Grant program opens up for restaurant workers hurt by shutdown

Unemployed hospitality workers have until January 25 to apply for a one-time grant of up to $1,650 from the state of Michigan.

The money comes from a $45 million program approved as part of COVID relief package passed by the state legislature late last year.

Unlike previous programs, this money is not being distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Instead, a panel organized by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association will filter through all the applications received between now and January 25.

The money is intended for people who lost their jobs as a direct result of COVID restrictions enacted by the state on November 18.

Applications are limited to people in the following industries:

• Restaurants
• Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfast, Resorts
• Bars
• Food Trucks
• Bowling Alleys
• Theaters
• Nightclubs
• Golf Courses
• Banquet Halls
• Caterers
• Casinos
• Cafeterias

You can find more information and apply here.