Gov. Evers Awards More Than $27 Million in Grants to Event Venues and Live Event Small Businesses

BELMONT — Gov. Tony Evers awarded more than $27 million in grants to 204 event venues and live event small businesses throughout the state as part of his $140 million investment to support Wisconsin’s tourism and entertainment industries.

“These businesses play a critical role in building a strong economy as they bring people together from all over the state and country for weddings, family reunions, business conferences, and so much more,” said Gov. Evers. “From Belmont to Washington Island, these funds will help bolster more than 200 small businesses and event venues across our state, which are an essential part of our communities and our state’s entertainment industries.”

“By making these funds available, Gov. Evers continues to support economic recovery for our tourism and entertainment industries and the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy,” said Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Joel Brennan. “So many faced challenges over the last two years, and now as we head into the holiday season, these grants are giving our communities an extra reason to celebrate.”

The event venue and live event small business assistance grants were created to address the revenue shortfalls experienced by event venues and small businesses that cater to live events during the pandemic. The combined programs are funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act and administered by DOA. Applications for the grants opened Sept. 16, 2021, and closed on Oct. 15, 2021. A list of grant awardees and additional information can be found here:

Event Venue Assistance Grants

Live Event Small Business Assistance Grants

For updates on other recovery-related grant opportunities, sign up for the Badger Bounceback update list.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.