New Grants for Qualified Small Businesses
to Expand Capacity this Winter
At Least $3,000,000 in Funds Available
Application Opens Wednesday, November 18th at Noon
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is providing federal CARES Act funds to help qualifying small businesses expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities.
If your business is eligible and may benefit from this opportunity, SBAM recommends being prepared to apply when the applications open on November 18, 2020 at Noon EST.
Who is eligible?
Michigan-based commercial firms and nonprofits with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in these industries:
- Restaurants and/or bars
- Banquet centers
- Retail stores
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Local governments, including cities, townships, villages and counties that provide common space for businesses
- Commercial property owners who provide common space for tenants
Grants will be awarded to eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis with special consideration given to awarding at least 10 grants in each of Michigan’s prosperity regions.
Application Process
- Consider what weatherization you could do at your business to expand capacity; or consider what you have done since August 1, 2020 to add capacity for the winter.
- Submit your application beginning November 18, 2020 at Noon EST (link will be on SBAM's site once live)
- Upon grant award, make your approved improvements/purchases or move to Step 4 if your updates are complete.
- Submit your receipt for reimbursement. Purchases must be made between August 1, 2020 – December 30, 2020. All receipts are due no later than January 15, 2021.
Here are some projects that would qualify for this grant:
- Temporary structures, such as canopies, igloos and tents, to cover outdoor seating
- Portable heaters
- Outdoor furniture and tableware
- Outdoor cooking equipment
- Fencing; dividers such as planters, hangings, or Plexiglas panels
- Sanitizing supplies and equipment
- Security devices
- Electronic menu access
- Upgrades necessary to increase capacity for carryout and delivery service
- Delivery charges and labor for installation.
All funds must be used in support of weatherization of outdoor capacity expansions. Construction of permanent structures is not an allowable use.
