State updates COVID-19 PPE Support Grant Program, ups amount awarded per employee

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has announced that the COVID-19 Support Grant Program, known as “Safe In Utah,” has changed its grant amounts from $100 awarded per full-time employee to $250.

To help keep Utah businesses safe, the Utah Legislature set aside $5 million in federal CARES Act funds for “Safe In Utah.” Version 2 of this initiative began accepting applications last week.

"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 and help keep employees and customers healthy.

“We hope these new changes will help more businesses apply and receive funds from this program,” said Val Hale, GOED’s executive director. “‘Safe In Utah’ is a great program to help businesses do everything they can to keep employees and the public healthy.”

The grants are capped per business at the lower amount of  $250 per full-time equivalent employee or the company’s actual or anticipated expenses in taking these health and safety measures.

Details on the program can be found at utahgoed.info/safe-in-utah.