Doing Business

COVID Response

Unemployment Benefits Increased and Expanded for Workers Impacted by COVID-19

Under the federal CARES Act, Governor Whitmer signed an agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Department of Labor to expand unemployment benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment insurance. This includes workers who are self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig economy workers, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 per week for up to 4 months and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks.

If someone has already applied for unemployment benefits, they do not need to re-apply at this time. Additional guidance from UIA regarding eligibility and application details will be released in the coming days. Learn more.

Join Thursday's COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation & the Detroit Regional Chamber

On Thursday, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) Chief Business Development Officer Josh Hundt will join the Detroit Regional Chamber for a panel discussion about the emerging Arsenal of Health in Michigan as manufacturing and medical device businesses are stepping up to support the fight against COVID-19.

It will also include a conversation about the ways in which businesses can connect directly with health and human service providers and municipal governments to provide critical supplies. The tele-town hall will conclude with a Q&A session for audience members to participate directly with the panelists and receive answers to their questions in real-time.

View Details and Register Now

Application Now Available for Michigan Small Business Relief Program Funding

Michigan's small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus can now apply for 10 million dollars in grants and 10 million dollars in loans through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program. The funding supports businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.

View Details and Apply Now

Virtual Matchmaking Platform Expands to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Pure Michigan Business Connect program is expanding its free, online procurement platform by now including donations from suppliers capable of filling health and human service needs across a broad range of product and service categories.

The platform is also offering a place for companies with manufacturing capabilities for personal protection equipment to indicate which items (i.e. masks, gowns, ventilators) they are able to produce, along with quantity and timing detail.

Get Started

Additional Resources Available Online

Access additional resources by visiting the MEDC website.

Visit Michigan's page on COVID to find valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities and stay informed on Michigan's latest efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on our state's residents and economy.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan's page on COVID and that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Be Closer to Your Dreams

Fenton is a business-friendly community. Fenton's prime location provides central accessibility to major transportation arteries including U.S.-23 and I-75 for an easy commute to Lansing, Ann Arbor or Detroit.

Recognized as the "Gem of Genesee County", Fenton is a great place to start a business, in part because it's also a great place to live and to raise a family. The quality of life in Fenton has drawn successful entrepreneurs to open businesses from 30-year veterans like The Iron Grate to the new kids on the block, Crust, and more.

The City of Fenton, together with the Fenton Downtown Development Authority and the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation, businesses and residents have been working together to create a business-friendly environment.

Walkability Improvements

Fenton Downtown Development Authority invited walk-ability expert, Dan Burden, to assess Fenton's downtown and recommend improvements for creating a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment.

Master Plan

One of the first steps to achieving any goal is to make a plan. The City of Fenton developed a Master Plan (PDF) in 2007, creating a vision for future public and private investment in the community.

Marketing

The Fenton community is dedicated to spreading the word about Fenton. The website you are currently visiting is part of a comprehensive branding effort that was completed in 2010 to promote Fenton. Look for additional marketing efforts over the coming months like a Shopping, Dining, Arts and Entertainment Guide, billboards, and radio ads.

Wayfinding Program

A system of signs guiding visitors from the entry points of the community through to the major shopping areas and important facilities has been developed. The first signs are scheduled to be installed in 2011.

Contact Lynn Markland, City Manager, or visit these helpful links:

Fenton Retail Market Analysis (PDF)

Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce

City of Fenton Economic Development Department

Genesee County SBTDC