The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is encouraging manufacturers and their workforce/non-profit partners to apply for a share of $260,000 in funding to develop and implement transportation programs that improve employee retention, productivity and access to work.

The Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program builds on the recently-released Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook that helps Michigan businesses address workforce transportation challenges. The deadline to apply for the transportation pilot grant is Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

“This Reliable Rides Incentive Grant funding opportunity is about helping Michiganders overcome transportation challenges so they can build better lives,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When we remove barriers to getting to work, we’re giving people the chance to secure and keep good-paying jobs — and that means stronger families and stronger communities across our state.”

LEO anticipates awarding competitive grants to 12–20 small or medium-sized manufacturers (1,000 or fewer employees) located in Michigan or to workforce organizations/non-profits with a named small or medium-sized employer partner. A total of $260,000 in funding is available through this pilot program. Individual grant awards will be up to $20,000 per grantee with final amounts scaled based on the transportation model selected and the scope of implementation.

Learn more and view the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program Request for Proposals document.

To learn more about other automotive workforce initiatives, visit Michigan.gov/AutoWorkforceHub. Read the full Reliable Rides Grant press release.