The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is launching a COVID-19 Rural Business Revival Grants Program in the Fox Valley region of Wisconsin to assist single mothers who are racial and ethnic minorities who own micro and small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis.
Micro and small business assistance grants up to $5,000 will be made available to help a minimum of five eligible business owners in rural areas of Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano and Waupaca counties.
Funding for the program comes from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund established by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way Fox Cities, with additional generous donations from the community.
“WWBIC understands that entrepreneurs who are also single mothers and racial and ethnic minorities in rural communities have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis. These individuals face barriers in accessing traditional financing and resources. While relief efforts have helped, small business revenues remain low. We feel that this upheaval will lead to potentially devastating impact on small businesses in underserved communities as they reach out to us for support amid business closures and economic downturns. This grant identifies that segment of our small business community is in great jeopardy of experiencing catastrophic outcomes that could spill over into our neighborhoods.” – Julie Stoffel
How will this program work and who is eligible?
WWBIC will be handling the application and distribution of the grants, as well as follow up business coaching and mentorship opportunities. All information about the program will be this grant is available on WWBIC’s website, wwbic.com/foxvalleyrevivalgrants, on Wednesday, September 9th at 10am. At the moment, there is no deadline and applications will be open until further notice.
Funds will be targeted to for-profit, existing micro and small businesses (not a start-up) where the applicant is a racial or ethnic minority who is a single mother and owns at least 50% of the business. Businesses must operate in rural areas of Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano and Waupaca counties.
For additional information or questions about the program, please contact Julie Stoffel at Julie.stoffel@wwbic.com or 920.944.2710
About WWBIC Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color, veterans and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability. Since 1987, WWBIC has lent over $77 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $24 million and over 570 active borrowers. To learn more about WWBIC visit: www.wwbic.com
Micro and small business assistance grants up to $5,000 will be made available to help a minimum of five eligible business owners in rural areas of Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano and Waupaca counties.
Funding for the program comes from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund established by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way Fox Cities, with additional generous donations from the community.
“WWBIC understands that entrepreneurs who are also single mothers and racial and ethnic minorities in rural communities have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis. These individuals face barriers in accessing traditional financing and resources. While relief efforts have helped, small business revenues remain low. We feel that this upheaval will lead to potentially devastating impact on small businesses in underserved communities as they reach out to us for support amid business closures and economic downturns. This grant identifies that segment of our small business community is in great jeopardy of experiencing catastrophic outcomes that could spill over into our neighborhoods.” – Julie Stoffel
How will this program work and who is eligible?
WWBIC will be handling the application and distribution of the grants, as well as follow up business coaching and mentorship opportunities. All information about the program will be this grant is available on WWBIC’s website, wwbic.com/foxvalleyrevivalgrants, on Wednesday, September 9th at 10am. The application will remain open until 11:59 pm on Wednesday September 30th.
Funds will be targeted to for-profit, existing micro and small businesses (not a start-up) where the applicant is a racial or ethnic minority who is a single mother and owns at least 50% of the business. Businesses must operate in rural areas of Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano and Waupaca counties.
For additional information or questions about the program, please contact Julie Stoffel at Julie.stoffel@wwbic.com or 920.944.2710
About United Way Fox Cities
United Way Fox Cities improves lives by bringing diverse people together to build a stronger, more caring community for everyone. To fulfill our mission, we work with partner agencies and programs that help us address critical issues in the Fox Cities.
About Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region brings people together to think about the community’s vision for well-being and ways to help solve problems that lead to greater flourishing for all.
About WWBIC
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color, veterans and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability. Since 1987, WWBIC has lent over $77 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $24 million and over 570 active borrowers. To learn more about WWBIC visit: www.wwbic.com
