UPPER MICHIGAN (WLUC) – As Michigan continues to face record-high winter temperatures, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging Michigan small businesses impacted by lack of snow to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

According to a press release from the governor’s office, amid the warmest winter on record, with days in February and March topping 60 degrees, federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available because of ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 42 Michigan counties.

“Michiganders are used to tough winters, but this year’s record-setting warm winter has been tough in a different way, causing economic hardship for small businesses and regional economies that rely on snow,” said Governor Whitmer. “I know how hard this winter has been on families and communities who rely on winter tourism revenue and all the associated business that comes with it—hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fortunately, businesses in these 42 counties in the UP and the Northern Lower Peninsula can apply for support right now. A drought is a drought—whether we’re talking about rain or snow. Businesses impacted by low snow in these 42 counties can apply for support right now, and I’ll continue to push our federal government for more solutions. We’ll get through this warm winter together.”

Record-Breaking Winter

• The UP200 was canceled for the second year in a row because of warm weather.
• 16% of the Great Lakes froze over this winter, compared to 53% normally.
• Marquette has seen 72.6 inches of snow this season, compared to 127 inches on average.
• The CopperDog 150 in the Keweenaw Peninsula was canceled due to weather.
• The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race in Newberry was canceled due to weather.

“It’s all hands on deck to ensure our small businesses affected by the unseasonable lack of snow across the First District are able to make it through this tough winter,” said US Representative Jack Bergman. “Working together with the Governor, business owners, and local leaders, we will continue to take every step possible to extend necessary resources and assistance to help our communities thrive through this unprecedented winter.”

“The many great businesses that depend on a winter wonderland need this opportunity to access relief funds,” said state Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). “Winter will be back next year, and we want these shops to be open and ready to serve the visitors who come to the UP.”

“The lack of snow this winter has had a profound impact on our local seasonal economies and the people who depend on them, especially in the UP,” said state Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “I appreciate the governor encouraging Michigan’s small businesses to take advantage of the aid that’s available. We all want to ensure our communities remain resilient in the face of these unexpected challenges.”

Forty-two Michigan counties are covered by a disaster designation for drought from the US Department of Agriculture. Through SBA declarations related to those designations, businesses in these counties may be eligible for emergency loans that offset their business losses if the loss is related to the drought.

There are the 42 counties covered by four different SBA drought declarations, including nine counties from the UP. Where two declarations cover one county, businesses can apply under either declaration. Applicable SBA declarations and relevant deadlines are as follows:

• Alger – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
• Delta – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
• Dickinson – Drought Declaration #20209, Deadline 11/27/24
• Gogebic – Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024
• Iron – Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024
• Luce – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
• Mackinac – Drought Declaration #20133, Deadline 8/12/2024 OR Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
• Marquette – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
• Menominee – Drought Declaration #20175, Deadline 9/26/2024
• Ontonagon – Drought Declaration #18175, Deadline 5/13/2024

The CEO of InvestUP says they’re also trying to work on getting the other UP counties included in the drought declaration.

“For those counties that are not yet part of the declaration not to give up hope, because I do believe that conversation continues with the administration and the SBA to determine whether or not there is a path to getting them declared,” said Marty Fittante, InvestUP CEO.

Fittante also says this is just the first step in letting businesses know help could be on the way.

“Hopefully it’s not only a tool, but it also gives hope to those businesses that have been impacted that others are aware of the light of their suffering and others are invested in trying to do what they can to try to bring some tools to them to provide some relief.”

“The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is very appreciative of the work by the Governor’s office, the Small Business Administration and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to provide disaster relief funding, which will help many Michigan ski areas that are vital job providers and assets to our communities but suffering critical visitation and revenue losses due to weather, with reduced staffing and limited operations during key visitation times,” said Mickey MacWilliams, president and executive director of MSIA. “This has been a challenging winter all across the state but we will persevere, and even with the mild temperatures, many Michigan ski areas are still open to welcome guests.”

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are designed to help businesses through disaster situations that have impacted their economic well-being. Loans are up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Businesses pay no interest on the loan for the first year and a maximum rate of 4% for the rest of the loan period. Businesses must apply by the application deadline for their county.

Submit applications and find additional disaster assistance information at https://lending.sba.gov. Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech-related disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Applicants may also contact the Michigan Small Business Development Center at 1-833-522-0025 or email [email protected].

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