MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County announced that it has awarded $11.6 million in Small Business Initiative Grant funding to 1,534 Milwaukee County small businesses.
The grant funding will aid businesses in covering a number of expenses, including physical space modifications to follow COVID-19 guidelines, rent or mortgage payments, payroll, and utilities.
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“The response to Milwaukee County’s Small Business Initiative Grant has been overwhelming,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “With over 2,100 applications received, the need for relief for local businesses was heard loud and clear. Our goal is that this funding will help businesses stay afloat amid the economic challenges of this pandemic and enable entrepreneurs to operate in the safest, most sustainable way possible.”
To further the county's mission to address racial inequity, priority was given to businesses with letters of support from the Ethnic & Diverse Chamber Coalition. The coalition supports entrepreneurs
of color, women, LGBTQ+ persons and veterans.
“Our pursuit of racial equity will not be put on pause for the pandemic. It is crucial to invest in our marginalized communities now to secure a path forward and opportunity for continued economic growth long after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides,” said County Executive Crowley.