COVID-19 Economic Relief Information

The purpose of this page is to provide up-to-date information for small businesses, non-profits, and local units of government in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties as it relates to COVID-19 economic relief. 

U.S. Economic Development Administration - the CARES Act provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development programs to help communities recover from COVID-19.

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, a once-in-a-generation opportunity has been created. The CARES Act has produced a $1.5 billion fund for economic recovery through the Economic Development Administration. Southwest Michigan must respond aggressively to capture our share of this funding for vital economic development projects and planning. The opportunity is uniquely broad and inclusive and the local match split required is amazingly small. This is our moment to be ambitious and innovative in reimagining our post-pandemic economy. Read more...

NEW! Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative - The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative will utilize federal CARES Act funding to provide $10 million in grants to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses disproportionately impacted the COVID-19 virus. Applications for businesses to apply will open on December 15, 2020. 

Cornerstone Alliance SBA Microloan - as a Microloan Intermediary, Cornerstone Small Business Services can provide small business loans to both women and men whose business is located in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren Counties.

Market Van Buren - resources for businesses in Van Buren County

Michigan Economic Development Corporation - a list of state and federal resources for small businesses  

Michigan Paycheck Protection Program - the Michigan Paycheck Protection Program (MiPPP) provides small businesses in Michigan COVID-19 relief, giving funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. 

Office of Congressman Fred Upton - what small businesses should know about the CARES Act

Office of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow - resources for hospitals, health care providers and other health care facilities 

Office of U.S. Senator Gary Peters - tribal resources in the CARES Act, support for towns, cities and other local municipalities, support for non-profits

U.S. Small Business Administration - information on the Paycheck Protection Program, guidance for businesses, debt relief, loans, and more  

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD COVID-19 resources and fact sheets

USDA Rural Development - the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development will be offering historically low interest rates for infrastructure projects starting in April.  This includes everything from water and sewer projects to emergency vehicles and critical infrastructure like township halls and fire stations.

Federal Transit Administration - the CARES Act provides $25 billion to transit agencies to help to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic 

Federal Emergency Management Agency - certain private non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding through FEMA's Public Assistance program

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship - the small business owner's guide to the CARES Act

Federal Rural Resource Guide - this resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.

Comprehensive Federal Support List

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation - Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as we can.

Questions? Contact Jerrid Burdue at burduej@swmpc.org

Resources for individuals

United Way 2-1-1

IRS' "Get My Payment" - Check your economic impact payment (stimulus check) status, confirm your payment type, enter bank information for direct deposit 

Michigan Unemployment Insurance

Assistance for low-income Michiganders

The Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund

For up-to-date health information, please visit your local health department's website.

Berrien County Health Department

Van Buren/Cass District Health Department