MEDC Creates Online Platform Designed to Locate, Offer Supplies Needed During COVID-19 Outbreak

The Pure Michigan Business Connect program of Lansing’s Michigan Economic Development Corp. is expanding its free online procurement and donation assistance platform by including donations from suppliers capable of filling health and human service needs.
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medical and first aid supplies
The Pure Michigan Business Connect’s online procurement and donation assistance platform offers a free ecosystem of medical supplies and other necessities. // Stock photo

The Pure Michigan Business Connect program of Lansing’s Michigan Economic Development Corp. is expanding its free online procurement and donation assistance platform by including donations from suppliers capable of filling health and human service needs.

The platform will provide direct access to businesses within the state providing supplies including personal protection equipment, food, medical devices, paper products, cleaning equipment, and more.

“This virtual matchmaking platform builds on the significant success of PMBC in providing supply chain sourcing solutions by supporting critical COVID-19 response efforts, as well as creating opportunities for small and medium-sized Michigan businesses,” says Mark Burton, CEO of the MEDC. “This is part of a comprehensive effort to ensure that every possible resource is made available to service providers, businesses, communities, entrepreneurs, and others in the face of economic and operational hardships resulting from coronavirus.”

The platform will give Michigan service providers and municipalities access to introductions with businesses in the state to source supplies to serve patients, staff, or community members affected by the outbreak.

Organizations that could benefit include childcare facilities, community centers, educational institutions, health care facilities, municipalities, food distribution centers, homeless shelters, nonprofits, and more, although many of these are closed.

Items to donate include personal protection equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cleaning supplies, testing supplies, textiles, paper products, food, vitamins, water, and more.

The platform also will offer a place for companies with manufacturing capabilities for personal protection equipment to indicate which items they are able to produce, along with quantity and timing information. It is available here.

The matchmaking solution is the latest effort by the corporation to support Michigan businesses and communities as they are impacted by COVID-19. Other resources for small businesses are available here.

The update follows the authorization by the Michigan Strategic Fund to fund the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, which will provide up to $20 million in grants and loans to support businesses facing reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce. It authorizes the corporation to provide up to $10 million in small business grants and $10 million small business loans.

The corporation anticipates that at least 1,100 businesses in Michigan will benefit from this program, which will be a top priority. Funds are expected to be available no later than April 1.

A COVID-19 hotline is available at 1 (888) 535-6136 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. It details the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of the virus.