Apply NOW for Weatherization Grants

Application Process Opened at Noon EST on Wednesday, November 18th at www.MiWinterGrants.org

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.

Eligible small businesses may apply for $1,000 - $10,000 in grant funding. Commercial property owners and municipalities will be considered for grants of up to $15,000.

Who is eligible?

Michigan-based commercial firms and nonprofits with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in these industries:

• Restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries
• Event and 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 for the above types of businesses to expand capacity

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. For a complete eligibility list, visit our website.

Application Process

1. 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.
2. Submit your application beginning November 18, 2020 at Noon EST on www.MiWinterGrants.org
3. Grants will be awarded in approximately 2 weeks. Upon grant award, make your approved improvements/purchases or move to Step 4 if your updates are complete.
4. 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.
5. You can expect to receive your reimbursement within 6 weeks of submitting your receipt.

   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.