Monday, June 7, 2021
Media Contact: Camara Lewis, 517-930-4928

As the economy continues to open back up and employers strive to keep their employees, customers and communities safe from COVID-19, the State of Michigan has launched another round of funding for the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses, including eligible childcare centers, matching funds of up to $10,000 to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training.

The grant application window will be open from Monday, June 7. through Friday, June 18, with awards given shortly thereafter. Grants received after June 18, will be held pending a potential third phase, if funds remain available.

“Employers need to remain vigilant to ensure workers, customers and communities are safe from COVID-19,” said Sean Egan, Michigan COVID-19 workplace safety director. “We’ve seen success with an earlier round of funding and are confident the additional financial support will help keep Michiganders safe.”

Small employers interested in applying must have fewer than 250 employees, provide a copy of their COVID-19 safety plan, and a description of how funds will help improve workplace safety for employees, customers and their communities. Additional information on grant funding can be found in the program brochure.

“These grants support Michigan’s small businesses in efforts to establish safer and healthier work environments,” Bart Pickelman, MIOSHA director said.

Examples of how grant funding may be utilized:

• Purchasing supplies/materials such as sneeze guards, physical barriers, face coverings and hand washing/hygiene stations.
• Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gowns, gloves and eye protection.
• Training to educate employees about the spread and dangers of COVID-19.

These grants are intended to supplement costs of safety mitigation measures put in place by businesses during the height of the pandemic. This is a reimbursement program, and to be eligible for grant funding, goods must have been purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2021.

To apply, businesses need to complete the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant application.

Grants are provided through SB 690 appropriation of federal CARES Act funding and will be awarded until grant funding is expended. Grant awards are limited to one per company. In this round of the safety grant application, a designated $500,000 is available for non-in-home, licensed childcare centers. The remaining portion will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more about MIOSHA’s efforts to protect Michigan’s workforce during the pandemic and for information on the latest workplace safety guidance at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.