Michigan To Extend COVID Restrictions In Offices For Six More Months
Michigan extends COVID workplace emergency rules that cover remote working, safety protocols Emergency rules extended another 6 months The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity extended the rules by six months until Oct. 14. They were scheduled to expire Wednesday (April 14), but MIOSHA issued an extension as COVID-19 cases rise throughout the state.
Click here to read more
COVID Vaccine
 Updated April 5, 2021
By April 5, 2021, all areas of the state may, as vaccine supplies are available, implement vaccination of all people aged 16 and up who were not previously eligible. Vaccination for COVID-19 is the path forward to controlling the disease and protecting Michigan residents. This guidance outlines the strategy for vaccine prioritization for the State of Michigan and will be used by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), as well as public health and health care, to allocate and administer vaccines. This guidance may change as information evolves and more vaccine types become available.
Click here to read more
 City Council Extends Temporary Outdoor Gathering, Sign Ordinance Resolutions
Novi City Council took action to further help local businesses by extending a pair of resolutions related to Temporary Outdoor Gathering and the Sign Ordinance until Oct. 31, 2021.
The Temporary Outdoor Gathering resolution allows added or expanded outdoor retail space and bar/restaurant seating to assist businesses with restricted occupancy. Retail establishments, restaurants and bars may request a free permit to add or expand outdoor seating and shopping areas.
Learn more and apply for your Temporary Outdoor Gathering permit at cityofnovi.org or call 248.347.0415.
Capacity restrictions & curfews: Here are the rules MI restaurants must follow when reopening
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have announced several changes to its COVID-19 restrictions including new rules for restaurants, gyms, stadiums, retail shops and gatherings. These 14 changes will go into effect March 5 and last until April 19.
Click here for an outline of what is changing.
Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief
Oakland County Veterans May Be Eligible For $2,500 Through COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program
A total of $182,000 is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $150 limit. The grants can be used for eligible food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses.
Click here to read more and for application.
Mask up right: Michigan offers new guidance on face coverings
 The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched an initiative to make sure that Michiganders are not only wearing face coverings while in public, but that they're doing it correctly.
MDHHS says masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection:
- Three-layered washable cloth face coverings
- Medical-grade disposable masks
- Approved KN95 masks
Click here for more details.
Tools to Help Your Business
  Apply for a Temporary Outdoor Gathering Permit
Novi City Council recently approved extension of resolution through 10/31/2021.
Resolution Regarding Additional Temporary Signage
Construction Alert
14 Mile Road is currently CLOSED to westbound traffic from Decker Road to M-5. Therefore, only eastbound traffic will be allowed through this work zone. This westbound closure is expected to be in place until approximately mid-April. The westbound detour route is M-5 or Haggerty Road to Maple Road to Decker Road.
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Emergency Small Business Loan Information from U.S. Chamber
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has provided important information for businesses regarding updates and new provisions to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other federal business loan programs.
While these programs are not yet operational, the Chamber strongly urges businesses – including those businesses that previously received a PPP loan and those who did not apply – to understand these updates. The updates may be of substantial benefit to your business.
The Chamber also encourages businesses to act promptly once these new programs come online as the programs are limited in duration and funding.
Click here for the Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans.
Click here for the Save Small Business Initiative.
“Let’s beat this virus and we can – if we do it together”
Take a look as government leaders from Oakland County join County Executive Dave Coulter reinforcing the county’s “The Only Way to Beat It is to Face It” public education campaign, reminding residents not to get too comfortable or forget the dangers that come with the virus.
Watch here.
Oakland County plans $10 million program to aid restaurants
Oakland County is planning to send $10 million in checks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and outdoor dining equipment to over 1,000 restaurants that continue to struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oakland Together Restaurant Rescue Program is being created by reallocating federal CARES Act dollars from other COVID-19 grant programs being administered by the county.
The Oakland Together Restaurant Rescue Program will provide economic support to bars and restaurants that have been impacted by pandemic in the following three areas: financial relief, weatherization upgrades for expanded capacity, and funding to support reopening safely.
Bars and restaurants will not need to formally apply for these new dollars, but instead will automatically receive checks in the mail.
Eligible restaurants will be those who were required to close their indoor dining services as a result of the MDHHS epidemic order and those who previously submitted grant applications under one of county's previously sponsored COVID-19 grant programs.
Click here for more details
Michigan Strategic Fund approves $10M pandemic relief program for small businesses
Applications for the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative are expected to open within the next two weeks, state officials said Monday at a Michigan Strategic Fund board meeting. The program is funded by the federal CARES Act.
Businesses that will be considered include restaurants, bars, beverage service providers, lodging providers, live event venues, movie theaters, conference and meeting facilities, ice skating rinks, indoor water parks, bowling centers, gyms and fitness centers.
Click here for more details and requirements.
COVID-19 vaccine update in Oakland County:
Save Your Spot Sign-up Available until Vaccine Supply Increase
Click here for flyer.
PPE Kits Available!!
We have about 20 of the Oakland County ReOpen Kits remaining here at the Novi Civic Center. The kit includes difficult to acquire protective equipment, sanitizing items and timely information to help you do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Simply email
Simone Bell or call 248.735.5628 to request your FREE kit today!
Expanded SBDC Support Services Available to Small Businesses
Small businesses in all 83 counties in Michigan will benefit from expanded support services offered through the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), thanks to CARES Act Funding.
The Michigan SBDC, a statewide nonprofit organization providing free business consulting, training and market research, has expanded its service offering to reflect the needs of small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New services include:
- 46 additional business consultants to meet the increase in demand for one-on-one consulting support.
- New partnerships with service providers (website development, marketing, accounting, etc.) who can help businesses weather the effects of COVID-19 and thrive in the future.
Small Retail, Restaurants, Personal Service Businesses Hurt by COVID-19 Can Apply Now for Economic Recovery Grants
Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant
Oakland County is dedicating $28 to $30 million to help small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For a list of grants and details, click here.
New Restart Resources for Business
Resources to help businesses prepare for a new era of operation amid the COVID-19 crisis.
CDC General Workplace Plan
CDC Restaurant & Bar Plan
Detroit Regional Chamber Restart Resources
Detroit Chamber Return to Work Guide
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Roadmap to Reopening
PPE Supply Connect
Oakland County offers Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing: ALL Returning Workers & Adults
Oakland County Grants and Other Assistance
Take advantage of these outstanding FREE resources from Google to help people find you online, let them know you are open and stay connected!
Click here for more information
Oakland County has created the COVID-19 ReOpen Kit to provide small business owners, local communities, nonprofit and faith-based leaders with materials and guidelines to help resume activities safely in this new environment caused by the pandemic.
The Kit Contains
- Digital COVID-19 toolkit
- Physical tote of personal protection equipment (PPE) and disinfecting supplies
- ReOpen Resource Guide
- ReOpen Poster - We Care About Your Safety
- Community Resource Flyer
- Printable Social Distancing Decals
Click here for more information
PPE Purchase sites
SearchPPE.com
RightPlace.Org
MichiganBusiness.org/ppe
Want to know What's Open in Novi? For an easy to read chart, click below.
Civic Center resumes services
The Novi Civic Center has resumed full operations in accordance with the limitations imposed by the Governor's order.
Hours: 8am - 5pm
(effective June 15, 2020)
Virtual avenues will continue to be made available so that visitors may connect with respective departments to set up appointments.
Click here to access the Online Inspection Portal.
Applications and submitals may be made through the web portal for registered contractors. Mail and drop-off options are available. Drop-off and pickup boxes are available in the vestibule of the north Civic Center entrance (closest to Ten Mile Road). Online payment options are also available along with mail in and drop off options. All staff are available through email and phone. Remote meetings can be scheduled.
Please note that the Executive Order includes specific safeguards in sections 11(h) and (i). If you cannot comply with these requirements do not schedule inspections until such time as you can. Community Development staff will leave non-compliant sites and a re-inspection fee will be assessed. Please contact the Community Development Department at
248.347.0415 if you have any questions.
Federal Assistance Programs
Federal aid has been replenished for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
Click here to find out more.
Small Business Resource Guide
In an effort to provide businesses meaningful and timely support as they face various challenges created by the pandemic, we have created this comprehensive guide....
Click here for the COVID-19 Business Updates & Resources
Families First
Click here for the COVID-19 Constituent Service Resources Toolkit
OSSBC Coronavirus Resources
Here you can find information on:
- SBA Disaster Assistance Relief
- Guidance to Employers Contemplating Potential Layoffs
- Virtual Procurement Assistance
- Claiming Unemployment
- Loan Programs
- Quick Tips to Keep Your Small Business Going
Additional Resources
COVID-19 Business Toolkit.PNG.aspx?lang=en-US)
Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) is working closely with healthcare providers, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to actively monitor and prepare for the presence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community. OCHD is providing a Preventing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Toolkit for Businesses to share information with you and your employees about how to stay healthy and prevent illness.
This toolkit is available at: OakGov.com/Health/Information/COVID-19/Pages/Businesses.aspx
You will find a link to CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as prevention materials about:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – What You Need to Know
- Stopping the spread of germs
- Hand washing instructions
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Social media posts for your organization
This is an evolving situation and information is updated on our website OakGov.com/Health as it becomes available.Our Nurse on Call is also available at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm or noc@oakgov.com
Novi Chamber Update:
What a challenging journey we've all been on the last few months. We've all weathered many changes in business and our home lives, but through it all, we watched people coming together to raise up and support each other. Here at the Novi Chamber, we are so thankful for our Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, Sales Lead Groups, Committee Members and of course, each and every one of our members for their patience and participation.
Now, July is upon us and it's time for our new "normal". We are optimistically returning to in-person events following the current Executive Orders in place. Your health and safety is our upmost concern.
Please reach out to us if you have any concerns.
Click here to visit Novi Chamber
Novi Public Library:
Open for Limited Public Use! Masks Required (E.O. 2020-147)
Click here to watch as Julie Farkas, Director of NPL, outlines the important guidelines for guests to follow while visiting the Library!
Share your COVID-19 stories!
We are creating a collection of reflections on this important historical moment for the Local History Room at the Novi Public Library. We want stories from first responders, medical professionals, people in isolation, teachers, supermarket employees, local business owners and anyone with a story to tell.
We will accept written letters, journals, stories, poems, drawings, photos, videos, copies of business social media posts, etc. All work must be original. This collection will be a valuable resource for future generations to understand life in our community during the pandemic. All ages are welcome to respond. A submission by anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian give permission for the submission. To help inspire your submission, here are a few questions to use as a starting point for residents and for businesses.
To submit physical items,
please fill out this form and mail your items to:
Novi Public Library
c/o COVID-19 Archive Project
45255 W Ten Mile Road
Novi, MI 48375
To submit digital items,
please fill out this form and attach your submission(s).
Questions? Send
Email
As the City of Novi, along with our our partners, continue to evaluate the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to events/date, we will make every effort to update the website accordingly and in a timely manner. As we navigate this unprecedented situation together, our goal is to keep you informed. It is vitally important to prioritize resources in an effort to maintain the well being of our business community.
Upcoming Events
Novi Friday Coffee Sponsored by the Novi Chamber
April 16 | 8:30 am | Register here
Free for members/$10 for non-members | Registration required
The Novi Public Library is looking for small businesses to participate in a virtual shopping expo!
Saturday, April 17 @ 10am
Click here to see the flyer.
Virtual Apprenticeship Showcase Oakland County Michigan Works!
April 19 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Click here for more information and to register
Multi-Industry Career Fair presented by the Novi Chamber, Lakes Area Chamber, and Oakland County Michigan Works!
April 27 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Click here for more information
March/April Small Business Training and Workshop Schedule: Presented by Oakland County
2021 Virtual Job Fair
May 12 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The City of Novi is your home whether you are looking to live, work or play. Just ask our 60,000 residents and more than 3,000 businesses why they chose Novi to call home. Whether you are an existing local business or one looking to invest in our community, give our Economic Development Team a call to assist you in your decision.
Oakland County Business Counselors
Oakland County business counselors are still working and accepting new clients. Reach out to your counselor today or request counseling at: OakGov.com/AdvantageOakland/Business/OneStopShop
WalkIn StartUp - Small Business Counseling - Suspended Until Further Notice
Need help launching a business? Come visit us. Whether you opened a business or you're thinking about it, the Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center has resources to help you.
Visit us the First Thursday of the Month at the Community Development Center Room in Novi City Hall, 45175 Ten Mile Road.
Questions? Contact Wenona Graham
WalkIn StartUp
Useful Links
Important Updates
Business Avenue Videos
Business Avenue videos feature local Novi businesses. We explore how they started, why they chose Novi, and provides an intimate behind the scenes look at what makes them unique.
Business Avenue can be seen in Novi on:
Spectrum Cable Channel 212
AT&T Uverse Channel 99
Our Facebook Page
And our YouTube channel
The City of Novi offers you a free video opportunity to highlight your business.
Contact Wenona Graham for more information.
248.347.0573
Email
Batteries Plus Bulbs