WILLIAMSON COUNTY (Talk1370.com) -- Williamson County businesses that have been impacted financially by COVID-19 can begin applying for $25 million in grants, the county announced Tuesday.
Wilco Forward will distribute $25 million from the more than $93 million in CARES Act funding that the county received from the federal government. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees and sole proprietors can receive up to $30,000.
"The Commissioners Court felt very strongly about getting assistance to our small businesses as quickly as possible to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus restrictions," said Commissioner Valerie Covey. "We will be processing applications as soon as they come in so that business owners can quickly receive Wilco Forward grant funds."
The amount issued per grant will depend on whether the business was fully or partially closed due to the pandemic. The grant funds can be used for expenses such as payroll, rent or lease payments, utility payments, cost of critical business operations, PPE and sanitation supplies, and investments in new or expanded technology.
Both for-profit and non-profit businesses headquartered and located in Williamson County are eligible to apply. Additional eligibility criteria and restrictions are detailed at www.wilco.org/forward.
"Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Now is the time for us to support them in any way we can," said Commissioner Russ Boles.
Applications will open at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, with a deadline of June 30 or until the budgeted funds are exhausted. Businesses can find out more at www.wilco.org/forward.