Small businesses in Milwaukee County can apply for emergency financial assistance grants
Small businesses that are experiencing financial emergencies due to the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for grants through Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced the Small Business Initiative Program Thursday. Businesses will be able to receive grants ranging from $7,500 to $20,000.
Crowley said the county estimates that area businesses could lose more than $100 million this year.
“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, very few of us expected to still be in such an intense fight against the disease six months later, but today we are still working hard to keep Milwaukee County residents safe and provide economic relief for those trying to keep their heads above water,” Crowley said in a news release.
“The relief programs we’re rolling out today couldn’t come at a better time as gridlock continues to stall the second round of federal aid. We have an opportunity to invest in equity by offering aid to diverse small businesses without access to large cash reserves or reasonable business loans. We know that businesses and workers that power the economy in Milwaukee County can’t wait – they need help now.”
The grant program is open for businesses that have an immediate financial emergency because of COVID-19. Priority will be given to enterprises in historically underserved places that don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital.
The county is also investing $3.5 million of relief funds into the Community Resource Navigator Employment Program that will help add 275 to 300 new employment opportunities and increase the number of placements in the program.