38 | JUNE 11 • 2020 

A

fter Michigan Gov. 
Gretchen Whitmer’
s 
June 1 announcement 
allowing most businesses to 
reopen, small business owners 
need to ensure that they are 
compliant with 
the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief, 
and Economic 
Security (CARES) 
Act that safe-
guards the health 
of employees and 
customers.
Many Jewish business own-
ers are turning to Lindsay 
Sikora, owner and founder 
of Sikora Business Solutions, 
a consulting company aimed 
at providing business owners 
with the tools they need to 
succeed, including helping 
them create and implement a 
plan to reopen their business-
es during this unprecedent-
ed time. 
Sikora, a Hillel Day School 
alumna who attends services 
at Temple Shir Shalom, is also 
the owner and founder of 
Sikora Law Firm, where she 
specializes in insurance lia-
bility law, commercial litiga-
tion and business transactions. 
She’
s also co-owner, with her 
husband, of True Martial Arts 
in West Bloomfield.
“Business owners need 
to put a plan in place that 
provides for sick leave for 
employees who test positive 
for COVID-19 and a designat-
ed space where those who are 
exhibiting symptoms can iso-
late,” she said. “They also need 
to ensure they’
re following 
CDC social distancing guide-

lines.” Guidelines include use 
of PPE and face coverings.
Sikora recommends busi-
ness owners check out the 
OSHA website. “OSHA has 
a great set of guidelines that 
outline a 10-step process,” she 
said. “Business owners also 
need to familiarize themselves 
with the CARES Act to tailor 
their illness protocols and sick 
leave policies.
“Companies also need to 
have the new labor law poster 
visible where employees can 
see it,” she added.
She’
s also counseling busi-
nesses to designate a “COVID 
director,” one person responsi-
ble for ensuring guidelines are 
being followed and people are 
kept safe.
Business owners could face 
liability if employees or cus-
tomers fall ill with COVID-19, 
but those who follow all the 
guidelines and show due dili-
gence in protecting the people 
on their premises are likely to 
be able to defend themselves 
effectively, Sikora said.
“Most business owners 
have been in survival mode, 
but now is the time to adapt,” 
she said. “There is so much 
more employers can do now 
to make lasting changes to 
improve their businesses.”
Sikora said that many of the 
business owners she’
s been 
working with feel nervous and 
overwhelmed, “but most are 
excited to reopen, and as they 
educate their employees about 
changes that will help their 
businesses adapt and grow, 
that excitement is shining 
through.” 

Ready to Reopen

Consultant provides advice to small business
owners excited to get back to business.

JACKIE HEADAPOHL ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lindsay 
Sikora

business SPOTlight

DFAA: 248-672-3207 DetroitFAA.com
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