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 provided on this website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/covidlafund.shtml (make sure to scroll to the bottom).
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.
For more information, you can visit the Maryland Business Express website at https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
