Companies that shift or accelerate their manufacturing capabilities to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and gowns used by frontline health care professionals fighting COVID-19 can apply for grants from a $700,000 fund created by Oakland County.
County Executive David Coulter said the personal protection equipment "Saving Business, Saving Lives" grant provides immediate capital for Oakland County companies to ramp up production of PPE or those that can convert operations to produce critically important equipment needed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The county has more than 500 businesses that are clothing and sewing manufacturers, plastics and 3D printing and automotive and paint suppliers.
"We know this is a critical time for our health care professionals and first responders who are desperately short of needed protective equipment but continue to risk their lives helping save others during the coronavirus pandemic," Coulter said.
"We also know there is incredible manufacturing might in our county and these companies want to answer the call. This grant will help them respond to this crisis while infusing them with a boost to move quickly."
A business applying for a grant must demonstrate the ability to execute the project during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eligible use of funds includes:
- Procuring necessary equipment to manufacture supplies
- Logistics, shipping, technology upgrades
- Other costs related to operationalizing new product lines.
Interested companies can apply at https://www.oakgov.com/covid/businessrelief/Pages/Saving-Businesses-Saving-Lives-Grant.aspx. The $700,000 grant is part of a $1.85 million small business stabilization fund created by Coulter and the county Board of Commissioners. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation also awarded the county a $1.15 million grant.
Published: Tue, Apr 14, 2020
