Tag: Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Five Stories that Matter in Michigan This Week – August 5, 2022

  1. August 2 Michigan Primary Election Results

The outcome of the August 2 Republican primary for Governor saw candidate Tudor Dixon prevail. In the November general election, she will face incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer who ran unopposed. In the newly drawn 3rd congressional district, Republican John Gibbs defeated incumbent Peter Meijer.

Why it Matters: As November and the general election gets closer, stay tuned for more insights as Fraser Trebilcock’s election law team will be closely monitoring the action.

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  1. MEDC to Make $237 Million Available to Help Michigan Small Businesses

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced that Michigan has been approved for up to $237 million in State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Why it Matters: Small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for funds through private lenders and the MEDC would back the loans through the SSBCI program. Learn more on the topic here.

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  1. Ballot Initiative Aims to Increase Minimum Wage Targets 2024 Ballot

The Raise the Wage MI ballot initiative proposal aims to raise Michigan’s hourly minimum wage to $15 over the course of five years. The organizers behind the ballot initiative are reported to have secured more than 610,000 signatures and delivered them to Michigan officials last week.

Why it Matters: The issuance of a stay until February 19, 2023 follows the ruling by the Michigan Court of Claims stating that the state legislature’s adoption and alteration of a 2018 ballot initiative that would have raised minimum wage to $12 by 2022 was unconstitutional. This ruling has been appealed, but even if it gets overturned, Michigan may still see an increase to minimum wage if the Raise the Wage MI initiative is passed.

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  1. New Law Allows Non-Profit Corporation to be a Member of Limited Liability Company

Senate Bill 926 was recently signed into law by Governor Whitmer, which changes the definition of a person in the limited liability company act, allowing nonprofit corporations to be members of limited liability companies (“LLC”).

Why it Matters: Michigan now joins other states that allow nonprofits to create LLCs that do not involve any financial gain or profit to perform certain functions while still maintaining their nonprofit status.

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  1. Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Texting While Driving Bills

The Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee approved a package of bills expanding the scope of Michigan’s texting while driving laws, which would make requirements more stringent and penalties for violations more costly. The bills explicitly address social media use and live streaming.

Why it Matters: Distracted driving is dangerous. In 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving is also costly for drivers, as those who violate distracted driving laws tend to see their insurance rates shoot up.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Election Law | Garett Koger

Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee

Business & Tax | Ed Castellani

Insurance Defense | Emily Vanderlaan

MEDC to Make $237 Million Available to Help Michigan Small Businesses

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), joined by Governor Whitmer, announced that the U.S. Department of Treasury has approved up to $237 million in State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding for businesses in the State of Michigan. The SSBCI is designed to promote entrepreneurship and increase access to capital that would otherwise not be available in the market through conventional terms.

Michigan is one of only five states that will receive funding in the SSBCI’s first round, which is expected within the next two months. Michigan’s share of the first round will be roughly $72 million. Those interested are encouraged to visit MEDC’s website here for more information. The funding is expected to catalyze up to $10 of private investment for every $1 of SSBCI capital funding.

In January, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board adopted the Michigan Business Growth Fund 2.0 to provide programs and guidelines for the access to that funding for small businesses through loans and equity investments. These programs include new requirements to enhance support and ensure equity in access to capital for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI), and businesses who have less than 10 employees.

Fraser Trebilcock attorneys specialize in assisting small to medium sized businesses throughout every stage of the business life cycle. If you have any questions, please contact your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

Robert D. Burgee is an attorney at Fraser Trebilcock with over a decade of experience counseling clients in business transactions, civil matters, regulatory compliance, and employee matters. Robert also has a background in employee benefits, having been a licensed agent since 2014. You can reach him at 517.377.0848 or at bburgee@fraserlawfirm.com.