Gov. Evers: We’re All In Grants Provide Nearly $240 Million Total to Wisconsin Small Businesses
Program targeting sectors hit hardest by COVID-19 largest direct-aid program for small businesses in WEDC history
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) announced almost 55,000 state small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic received approximately $240 million last year through the We’re All In grants program – the largest direct-aid program for small businesses in WEDC history.
“Wisconsin’s small businesses have exemplified remarkable resilience throughout this pandemic, finding new, innovative ways to keep the doors open and the lights on. But it wasn’t easy, and I am glad we were able to provide this critically needed support,” said Gov. Evers. “We aren’t out of the woods just yet, and it is vital that we continue to support our local businesses and their employees to help them get through these tough times.”
In the fall, Phase 2 provided $130 million to more than 26,000 businesses. The program was created by WEDC but received technical and customer service assistance from the DOR. Due to greater demand and limited resources, Phase 2 grants were targeted toward industries hit hardest by the pandemic, as well as diverse businesses and businesses that had not received Phase 1 grants. Businesses received $5,000 awards. Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 grants were aimed at businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue, regardless of industry.
In the late fall, Phase 3, We’re All in For Restaurants, was specifically targeted at food, beverage, and amusement businesses with annual revenues between $1 million and $7 million, with each qualified business receiving $20,000. More than 2,000 received these grants, which were also administered by DOR in collaboration with WEDC.
“The intent for all of the We’re All In grants was to get help to as many small businesses as we could, as quickly as we could,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “I’m pleased WEDC was able to work with DOR to help us identify many of the businesses that were struggling the most.”
“We have seen economic impacts from COVID-19 that are very uneven,” said DOR Secretary Peter Barca. “Some businesses are suffering a great deal while others have seen less impact.”
The DOR and the WEDC have posted a searchable online database of recipients and the amounts they received. Additionally, there is an online interactive data visualization map of the state of Wisconsin which highlights where businesses are located, and what industries received the grants.
More about the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Vaccines for Senior Citizens Start Soon - Graham Kilmer - Jan 19th, 2021
- Gov. Evers Announces New Public Health Emergency, Issues New Face Coverings Order as State Continues Vaccine Distribution - Gov. Tony Evers - Jan 19th, 2021
- State Collecting At-Home COVID-19 Tests - Brady Carlson - Jan 19th, 2021
- Wisconsin Announces 65 and older Adults Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning January 25 - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Jan 19th, 2021
- WI Daily: 1,083 New COVID-19 Cases - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 18th, 2021
- Wisconsin National Guard continues COVID-19 testing throughout the state - Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs - Jan 18th, 2021
- State Losing Top Health Official To Biden Administration - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 18th, 2021
- WI Daily: 9% of Wisconsin Residents Have Tested Positive for COVID-19 - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 17th, 2021
- Cases Down, Deaths Higher in Nursing Homes - Erik Gunn - Jan 17th, 2021
- WI Daily: Record 128 COVID-19 Deaths - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 16th, 2021
Read more about Coronavirus Pandemic here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers, Gov. Whitmer, and Gov. Walz: Trump Administration Must Purchase More Vaccines, Allow States to Purchase Directly
Jan 15th, 2021 by Gov. Tony EversWashington Post Reports Trump Administration Vowed to Release Vaccine; Reserve That Was Already Exhausted