GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan is releasing a free app to help businesses, nonprofits and other organizations find personal protection equipment and connect with other valuable resources connected to the coronavirus pandemic.

The BBB says it’s important that businesses of all sizes have a safe way to purchase items needed to open under government guidelines and recommendations — a process complicated by online scams advertising face masks and other PPE. The BBB app lists local companies offering these products, allowing businesses to buy with confidence.

“As businesses reopen and welcome staff and customers it is important they have the supplies necessary to ensure their equipment and environment are clean and safe,” said Phil Catlett, president of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. “This app can help organizations connect with local businesses. This not only helps companies reopen in a safe way, but it helps the local economy.”

The BBB is asking other local companies that are selling masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and other protective items to add themselves to its list inside the app. The app also features valuable resources for specific industries surrounding COVID-19 and reopening their business.

This is a huge benefit to the community,” said Isaac Oswalt, owner of 21 Handshake. “To have a central source to stay up to date on what COVID limitations mean to them, the industries they work in or support, and simple overall awareness.”

The BBB app can be found at https://bbbwmi.glideapp.io/ and is available for mobile devices or desktop computers.