Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes staff to apply for Wisconsin Economic Development grant for small-business programs
Summary
The Common Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing staff to apply for a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation small business development grant to expand local storefront activation and small‑business loan programs; no local match is required for this grant request.
The Common Council unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 2 authorizing staff to apply for a small business development grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
Staff described the proposed use of grant funds as an expansion of the city’s central‑city storefront activation loan program. The program would remain primarily a low‑interest loan program (staff said likely 1 percent interest consistent with the current program) with some grants targeted to tenants who cannot take on loans, such as renters seeking façade or signage improvements.
Jeff (city staff) said the city has sought WEDC funding before; over the past four years the city has received about $550,000 in WEDC grants, including two $250,000 grants for the Civic Theatre and the Cobblestone project and a $50,000 award last year for Friedman Alley improvements. He emphasized that authorizing the resolution allows the city to apply but does not commit the city to accept funding; contracts would return to the council for approval if the city is awarded a grant.
Council member Alderman Reklemke moved to authorize staff to apply; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Why it matters: If awarded, WEDC funding would expand locally administered small‑business support and could enable façade, interior, and other business improvements without requiring a city match for this particular grant application.
