City of Platteville Announces Small Business Emergency Support Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly all businesses in the City of Platteville. The ordered closure of non-essential businesses and temporary closure of all dine-in/sit down bar/restaurants has severely affected our City’s small business community. In response to this unprecedented situation, the City of Platteville is diverting funds to this newly created Small Business Emergency Support Program. 

PURPOSE
This program is designed to help the businesses that need it most during this trying time, and we ask that you consider whether your business truly needs this assistance prior to applying. This program is available until December 31, 2020 or until the funding source is depleted, whichever comes first.

PROGRAM CRITERIA

     1. The maximum grant amount is up to $1,500 for each qualifying business.

a. Qualifying businesses are defined as:

• Must have a commercial storefront or “brick & mortar” location.
• Must be located within the City limits.
• Must have been open to the public as of March 17, 2020.
• Must be presently in a state of total closure or be unable to operate one or more of the main facets of its business.
• Must have 10 employees or less.

b. Excluded businesses are defined as:

• Businesses that have received other forms of city, state, or federal financial assistance in the 2020 calendar year.
• Businesses able to continue operations remotely or while in compliance with social distancing guidelines.

     2. All grant proceeds must be used for the following documented business expenses:

a. Monthly building loan mortgage or rent payment.

b. Monthly gas, electric and water utility bills.

c. Cost to purchase business enhancement software (software to move sales to online platform)

     3. Payroll expenses and annual liquor license fees will not be eligible for grant funds.

PROGRAM PROCESS

     1. Submit application to the Community Development Department for internal staff review and 
         approval.  Send completed applications via email to carrollj@platteville.org or by mail to:
              City of Platteville
              Attn: Community Development Director
              75 N. Bonson Street
              Platteville, WI 53818

     2. Grant awards will be processed weekly until the funding source is depleted.

     3. A report summarizing grant awards will be sent to the Common Council at their bi-monthly 
         meetings.

*** Disclaimer: This support program is contingent upon the availability of funds. If at any time this funding source is depleted, the program will terminate until further action is considered by the City of Platteville Common Council. City of Platteville staff will review each application base on qualification of need. A business’s eligibility for other state or federal assistance will be taken into consideration when distributing the funds. ***