To help small businesses across the State of Michigan successfully navigate the winter ahead and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) is partnering with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to administer at least $3 million in weatherization grants to assist qualified small businesses with expanding outdoor capacity during the cold weather months.
InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante, expressed his gratitude to SBAM and LEO for making this funding available but stressed that the funding was limited and available on a first come first serve basis. “With the nature of our economy and our winters, this funding is as appreciated as it is helpful. But it is critical that eligible businesses in the U.P. understand that this funding is first come, first serve, and will not come near satisfying the need that will exist. So, U.P. businesses need to be prepared, be persistent and act immediately.
Applications must be submitted beginning at noon EST on November 18, 2020.
Eligible businesses may apply to receive between $1,000 – $10,000 in funding for weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities, while eligible municipalities and local organizations may apply to receive up to $15,000.
LEO identified COVID-19 federal funding to assist Michigan businesses in their winterization efforts and the grants are provided through the federal CARES Act.
Commercial firms and nonprofits with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in the following industries are eligible to apply for funding:
- 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
Michigan-based business owners and other eligible applicants can use the grant funds for winterization projects like:
- Temporary structures such as canopies and igloos
- Purchase 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 and the construction of permanent structures is not an allowable use. Grant funds are available for purchases made between August 1, 2020 – December 30, 2020.
Interested businesses are invited to submit an application for weatherization grants on www.MiWinterGrants.org.
For full details and to learn more visit SBAM.org/weather.
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