MADISON—As a part of its “Badger Bounceback” initiative, the Wisconsin Department of Administration is accepting grant applications for aid programs. These investments, mainly funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), provide a lifeline to Wisconsin communities and businesses to ensure a strong pandemic recovery.
Round 2 funding of Workforce Innovation Grants will make available up to $40.5 million to promote local and regional solutions to ongoing workforce challenges, with grants ranging from $250,000 up to $10 million. Applications opened on February 22, and will close on April 15.
More information about the program and the next round of funding is available at https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/workforce-innovation-grant/.
Additionally, the Main Street Bounceback Grants program is still open to new or existing businesses that are opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space as of January 1, 2021. Grant funds are available as part of the American Recovery Plan Act and distributed by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) regional partners. Businesses must apply through the partner organization for the region in which they are located.
The program has so far provided $10,000 to 2,500 new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin’s downtowns and commercial corridors. Applications are open through June 30, and more information can be found here: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/mainstreet-bounceback-grants/
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) also is still accepting grant applications through the Broadband Expansion Grant Program for FY22. The latest round is funded through the state budget, and applications close March 17. Altogether, state broadband expansion grants and federal funds for broadband projects will offer access to new or improved broadband services to more than 300,000 homes and businesses. A map of recent grant recipients is available here: https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/broadband/BbExpG51.pdf
Additionally, the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERA) provides up to 18 months of assistance with current or overdue bills to help households that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic avoid eviction. More than 25,000 Wisconsinites have already received help with rent, utilities, and internet or broadband statewide. Help is still available for eligible households through WISCAP agencies and Energy Services. The program is funded by the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Find more info here: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/WERA.aspx.
