Evers announces additional $25 million to small business investment program

431 small businesses in Western Wisconsin have received $4.3 million in grants through Main Street Bounceback, Evers says

MADISON (WKBT) – Governor Tony Evers announced a $25 million expansion of a small business investment program Tuesday.

According to Gov. Evers, more than 4200 small businesses throughout Wisconsin have received grants through the Main Street Bounceback program, including 431 in Western Wisconsin. Tuesday, the governor announced an additional $25 million for the now $75 million program that he says enables another 2500 small businesses to fill store fronts.

“The impact we’ve had through our Main Street Bounceback Grant Program over the last year has been tremendous, truly helping small businesses and main streets in every corner of our state,” Gov. Evers said. “We’ve heard from folks from across the state about how these funds have helped them take their businesses to the next level. We’ve also seen firsthand how these investments have helped support local economies in downtowns and communities that are now filled with unique businesses that otherwise might not be there today.”

According to Evers, 89 small businesses in La Crosse County have opened or expanded as a result of Main Street Bounceback grants. Local business development leaders like Downtown Mainstreet Executive Director Terry Bauer say the program has had a positive effect on La Crosse.

“The catalyst for this downtown explosion of new entrepreneurship is the Governor’s bounce back program,” Bauer said.

Evers made two stops in La Crosse Tuesday touting his small business grants, at La Crosse Promise and Audiolust Records.

Main Street Bounceback grant breakdown by county:

  • Buffalo County – 14

  • Chippewa County – 65

  • Clark County – 22

  • Crawford County – 31

  • Eau Claire County – 116

  • La Crosse County – 89

  • Jackson County – 15

  • Monroe County – 16

  • Pepin County – 8

  • Rusk County – 14

  • Trempealeau County – 17

  • Vernon County – 24

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