With the weather outside becoming frightful, many small businesses in Michigan are wondering how they'll survive as COVID-19 spreads more easily in crowded, indoor places.
The state of Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has teamed up with the Small Business Association of Michigan to provide $3 million in grants to help with efforts to protect customers from the elements.
Eligible businesses may apply to receive between $1,000 and $10,000 in funding for weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities, while eligible municipalities and local organizations may apply to receive up to $15,000, according to a news release from the organizations. The funds come from the state's share of funding from the federal CARES Act, passed during the first wave of coronavirus infections last spring.
Eligible businesses for the grants include restaurants and/or bars, banquet centers, retail stores, gyms, as well as local governments.
"There's no question that these weatherization grants are going to make a real difference for Michigan's small businesses this winter," SBAM President Brian Calley said in the release. "Fully utilizing outdoor seating and capacity has been critical to businesses across the state in their efforts to operate safely through this COVID-19 pandemic. And with winter weather diminishing that capacity, providing businesses with the assistance they need to expand and weatherize their outdoor capacity is an important way to help small businesses stay afloat but keep everyone safe this winter."
Companies with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible for the funding. Applications for the grants will open next week at miwintergrants.org/submit.
The grants can be used to construct temporary structures such as canopies and igloos or purchase portable heaters, outdoor furniture and tableware, cooking equipment, and other related safety and security upgrades necessary to increase outdoor capacity for carryout and delivery services.
"We are proud to continue to partner with SBAM to provide our small businesses with resources to protect their employees, customers and communities from the spread of COVID- 19," LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin said in the release. "Throughout the pandemic, Michigan's small businesses have done their part to keep our economy open by following proper safety regulations. These federal grants will help them fund temporary outdoor facilities and increase customer capacity while ensuring their workplaces are safe during our cold winter ahead."
Source: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/small-business/3-million-grants-available-small-businesses-outfit-their-spaces-winter