BELOIT — Following Governor Tony Evers’s announcement that he will be investing an additional $25 million into the successful Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, Representative Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) released the following statement encouraging small business owners to apply for the grants: 

“Over the past year, I have heard from small business owners in our district about the financial difficulties they continue to face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have been working hard to help support small businesses in our district by connecting them with opportunities like this program, and I am delighted that the Main Street Bounceback Program has already helped more than 4,200 small businesses and nonprofits across our state — including 22 businesses and nonprofits right here in the 45th Assembly District. 

“Through providing $10,000 grants to help small businesses and nonprofits move or expand into vacant commercial spaces, this program has been instrumental in supporting our local economies while allowing small business owners to grow their operations. I am thankful that Governor Evers has announced an additional $25 million investment toward the program, which will enable 2,500 more small businesses and nonprofits to fill empty storefronts across our state. I encourage local business owners and nonprofits to apply for these grants as soon as possible.” 

The deadline for grant applications for the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has been extended to December 31, 2022. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed. For more information about the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, visit: https://wedc.org/programs-and-

resources/mainstreet-bounceback-grants.