toolkit

The Grand Rapids Chamber continues to actively follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics and guidelines, and we are evaluating actions daily to best identify how to serve you. We will continue working to connect you with important information and resources, including best practices for businesses, to mitigate the impact of the crisis on your business and employees.

Additionally, we are working on evaluating future programming and events to ensure the safety of our members, community and partners. Further communication regarding upcoming events will be extended as soon as possible. You can find the latest information and stay up to date on www.grandrapids.org

Both Spectrum Health and Priority Health are actively working to keep our communities informed about the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19.

View our latest Covid-19 Town Hall:

Policy Decisions, Vaccine Mandates & Preparing Your Business

Featuring Kristen Guinn, Shareholder at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge PC, and Chris Heileman, CEO of Uccello’s Hospitality Group

Announcements and Resources

All Michiganders age 16+ are Vaccine Eligible

All Michiganders age 16 and up who were not previously eligible are eligible to receive a vaccine. The most recent vaccine prioritization guidelines can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website.

It is anticipated that it may still take several weeks for everyone who wishes to receive a vaccine to have an appointment, but those who want the vaccine will be able to get the vaccine.

Make a Vaccine Appointment

Go to How To Get The Safe, Effective Vaccine and check the website of your local health department.
Check local pharmacies: Rite Aid, Meijer, Cardinal (with Snyder), Kroger, CVS, SpartanNash (Topco), and Walgreens. CVS has expanded locations offering COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan and Meijer pharmacies are now providing COVID-19 vaccine at all stores.
Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or call 2-1-1.

To register for the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids go to West Michigan Vaccine Clinic (spectrumhealth.org).

Volunteers Needed

Non-clinical volunteers are needed to help support this expansion. Volunteers may assist with greeting clinic attendees, providing directional assistance, escorting attendees who need help, sanitizing and organizing supplies, performing temperature checks, and more. Volunteers need not have prior healthcare experience.

To begin the volunteer process, community members ages 18 and older are asked to complete this survey with Kent County Emergency Management, which is partnering to assist with volunteer management at the clinic.

COVID Resource Reminders

Below is a list of COVID-19 relief programs that may be available to your business.

Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP): A loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. SBA is currently offering PPP loans until May 31, 2021. Find a lender or identify a loan here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): This loan provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. More info here.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program: This program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. More info here.
Employee Retention Tax Credit: Prior to 2021, the employee retention tax credit applied only to an employer who experienced a decline in gross receipts of more than 50% in a quarter compared to the same quarter in 2019. For 2021, eligibility is now expanded to include employers who experienced a decline of more than 20%. More info here.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: $28.6 billion is dedicated for debt-free relief for small and mid-sized restaurants. Grants would be up to $10 million per entity and $5 million per physical location, with a maximum of 20 locations.
To apply you will need two federal EIN numbers. Both have a processing time and it is suggested to apply for these numbers as soon as possible.
First, create a login.gov user account
Sign up for a DUNS number (this typically takes 1-2 days to process)
Using your login.gov, DUNS number, and standard business info such as your Tax ID Number, register with SAM (it can take up to 2 weeks to get the SAM number)
Since we do not know the full filing requirements at this time, it is suggested to pull both your 2019 and 2020 gross revenues and your tax returns to be ready when applications open. There are limited funds in this program and they are expected to be distributed quickly.
More information at www.restaurantsact.com.

CARES Act Resources

FFCRA Resources

Michigan Financial Resources

Employment Resources

Unemployment Resources

Essential Business Guidance & Executive Order Links

Business Resources & Best Practices

Additional Resources

Chamber Resource Calls

Archived Calls

FAQ

Is the Work Café open?

Yes, the Work Café is open! Our regular hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Monday through Friday. Check out our meeting spaces and conference rooms if you are in need of a venue!

Are any events cancelled?

We have fully returned to in-person events, with the exception of a few programs still being offered virtually. Check our events page for details!

The Grand Rapids Chamber knows businesses like yours may also be experiencing unexpected challenges, and we're committed to providing as much support as possible. Please reach out to our team members with specific questions or needs:

Business Services and General Inquiry:

Mark Allen, [email protected]

Employer Resources:

Unemployment Insurance, Executive Orders and HR Issues: Andy Johnston, [email protected]
Child Care and Education: Alexa Kramer, [email protected]
Federal and Local Government Issues: Josh Lunger, [email protected]
SBA Loans and MEDC: Dante Villarreal, [email protected]
Retail Support: Richard App, [email protected]
Foundations: Omar Cuevas, [email protected]