Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant Extended to May 26th

Governor Tony Evers announced that 1,000 ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive grants of $2,000 each under a new state program.

The $2 million initiative is focused on supporting ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have not received SBA Paycheck Protection Program or state disaster relief.

The Ethnic Minority Emergency Grants will be marketed and administered in collaboration with Wisconsin’s 19 ethnic and diverse chambers of commerce, regional economic development organizations and other partners across the state.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will provide funding for the initiative.

“WEDC is committed to assisting all businesses – of every size and type – throughout Wisconsin,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “Our work with minority chambers of commerce and businesses is an opportunity to reach a critical sector of our business community.”

“The support from WEDC is a huge win for ethnic businesses in the State of Wisconsin,” said Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, Inc. “Formulating partnerships with entities such as WEDC to provide grants to small ethnic businesses in the service, hospitality and retail industry during this crisis shows a real understanding and true leadership of our partners and our state leaders.”

More information about the program is available from the organizations listed in the FAQ, available here.

View the Governor’s full press release here.

 

The application process is open thru 11:59 pm on Tuesday, May 26th.

 

As noted above, eligibility includes:

  • Business operates in the retail, service or hospitality industries
  • For-profit business
  • Business is located in Wisconsin
  • Business is at least 51% minority owned
  • Business started operating prior to January 1, 2020, and was operating as of February 29, 2020
  • Business has no more than five (5) full-time equivalent employees, including the owner
  • Business HAS NOT received assistance through the WEDC’s Small Business 20/20 Program OR the SBA Paycheck Protection Program

Be Prepared. You’ll need these documents:

  • 2018 OR 2019 Federal tax returns
  • W-9 Form
  • Proof of being in business as of February 29, 2020, which could include:
    • Profit & Loss Statement for February 2020
    • Proof of Payroll
    • Sales Tax Log

The Wisconsin Indian Business Alliance (WIBA) is ready to help Native American business owners!

If you have any questions, call us:

 

The application process is open thru 11:59 pm on Tuesday, May 26th.

 

Applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be entered into a pool of qualified business applicants. Grant recipients will be randomly selected from the pool based on available funding.

You will receive a call to review your application with you. It is important you provide the best phone number where you can be reached. If you cannot be reached, your application will not move forward in the process.

 

 

The Wisconsin Indian Business Alliance (WIBA) is proud to be a Key Strategic Partner of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).