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Loans and grants OK’d to help businesses stay open, avoid layoffs (

Flickr User Brian Fox
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https://flic.kr/p/5GE9J

A state board has O-K’d Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for 20 million dollars in loans and grants for small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

This follows the governor’s emergency order that shut down bars, restaurants, casinos, health clubs and other places where people gather.

 

 “Every one of these decisions has consequences, and they all weigh heavily and we take it very seriously and we try to make arrangements to help ameliorate the impact.”

     The money can be used to help small businesses make payroll and avoid layoffs  or to pay rent, mortgages and utilities. The state is also seeking federal disaster assistance for small businesses.

       The loans and grants are supposed to be available no later than April First.