COVID-19 Financial Resources

The newest Racine County grant, the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) was launched in late 2021. Nearly $72,000 has been approved for businesses throughout Racine County that were negatively affected by the pandemic. Fortunately, there is still $330,000 available.

The goal of the Main Street Bounceback Grants program is to provide financial support to businesses that move into existing vacant commercial properties, helping to create a foundation for long-term success for themselves and their communities.

There are a lot of funding opportunities available to minority business owners. These may meet eligibility requirements for business funding from government agencies and private groups. Here are some of the funding opportunities and grant applications available.

The Wisconsin Department of Administration and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation have been creating grant programs for certain businesses that have been impacted negatively by COVID-19 or are just seeking help financially. Learn about these great programs, their eligibility requirements.

With infrastructure improvements completed and development plans in place, the Village of Waterford and a few of its local businesses are utilizing RCEDC resources to spur recent development activity.

RCEDC’s most recent Zero Loan Program recipients, Terri and Michael Bannon, owners of Razor Sharp Fitness, used the funds to purchase new fitness equipment, which they anticipate will increase memberships and alleviate the effects from the pandemic.

This event will highlight available financial programs for City of Racine business owners.

In partnership with AEO, Fiserv is pleased to announce the Fiserv Back2Business Grants for Small Business Program, which will award funding to Black- and minority-owned businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and social unrest.

Darius Szczekocki, president of Hestia Heat Treat in Racine, will use a $100,000 pandemic recovery loan to purchase new equipment to seek more work with automotive industry clients.

The City of Racine houses many businesses in a variety of industries, serving its residents and the surrounding communities. However, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic were severe and required creative, flexible solutions to ensure the retention of these valuable assets in the City.