A state program offering grants to small businesses to address the COVID-19 pandemic is opening up for a second round of applications.

Phase 2 of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In Small Business Grant program will offer grants of $5,000 based upon a business’s annual revenue. According to the WEDC, eligible businesses may have up to $1 million in annual revenue and between one and 50 full-time equivalent employees. Priority will be given to applicants who did not receive funding from the first phase of the We’re All In program, which accepted applications in June. (More than $65 million in grants were given to 26,000 small businesses during the first round.)

Once new applicants are awarded Phase 2 grants, applications from Phase 1 recipients will be considered, the WEDC said. The application period opened Monday, Oct. 19, and applications will be accepted through 11:59pm on Monday, Nov. 2.

“Wisconsin’s small businesses have demonstrated unbelievable creativity and ingenuity in adapting to the pandemic. But what we’re hearing from many of them is that they’re already stretched to the limit and are concerned what the next few months will hold.”

MISSY HUGHES

WEDC SECRETARY AND CEO

“Wisconsin’s small businesses have demonstrated unbelievable creativity and ingenuity in adapting to the pandemic,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “But what we’re hearing from many of them is that they’re already stretched to the limit and are concerned what the next few months will hold.”

The latest grants will come via $50 million in federal coronavirus relief aid. They are part of a total package of more than $100 million in aid that Gov. Tony Evers announced would be distributed to Wisconsin businesses and institutions hit hard by the pandemic. This includes $20 million for the lodging industry, $15 million for live music and performance venues, $10 million for privately owned movie theaters, $10 million for nonprofit cultural venues, and $4 million for tourism organizations.

Learn more about the grants and how to apply at wedc.org/programs-and-resources/wai-small-business-grant/.