COVID-19 Recovery Fund

COVID-19 Recovery Fund

Funder: Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Purpose: Provide recovery grants to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on African American-owned businesses facing systemic barriers to capital access.

Award Amount: Up to $2,000 per business

Geographic Scope: Milwaukee Metropolitan Area (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties)

Eligibility Criteria

• For-profit business located within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area
• Business started operating prior to January 1, 2020 and was operating as of February 29, 2020
• Business operates in the retail, service, or hospitality industries
• Business has no more than five (5) full-time equivalent employees, including the owner
• Business has not received federal assistance through the Federal CARES Act
• Members AND Non-Members of the African American Chamber may apply

Eligible Use of Funds

• Business operating expenses (payroll, rent, inventory, utilities)

Background

Established with a $100,000 donation from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in May 2020. The Chamber sought to raise an additional $100,000 to help more community businesses. The program addresses historical challenges faced by African American small business owners, including smaller cash reserves, difficulty securing business loans, and barriers to federal lending options.

Contact: info@aaccwisconsin.org or 414.462.9450