Weatherization Grants

Due to high demand, the applications for the weatherization grants closed at 11:59pm Wednesday, November 18th. Nearly 3,000 applications were received, totaling $24,000,000 in requests. There are $3,000,000 in available funds, and we are working through the first group of submissions to verify eligibility on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis.

$3,000,000 in Funds Ready to Be Awarded

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.

A tremendous number of applications were received on November 18, 2020. Our team will begin reviewing applications for qualified businesses with eligible projects soon. Grants will be awarded to eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis with at least 10 grants in each of Michigan’s prosperity regions. Applicants can expect to learn more within the next 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

Applications are now closed. Here’s what to expect next:

Grant applications will be reviewed to confirm eligible businesses and projects.
Grant awards will begin within the next two weeks (first week of December 2020)
Upon grant award, businesses can make approved improvements/purchases (purchases or invoices must be generated between August 1, 2020 – December 30, 2020)
Upload receipts/invoices prior to January 15, 2021.
Receive reimbursement approximately 6 weeks after receipt submission.

Eligibility Requirements

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

An entity which meets the definition of “food service establishment” under MCL 289.1107 or is licensed as a food establishment by MDARD, excluding soda fountains, industrial feeding establishments, private organizations serving the public, rental halls, catering kitchens, theaters, commissaries, food concessions;
A local governmental unit, private business, or non-profit entity, a downtown development tax increment finance authority directly incurring costs by creating temporary spaces or amenities for cold weather outdoor operations of multiple local businesses or for public use (such as new picnic tables, or a commons area within a designated social district as permitted by 124 PA 2020);
A business which hold any of the following credentials from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission: a Tavern license, a Class C license, or a manufacturer with an On-Premises Tasting Room Permit;
Aerobics and sports class facilities, fitness centers, gyms, health spas and wellness centers; and
Final-consumer, fixed location retailers;
Banquet and event centers.

Add Temporary Capacity in Colder Months

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 and 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.