We’re All In grants help businesses bounce back
Gov. Tony Evers has announced $75 million in assistance for small businesses, as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) “We’re All In initiative.” The initative is 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, this 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 with the costs of business interruption, or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages and inventory.
Businesses will be able to apply for grant assistance in early June.
“Wisconsinites have done an incredible job of banding together throughout this crisis, and it’s more important than ever for us to continue respecting each other, supporting each other, holding each other accountable and protecting those who are vulnerable,” said Evers. “We are still encouraging people to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and take protective measures, like wearing a mask in public, but as more businesses continue to reopen around the state, we need to go all in on doing this together.”
Grant recipients will become We’re All In businesses by committing to safety protocols, and using them in their shops, cafes and places of work, to protect their customers, employees and communities. This network of Main Street businesses, will form the backbone of the We’re All In initiative, along with support from major Wisconsin businesses, communities and other associations.
“These grants will help businesses in the short term, and we need Wisconsinites to join our long-term economic recovery, by supporting those small businesses as patrons and customers,” said Evers. “We know that folks need to feel safe and confident as employees and consumers for this to work, so that is why we need to be all in together.”
