New Grants for Organizations to Expand Capacity this Winter

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will offer roughly $3,000,000 in grants for qualifying organizations to expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities.

Grants will be awarded to Michigan-based businesses, organizations and nonprofits with 50 or fewer full-time employees. Eligible organizations are limited to the following:

• Restaurants and/or bars
• Banquet centers
• Retail stores
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Local governments that provide common space for businesses
• Commercial property owners who provide common space for tenants

The grant application opens on Wednesday, November 18, at noon. Funds will be awarded based on a first-come, first-served basis. At least ten grants will be given to each of Michigan’s prosperity regions.

Projects that would qualify for the grant include:

• Temporary structures 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 to increase capacity for carryout and delivery service

Visit the SBA website to learn more about the application process, review requirements and submit an application.