If you care about Michigan, please support our work.
Donate TodayBusiness Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus.
Articles
Michigan small businesses rocked by coronavirus turn to Congress for help
Programs set up to help businesses decimated by the coronavirus shutdown have run out of money or halted applications. One Michigan business owner thought his application for a portion of $349 billion in federal stimulus was set only to learn the money ran out.
‘Depression-level’ Michigan unemployment tops 1 million from coronavirus
Economists are struggling to find words to describe stunning job losses they’re seeing in the state, and they don’t know how many more will follow during the economic lockdown in a pandemic
Coronavirus could drain Michigan unemployment fund within months
The crush of 1 million new claims is rapidly depleting Michigan’s unemployment fund, which could force the state to borrow money. Jobless workers would still get checks, but Michigan may have to raise business taxes to repay the debt, slowing any recovery.
Michigan food supply firm innovates, finds new markets amid coronavirus crisis
Like many businesses, Frog Holler Produce in Ann Arbor faced coronavirus shutdown. Until they decided to “spin the wheel” and open new lines of business.
Michigan farmers fear ruin as coronavirus lockdown collapses prices
Michigan’s stay-at-home order has shut supply chains to restaurants and schools and decimated the market for many farmers. ‘This is about as worried as I’ve ever been,’ one says.
When Michigan unemployment, stimulus checks, and $600 CARES money will arrive
Your guide to unemployment and other payments as Michigan deals with the devastating economic impact of a deadly virus
Michigan now second in nation for jobless claims amid coronavirus pandemic
Despite widespread complaints over a sluggish website and slammed call center, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency successfully processed 817,185 initial benefits claims between March 15 and April 4, second only to the more populous state of California.
Few coronavirus cases, but hundreds still victims in U.P. tribal community
Bryan Newland, chairman of the northeastern Upper Peninsula tribe, said Bay Mills Indian Community leaders had no choice but to stop paying employees of the tribe’s resort and casinos after a request for federal relief loans went unanswered.
Coronavirus shutdown could leave 1 in 4 jobless in northern Michigan
Already gearing for a recession, Michigan faces billions of dollars in lost wages and tens of thousands of job cuts. Using maps and charts, Bridge explains how the impact of the coronavirus shutdown will vary widely by industry and maps.
As coronavirus slams businesses, some small Michigan newspapers struggle
As the coronavirus crisis slams Michigan businesses, some local newspapers are struggling to stay open amid declining ad revenue. C&G Newspapers is suspending publication for 2 to 4 weeks, while the Metro Times in Detroit laid off staffers.
Guns and viruses: Why Michigan gun and ammo sales are exploding
Michigan gun shop owners report booming sales of guns and ammo as coronavirus spreads. Self-protection is a big theme, but that doesn’t mean deer are safe.
How to apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan amid coronavirus crisis
Michigan expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers on March 16 as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Michigan business in brief: Big Three shut down over coronavirus fears
More than 60,000 auto workers in Michigan are affected by the closure of plants due to the coronavirus. Banks and credit unions also are moving to increase lending.
Should Michigan tap its $1.2B rainy day fund for coronavirus crisis?
Michigan OKs $150M in help for the global pandemic. But as coronavirus grinds the economy to a halt, some say now is the time to tap the state’s $1.2 billion reserve fund.
Coronavirus will hammer Michigan economy. Only question is how much.
How bad will it get? Many economists agree a major downturn is coming along with perhaps hundreds of thousands of layoffs. But others say if the coronavirus is contained soon, the economy could roar back.
Coronavirus layoffs cascade across Michigan. ‘What will I do?’ workers ask
One day after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shuts down restaurants and bars, workers fear the worst and wonder what bill to skip. One compares it to Russian roulette. Another stocks up on ramen and braces for long haul.
Coronavirus just closed your company. What’s next for Michigan workers?
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday ordered all bars, restaurants and casinos to close, but she also expanded unemployment insurance benefits in ways that may help workers who lose their jobs or are furloughed.
How Whitmer’s coronavirus order impacts Michigan $40B bar, restaurant sector
Minutes before Gov. Whitmer ordered state restaurants and bars to close dine-in services, Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, described to Bridge Magazine the dramatic impact the new coronavirus is already having.
Why Michigan cherry industry lost trade fight with Turkey, and its Plan B
The U.S. International Trade Commission flatly rejected claims that Turkish imports hurt domestic dried tart cherry processors. But Michigan’s cherry industry has a new line of attack against imports.
Michigan cherry industry still trying to absorb tariff loss to Turkey
Stunned by a recent ruling against the struggling industry, the state’s cherry growers consider next steps, including a new offensive that involves Brazil and U.S. Customs.