Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging small businesses struggling with unusually high winter temperatures to utilize the financial support available from the Small Business Administration (SBA). She believes that these funds can provide essential relief for companies negatively affected by these extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the vital role small businesses play in Michigan’s economy.
Due to federal drought declarations, the Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) have recently been made available to 42 Michigan counties. These loans aim to aid businesses heavily impacted by the drought, by compensating for decreased revenues from smaller crop yields and property damage caused by the ongoing dry conditions.
Despite businesses usually being able to withstand harsh winters, the unusual winter warmth has impacted Michigan’s small businesses reliant on snow-based income. The warmer temperatures have impeded activities such as skiing and snowboarding, usually major tourist attractions, resulting in a substantial loss of revenue.
In recognition of the impact on communities relying on tourism income, Governor Whitmer reassured the public that help is on its way. She stated that the state has implemented robust disaster management measures, which will ensure swift recovery initiatives to mitigate the detrimental effects on the tourism sector.
U.S. Representative Jack Bergman and state Senator Ed McBroom reiterated their commitment and support for local businesses, encouraging them to utilize available relief funds. They stressed the importance of making businesses aware of these resources, and emphasized their ongoing support to help businesses through the current economic situation.
State Senator John Damoose voiced concerns over businesses affected by the lack of snow and praised those involved in the SBA’s EIDL loans. He stressed the importance of these loans for struggling businesses and expressed his worries about the future if weather trends persist.
State Representative Jenn Hill emphasized the necessity of small businesses utilizing the available support, citing the significant impact of the lack of snowfall on local economies. She urged local business owners to take full advantage of the various support mechanisms in place, and stressed the importance of community unity and resilience in overcoming these challenges.
