The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) encouraging organizations who can assist Michiganders with removing barriers to employment to apply for funding from the $14.6 million Barrier Removal and Employment Success Expansion Grant Program.

“The $14.6 million Barrier Removal and Employment Success investment provides critical resources to partner organizations across the state who are joining us to close equity gaps and ensure all Michiganders have a path to economic prosperity,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “By removing barriers to employment, we are creating more opportunities for Michiganders to succeed in good-paying careers and helping the state’s employers address critical talent shortages.”

Eligible applicants for funding include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, educational institutions, Michigan Works! agencies, private for-profit agencies, private non-profit agencies, and other established, experienced providers of supportive services.

The funding will facilitate diversity, equity and inclusion, increasing opportunities to remove barriers to employment for at-risk individuals, including the Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) population.

“The ALICE population are individuals working, yet still struggling to make ends meet or are one crisis away from poverty – and the Barrier Removal and Employment Success program is an innovative solution that directly addresses barriers that prevent these Michiganders from securing and retaining good-paying jobs,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. “Participants will receive the support they need to secure a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

The grant program supports the recommendations of the Michigan Poverty Task Force, whose goal is to address the disparities that affect Michiganders’ abilities to afford necessities such as housing, childcare, food, health care and transportation.

Proposals will be accepted beginning Tuesday, September 19, 2023. The application deadline is Friday, October 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Awards will be announced Tuesday, November 28, 2023. The grant period is anticipated to begin December 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025.

More information about the Request for Proposals opportunity is available at Michigan.gov/BRES. For questions regarding the Barrier Removal and Employment Success program and this RFP opportunity, contact Workforce Development Targeted Services Division at LEO-TSDIV@michigan.gov