$2,500 Available for Small Businesses

New assistance for small businesses is available as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In initiative, a comprehensive effort to celebrate and help Wisconsin’s small businesses get back on their feet and support best practices to keep businesses, consumers, employees and communities safe.

Funded largely by federal dollars received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the $75 million initiative will provide direct assistance to small businesses most impacted by the duration and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $2,500 cash grants will assist small businesses with 20 or fewer employees with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. 

Up to 30,000 businesses may receive the grants. More details about the program will be available later this month with businesses able to apply for the grant assistance in June.

The initiative also includes best practices for businesses to keep employees, customers, and communities safe throughout the COVID-19 crisis. These guides were developed in consultation with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Department of Safety and Professional Services, as well as industry leaders and public health experts throughout the state. They are found on WEDC’s website at: wedc.org/reopen-guidelines.