At The Chamber we recognize that businesses need to be prepared for the impacts of COVID-19. Our staff is working to provide information and resources as they become available.

Quick Links

• Ottawa County Department of Public Health
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Coronavirus Resource Guide for businesses from The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
• Resources & Guidelines for Business from The US Chamber of Commerce
• Coronavirus Toolkit from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Webinars

• Webinar: COVID-19 Conversations: Resources for Sole Proprietors and Freelancers 
  • Tuesday, April 7th, 2:00 – 3:00pm
• Webinar: COVID-19 Conversations: Paycheck Protection Program
  • Wednesday, April 8th, 2:00 – 3:00pm
• Webinar: COVID-19 Conversations: Open Forum
  • Friday, April 10th, 2:00 – 3:00pm
• Webinar: Warner Norcross + Judd
  • Employment Law Update on Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and New Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act 
• Webinar: SBDC Small Business Support Webinars
• Webinar: Coronavirus and Independent Retail Tools & Webinars – WhizBang! Retail Training
• Webinar: Michigan Chamber of Commerce
  • COVID-19 Webinars

Public Health Info

Local

• Ottawa County Department of Public Health
• Ottawa County’s COVID-19 Response Updates April 7, 2020
• Care Ottawa County coalition comprised of Greater Ottawa County United Way, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance, Community Spoke, and Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.
• North Ottawa Community Health System, Important Information About COVID-19 Testing in our Lakeshore Community (updated 4.5.20)

State of Michigan

• Executive Order: “Stay at Home, Stay Safe”
• Executive Order Frequently Asked Questions
• Executive Orders and Executive Directives
• Identifying Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers – from Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Business Relief & Guidance

Local

• SBA Local Assistance Directory

State of Michigan

• Governor Whitmer Prohibits Retaliation against Employees Who Stay Home Because They (or Someone They Have Close Contact With) Have COVID-19 or It’s Symptoms (4.7.20)
• SBA Issues Interim Final Rule Related to PPP Loans (updated 4.6.20)
• Pure Michigan Business Connect – Offering up to $1 million in grants to manufacturers looking to retool and produce critical service supplies
• Tax Relief for Businesses
• Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) -Apply for Unemployment Benefits
• Temporary Expansion of Unemployment Benefits
• Resources for Employers Facing Potential Layoffs
• Unemployment Services for Employers – Work Share Program: Alternative to Layoffs
• Unemployment Insurance Agency Fact Sheet
• Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
• Resources for Michigan Businesses, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application, Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Toolkit

Federal

• Coronavirus Emergency Loans, Small Business Guide and Checklist – U.S. Chamber (updated 4.2.20)
• Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans – U.S. Chamber (updated 4.2.20)
• Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit – U.S. Chamber (updated 4.2.20)
• The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship (updated 4.2.20)

Critical Community Needs

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Items are needed at North Ottawa Community Health System and Health Pointe and Grand Haven Dept of Public Safety.

Ottawa Area ISD Meal Distribution Sites for School Families

OAISD has been working with local schools to ensure that all students throughout the OAISD service region are included in meal distribution plans during the school closure period Click here to learn more

Additional Business Tips

Create an employee communications plan. Share accurate information with employees as situations develop. Basic information, like what the virus is, how it spreads, and how to take care of one’s self, can go a long way to prevent rumors and misinformation. Think ahead about how you will communicate in case one of your employees becomes sick.

Review human resource policies. Consider flexible work options. This can mean telecommuting, different worksites or flexible schedules. Remind employees if they’re sick, they should stay home.

Plan ahead for how you will handle absenteeism. Michigan schools have been cancelled, which will force many employees to stay home to care for children.

Coordinate with state and local public health officials as needed.

Make a business continuity plan. Be prepared to execute a new strategy, if necessary. Think of alternative suppliers, critical customers or how to continue operations.

Review travel policies and plans. The latest guidance from the CDC can be found on the CDC website.