Economic Relief Task Force (COVID-19)
Cornerstone Alliance has created a task force to connect local businesses with resources that will be made available by local organizations, as well as the state and federal government. The 
Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as local funds from Cornerstone Alliance are being made available to help small businesses navigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Details on all of these programs can be found below. If your business experienced a loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, complete this brief survey about your business and our team will get back to you quickly. The survey will allow you to be kept up-to-date on information and programs provided at the local, state and federal levels.
If you have additional questions, please contact Stephanie Scott-Sims or Christina Frank via email.
Employer Toolkit by Spectrum Health Lakeland
A Plan for Local Employers by your Local Healthcare Provider
Plan to Safely Reopen Michigan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer established a plan to safely reopen Michigan in six phases. View the plan below.
MI Safe Start - A Plan to Re-Engage Michigan's Economy
Financial Resource Programs
Rent and Mortgage Payment Program
The Berrien Community Foundation, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered to create a zero-interest loan program for Berrien County businesses and nonprofit entities that have a rent or mortgage payment due.
Rent and Mortgage Payment Program (RAMPP)
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Businesses in Michigan have access to low-interest loans for small businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. You can find application information and additional resources here.
SBA Microloan Program at Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is an SBA intermediary that provides microloan funding for small businesses. Microloans are available for $500 to $50,000 to businesses located in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Microloans can be combined with the SBA EIDL loan program. If you have an existing microloan, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance under the microloan program. For more information about the microloan program, visit here.
Save Small Business Grants by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States. The Save Small Business Fund is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Save Small Business Initiative—a nationwide effort to address small business owners’ immediate needs, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize the long-term support the small business community needs for recovery. For more information on eligibility, grant timeline, and more, visit savesmallbusiness.com. You can provide your email address on the page and you will be notified when the grant application becomes available.
Manufacturing or Donating Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
If your business has the ability to manufacture or donate personal protection equipment to those responding to the coronavirus pandemic, you are encouraged to visit the Pure Michigan Business Connect Portal (here) for guidance on supplier, donator and procurement needs.
Education
Futures for Frontliners
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders in education, business, labor and workforce development, launched the nation’s first program offering tuition-free college to an estimated 625,000 Michiganders who provided essential, frontline services during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April – June 2020. If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity, click here.
Latest News
Here is the most recent guidance from Berrien County, the State of Michigan and the SBA.
US Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Guidance on Coronavirus
Berrien County Economic Support Questionnaire - if your business has been negatively impacted, there could be additional funds available from FEMA. Visit this site to complete a short survey detailing the impact of Executive Order 2020-09.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Reopen Main Street - Strategies and Ideas for Businesses
The Microloan Program and Women’s Business Center are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made requested at least two weeks in advance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Cornerstone Alliance and the Renaissance Development Fund are equal opportunity providers and employers.