To help keep Utah businesses safe, the Utah Legislature set aside $5 million in federal CARES Act funds for a new COVID-19 PPE Support Grant Program. The initiative, managed by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and known as ‘Safe In Utah,’ begins accepting applications on July 20, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. MDT.
‘Safe In Utah’ includes grants for a business’s COVID-19 response that consists of the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.
“We encourage businesses to do everything they can to help keep their employees and customers safe and healthy,” said Val Hale, GOED’s executive director. “We are pleased the Legislature created this grant program and look forward to helping more Utah companies, particularly small businesses, pay for modifications to their workplace or technology used to support remote work.”
By August 31, 2020, GOED is required to award at least 75% of grant funds to small businesses of 250 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. The grant program is on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain open until funds are used.
The grants are capped per business at the lower amount of 1) $100 per full-time equivalent employee, or 2) the actual expenses a company incurs in taking these health and safety measures.
To learn more about business eligibility, required documents, and additional program details and to submit applications beginning on July 20 at 9:00 a.m. MDT, visit utahgoed.info/safe-in-utah. Brief ‘Safe In Utah’ information with redirects is also in place on coronavirus.utah.gov and business.utah.gov.