The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is opening up a second round of grants for eligible small businesses. These grants are the result of an additional $50 million in funding made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for Wisconsin businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Phase 1 of this program is closed, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is now administering Phase 2 of the program in partnership with WEDC.
The program is offering grants of $5,000 to eligible small businesses with annual revenue of up to $1 million that have less than 50 full-time equivalent employees. In addition to helping Wisconsin’s small businesses get back on their feet, the aim of the program is also to encourage businesses to pledge to observe certain health and safety guidelines in their facilities to protect employees, customers, and the community at large. Eligible applicants will be ranked with priority given to businesses that did not receive a grant from WEDC in Phase 1, have minority ownership, and are in an industry with the greatest negative impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants amounts will be $5,000 per eligible applicant and paid out based on rank in descending order until all funds are dispersed.
The program has begun accepting applications as of Monday, October 19th and will end on Monday, November 2nd.