PPE Support Grants launched for help with COVID-19 safety measures

To help keep Utah businesses safe during the coronavirus pandemic, the Utah Legislature set aside $5 million in federal CARES Act funds for a COVID-19 PPE Support Grant Program. The initiative, managed by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and known as “Safe in Utah,” began accepting applications on July 20.

The program will provide grants for businesses’ 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 Aug. 31, GOED is required to award at least 75 percent of grant funds to small businesses of 250 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. The grant program is on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain open until funds are used. Details are at utahgoed.info/safe-in-utah.