Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
SBA will offer Paycheck Protection Program loans to businesses with 20 or less employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
Click here to read more and to find a lender.
Capacity restrictions & curfews: Here are the rules MI restaurants must follow when reopening
Caution and Focus on Enhanced Ventilation Recommended
New order scheduled to be in effect Feb. 1 to Feb. 21
Under the latest epidemic order, which will go into effect on Monday, Feb. 1, there are several restrictions. They are below.
- Restaurants can open for indoor dining at 25% capacity
- No more than 100 people inside a restaurant
- Tables must be six feet apart
- No more than 6 people per table
- Bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m.
- Contact information for patrons taken for contact tracing purposes
- Outdoor tents with four sides permitted under same rules
Click here to read more
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 3/31/2021.
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 March 1st. The westbound detour route is M-5 or Haggerty Road to Maple Road to Decker Road.
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The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved two grant programs
The Michigan Small Business Survival Grants and the Michigan Stages Survival Grants – totaling $58.5 million in relief to help meet the urgent needs of small businesses and live event venues impacted by the COVID-19 virus, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.
Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to provide $55 million in grants for COVID-19 relief efforts
- Michigan Strategic Fund authorizes relief programs to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and recent public health orders
- Application will open January 19 at 9 a.m. EST
- Click here for application and to read more
Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program will offer assistance to Michigan’s eligible live music and entertainment venues
The program will provide a total of $3.5 million in one-time grants of up to $40,000 to eligible entertainment venues throughout Michigan. These funds are to be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or costs related to reopening a business.
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.
Dollars must be spent by Dec. 31
Click here for more details
Michigan extends Feb 1 COVID-19 order through March 29, 2021
Click here for flyer.
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.
2021 Job Fair – Postponed Until Further Notice
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.
Upcoming Events
February 2021 Small Business Training and Workshop Schedule: Presented by Oakland County
Visit Advantage Oakland Events Calendar here.
Novi Tuesday Coffee Sponsored by the Novi Chamber
March 2 | 8:30 am | Register here
Free for members/$10 for non-members | Registration required
MRS Business Network Division is partnering with Able Eyes and Potter Park Zoo to present a discussion Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guideline Assessment
March 2 | 1:00 pm| Click here for flyer
Crisis Leadership - Webinar Presented by the SBDC
March 9 | 8:30 am | Register here
Daylight Saving Spring Forward
March 14
OCC Health Care Virtual Job Fair
March 18 | 9:00 am | Click here for flyer
OCC Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Tech Job Fair
March 18 | 1:00 pm | Click here for flyer
Novi Friday Coffee Sponsored by the Novi Chamber
March 19 | 8:30 am| Register here
Free for members/$10 for non-members | Registration required
The Novi Public Li brary is looking for small businesses to participate in a virtual shopping expo!
Saturday, April 17 @ 10am
Click here to see the flyer.
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
Chopped Olive
