Business Watch

Michigan’s reserves to pay jobless claims are dwindling amid record unemployment claims. Starting Jan. 1, employers would have to pay more into the system, but some lawmakers want to avoid that prospect.

Consumer spending is up amid the pandemic, as Michigan residents are spending federal bailout money designed to keep the economy going amid the pandemic. But state economists warn Michigan still faces tough times.

Economists are starting to get data that indicate a longer, slower recovery period following steep job losses during the coronavirus pandemic.

‘We need to find jobs that people can keep,’ says one store owner as the second-largest employer in Evart closed this summer. It’s just another blow to a community fighting for stability during the coronavirus pandemic.

Both races make less than they did 40 years ago when adjusted for inflation. But wages for Black workers have declined more since the 1970s, in part because of a loss of manufacturing and widening gap in educational opportunities.

A look at public filings shows that the leaders of the state’s largest auto businesses don’t yet see the end to COVID-19 slowdowns and sales contraction.

Cereal is selling well for Kellogg amid coronavirus, but many other public companies in the state are still struggling with low earnings.

Michigan emerged from the Great Recession with a good environment for new businesses. But it wasn’t great. Now, the challenge to improve is more urgent.

University of Michigan football makes some $122 million per year and supports a host of businesses throughout Ann Arbor. They’ve already endured the coronavirus. Can they survive the loss of the 2020 season?

Thirty jobs created during the COVID-19 pandemic is one sign that Reed City Group’s diversification into medical equipment is paying off.

The number of VC deals in the state dropped from 70 in the first half of 2019 to 41 this year, the lowest total in the past seven years. But several entrepreneurs found ways to survive during the pandemic.

Restaurant owners are “making hard decisions, literally, almost every day.” A $120 billion relief package before Congress could help.

TCF bank expands lending and housing opportunities for low-income people and groups impacted by discrimination in Detroit and other midwestern cities.

Business owners fear a flood of lawsuits because of exposure from the coronavirus. Lawmakers may soon consider legislation that would grant them protections if they follow precautions.

Michigan moved its appeal deadline because of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, nearly 1,400 commercial property owners seek to reduce their taxes, while cities brace for a decline in revenues.

The leader of the Detroit Regional Chamber says the most important thing Michiganders can do for businesses during coronavirus is to help them keep their doors open.

With coronavirus cases rising, Michigan’s governor toughened state face mask requirements. Starting Monday, expect to be refused entry to stores and restaurants if you’re not covered. Customers face fines, stores face closure for ignoring.

With uncertainty growing along with coronavirus cases across the U.S., the state says the new grants are ‘critical’ to helping them survive the pandemic. Another $15M targets farms

Some ammo makers and gun shops in Michigan and beyond are invoking the memes and rhetoric of an extremist, anti-government ideology during the coronavirus outbreak.

"People say to me, ‘I feel so bad for you being demonized as far as the numbers,’” said the owner of Harper’s in East Lansing.“If we don’t have the numbers, we don’t know what’s out there.”