emergency authority in October.

Bars, restaurants, hotels and recreation facilities with fewer than 50 employees will be eligible for the much-needed relief.

Economists at the University of Michigan say the pace of recovery in the state for workers and the government’s budget will depend on a new round of federal pandemic stimulus funding.