Many of the businesses that make up the tourism economy in locales like Door County are getting the boost. Within the last week, three major grant programs have been announced by state agencies. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced a second phase of the We’re All in Grants, which could mean an additional $50 million in federal CARES Act funding for the state’s small businesses. The Wisconsin Department of Administration announced $15 million in grant funding for the state’s live music and entertainment venues and $20 million for its lodging businesses. All three sectors have experienced massive losses in 2020 due to the pandemic closing their doors for at least a portion if not the entire year. Destination Door County’s Jon Jarosh says it comes at a good time for many businesses in the area that may have not been able to access these federal dollars in the past.
The deadlines vary from program to program. Grant applications for lodging entities is due October 26th, live music and entertainment venues on October 28th, and other small businesses on November 2nd. You can click on the links above for more information.
