WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) -- Another local community is offering support to small businesses.
On Thursday afternoon the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council approved a COVID-19 Small Business Response Grant Program. The program was constructed to mirror the similar programs put in place in Marshfield and Stevens Point earlier this month.
The $1,500 grants for small businesses are to help pay mortgage and lease payments that have closed or changed operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Development Director Kyle Kearns suggested the city allocate $100,000 for the program from the general fund reserve to serve as many local small businesses as possible.
Several small businesses in the Wisconsin Rapids area have inquired about local help. Angel Whitehead, the President of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, says she's received dozens of calls about potential local help.
"There are at least 50 plus businesses that have been affected that have contacted me just within the last few days. We've had quite a few that have elected that they've participated with the SBA or the PPP and they still haven't seen any funding or any confirmation at this point. Whether they're approved, or in process."
The guideline and application form for the grant program approved by the council was considered a draft proposal. Kearns explains giving it to the council as a draft allows them to make minor changes before it goes live next week.
"We're going to add a section that clarifies that the months of March, April, and May will be covered. And we're going to remove the language regarding proration of March.
"Furthermore clarifying that mortgage and lease payments previously paid shall submit proof upon the submission of the application. I've also added that the city will send an IRS form 1099 miscellaneous form to comply with federal requirements."
Most alders on the council were in favor of the program as presented. But District 4 Alder Tom Rayome didn't approve of the council voting on a draft and felt that the burden of supporting small businesses should be on the federal and state governments, not local municipalities.
The grant program did pass the common council Thursday afternoon on a 6-1 vote, with Alder Rayome being the lone no vote. The city also voted to allocate $100,000 to the program from the general fund.
The grant program will be finalized on Friday. Applications for the program will open on Monday and be accepted until the funding runs out.