Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Labor have
announced additional funding is available beginning Wednesday, October
28th through the successful COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, which is
designed to support businesses undergoing economic stresses due to the pandemic
by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs.
The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and
customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for
layoffs.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE?
? Maryland
businesses that have 500 employees or fewer based within the State;
? Are
up-to-date on Unemployment Insurance taxes and in good standing with the
Comptroller of Maryland and MD Labor;
? Have not
received a previous award from COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, and
? Can
demonstrate a need for layoff aversion support due to the impacts of
COVID-19.
WHAT COULD I USE THE FUNDS FOR?
? NEW! SPENDING
REIMBURSEMENT - MD Labor will consider
reimbursement for permissible activities dating back to the beginning of the
State of Emergency (March 5, 2020). Applicants must submit
receipts and/or other relevant documentation with their initial application;
?
Support teleworking efforts from home versus being laid off -
funds can help cover the cost of purchasing remote access (ex. computers,
printers, etc.) equipment, or purchasing software or programs that an
employee would need to use from home;
? Supporting
businesses that take advantage of the Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program -
by supplementing the employee’s income and benefits;
? Providing
funds to cover the costs of cleaning/sanitizing supplies and/or
services that will allow a small business to maintain an onsite workforce as a
result of exposure reduction through frequent deep cleaning;
? Paying
for liability insurance for restaurants that convert to delivery while
under emergency circumstances;
? Providing
funds for training or professional development opportunities for
employees to avoid layoffs; and
? Adopting
other creative approaches and strategies to reduce or eliminate the need for
layoffs in the small business community.
NOTE: This funding is not for
rent, hazard pay, purchase of motor vehicles, marketing costs, costs related to
support services such as childcare, transportation costs, lodging, or
meals. This funding is not for
employee wages unless approved for Unemployment Work Sharing participation.
GREAT! HOW DO I APPLY?
To apply
to the COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, a business must first
complete the application here. website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/covidlafund.shtml.
At minimum, a completed application must provide:
? a
completed budget including the amount of funds requested and a brief itemized
description of all costs;
? the
number of employees affected and a staff roster;
? a brief
profile of the business including Employer ID#, address, and contact
information;
? a brief
narrative describing the layoff aversion plan and need for funds;
? a copy of
the organization's Certification of Good Standing; available here: (https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch);
? a copy of
the organizations W-9 form, and,
? a
commitment to keep employees on staff through 45 calendar days from the
date of the grant award.
Eligible
businesses should submit completed applications electronically to: LaborCOVID19.layoffaversion2@maryland.gov for
consideration by the MD Labor Review Team. Applications will be accepted
and reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. Applications MUST remain in Microsoft Excel format. Do
not submit the application in PDF format.
