Gov. Evers Announces More Than $140 Million for Wisconsin’s Tourism and Entertainment Industries
LAKE GENEVA — Gov. Tony Evers today announced more than $140 million in grants to businesses and organizations that play an integral role in Wisconsin’s tourism and entertainment industries. The new grant programs will be invested in industries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, including live event venues, movie theaters, summer camps, minor league sports, and the lodging industry. Additional investments will be made in reopening Wisconsin historical sites and marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
“Wisconsin is bouncing back stronger than ever,” said Gov. Evers. “Whether it’s an urban or a rural destination, these investments will help make sure that local venues and businesses come out of this pandemic ready to welcome folks from communities around Wisconsin and across the country. Wisconsin is the best place to live, play, and work, and investing in businesses that promote culture and entertainment in our communities will pay dividends for Wisconsinites and communities across our state.”
The investments announced by Gov. Evers today include:
- $75 million for lodging grants;
- $11.25 million for movie theaters;
- $12 million for live event small businesses;
- $2.8 million for minor league sports teams;
- $10 million for live venues;
- $15 million for destination marketing organizations;
- $8 million for summer camps;
- $1 million for the Wisconsin Historical Society to assist in reopening historical sites; and
- $7.5 million to increase marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
These investments are being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Department of Revenue.
“Gov. Evers’ investments in Wisconsin are making the difference to small businesses, organizations, and all Wisconsinites,” said DOA Secretary Joel Brennan. “Last year, local venues kept their doors closed to help protect their communities. Now that nearly half of all Wisconsinites have received at least one dose of the vaccine, life is returning to normal—minor league ball games are welcoming back families, theaters are reopening, and concert venues are booking new shows. These investments will ensure our communities bounce back stronger than before.”
Individuals and businesses interested in receiving more information about the grants, including application, should sign up to receive alerts here.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Pro-Kid Budget- “This is a Win for Wisconsin’s Kids, Families, and Communities”
Jul 3rd, 2025 by Gov. Tony EversGov. Evers enacts 2025-27 budget to do what’s best for kids and working families by lowering out-of-pocket costs for child care and energy bills, cutting taxes for retirees and middle-class families, making historic investments in the UW System, increasing spendable revenue for schools and special education reimbursement rates, investing in healthcare, local communities, and infrastructure, and supporting Wisconsin’s farmers and veterans
Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address on Tentative Bipartisan Budget Deal with Legislative Leaders
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Gov. Tony EversGovernor secures largest increase to special education reimbursement rate in state history, largest increase to UW System in nearly two decades, and over $330 million to support Wisconsin’s child care industry
Gov. Evers Signs Two Bills Advancing Nuclear Energy Innovation in Wisconsin
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Gov. Tony EversGovernor signs four additional bills filling gaps to ensure kids in crisis can get the close-to-home care they need, strengthening support for statewide child advocacy centers, and supporting workplace safety for local police and fire
