Three Michigan Businesses Receive $60,000 for Employee Transportation

Grant funding will help address workforce transportation challenges and improve job access.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:48pm

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The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $60,000 in grant funding to three businesses - Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church of Flint, Manthei Wood Products, and LM Manufacturing - to develop and implement transportation programs that will help with employee retention and overcome commuting barriers.

Why it matters

Access to reliable transportation is a significant employment barrier, especially in areas without robust public transit. This grant program aims to improve workforce stability and job access by providing dependable commuting options for workers.

The details

The Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program is designed to help Michigan businesses address transportation challenges faced by their employees. The $60,000 in funding will allow the three recipient organizations to create and implement new transportation programs to support their workers.

  • The grant funding was awarded on April 1, 2026.

The players

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

The state government agency that oversees workforce development and economic initiatives in Michigan.

Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church of Flint

A church in Flint, Michigan that received grant funding to address transportation needs for its employees.

Manthei Wood Products

A Michigan-based wood products manufacturer that received grant funding to improve transportation options for its workers.

LM Manufacturing

A Michigan manufacturing company that received grant funding to develop new transportation programs for its employees.

Stephanie Beckhorn

The deputy director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training.

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What they’re saying

“Transportation has been cited as a significant employment barrier. This innovative grant program funding will help Michiganders overcome transportation challenges, giving them the chance to secure and keep good-paying jobs.”

— Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director, Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

What’s next

The three recipient organizations will use the grant funding to develop and implement new transportation programs for their employees over the next 12 months.

The takeaway

This grant program demonstrates the importance of addressing transportation barriers to employment, especially in areas with limited public transit options. By providing dependable commuting solutions, businesses can improve workforce stability, reduce turnover, and give more Michiganders access to good jobs.