LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a bizarre turn of events, Michigan is experiencing a winter so warm that snowmen are considering early retirement. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, known for shoveling through political challenges, is now urging small businesses hit hard by the snow shortage to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Michiganders are used to tough winters, but this year’s record-setting warm winter has been tough in a different way, causing economic hardships for small businesses and regional economies that rely on snow,” said Governor Whitmer.

Businesses in 42 Michigan counties eligible for SBA assistance.

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The governor went on to say, “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.”

With temperatures soaring to record highs, and February and March days surpassing 60 degrees, what Gov. Whitmer is talking about are the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans that are available because of the ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 42 Michigan counties.

Republicans are on board with Whitmer’s advice.

Encouraging businesses to apply for the SBA support appears to be bipartisan with lawmakers in the northern parts of the state including Republican U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, who represents northern lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, saying, “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.”

He adds, “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.”

State Senator Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) echoes the sentiment, stressing the importance of providing relief funds to businesses that thrive in a winter wonderland. “The many great businesses that depend on a winter wonderland need this chance to access relief funds. Winter will be back next year, and we want these shops to be open and ready to serve the visitors who come to the U.P.”

State Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) also highlights the severe impact of the warm winter on businesses dependent on snow, expressing concerns about their ability to sustain operations until summer. He says, “This winter has been especially hard on our businesses that rely on snow. From ski hills to hotels and restaurants, many businesses I’ve spoken to are concerned whether they can even make it to the summer.”