Highlights
Gov. Evers Announces $10 Million to Support Wisconsin's Tourism Industry through Local Tourism Investment Projects
Gov. Tony Evers today announced $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used to provide grants to local governments and tourism-entity nonprofits for tourism-related investment projects that help promote, maintain, or bolster Wisconsin's tourism industry and that have a substantial capital component. Grants of up to $3.5 million will be awarded to regional entities through a competitive application process to eligible infrastructure projects such as convention centers, travel infrastructure, public or nonprofit attractions, and more.
Main Street Bounceback Grants
The Main Street Bounceback Grants program provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin’s downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location. The program is open to new or existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space as of January 1, 2021. Grant funds are available as part of the American Recovery Plan Act and will be distributed by WEDC’s regional partners. Businesses must apply through the partner organization for the region in which they are located.
Applications open for $100 million in Workforce Innovation Grants
Applications are now open for grants of up to $10 million to local and regional projects that will help meet the state’s next-generation workforce needs, Governor Tony Evers announced today.
The Workforce Innovation Grant Program will enable communities to develop groundbreaking, long-term solutions so businesses can find workers, workers can connect to jobs, and Wisconsin can thrive, Governor Evers said.
The Small Business Regulatory Review Board
The Small Business Regulatory Review Board (BOARD) founded in 2003, consists of seven small business owners, one state Representative and one Senator who are involved with Small Business issues in the Legislature.
As advocates for small businesses, the BOARD assists state agencies in promulgating rules that are realistic to reduce red tape, lessen the compliance burden and improve the business climate in Wisconsin to foster economic expansion and job growth.
To accomplish the promulgation of realistic rules, the BOARD encourages a partnership between small business and state agencies giving business owners a seat at the table and a voice in the development and reform of state regulations. This participation in the rule making process allows for greater transparency and accountability, and informed evaluation of the economic impact on business and should result in rules with the fewest negative impacts, compliance costs, or unintended consequences.
To accomplish the promulgation of realistic rules, the BOARD encourages a partnership between small business and state agencies giving business owners a seat at the table and a voice in the development and reform of state regulations. This participation in the rule making process allows for greater transparency and accountability, and informed evaluation of the economic impact on business and should result in rules with the fewest negative impacts, compliance costs, or unintended consequences.
The Office of Business Development (OFFICE) provides support services to the BOARD.
The success of the OFFICE and the BOARD is measured by the assistance they provide to businesses and their ability to help guide common-sense reforms as identified by business in Wisconsin.
Contact: DOAOBD@wisconsin.gov
Who We Are
The Small Business Regulatory Review Board (the BOARD) is composed of seven (7) small business owners and two legislators who through their real-life experiences and knowledge share their thoughts and ideas on how Wisconsin can develop and implement a rule making and regulatory environment that creates economic vibrancy and diversity while protecting the health and welfare of our state’s residents and natural landscape.
What We Do
Recognizing the differing sizes, scales, and markets of Wisconsin small businesses, members of the BOARD share their individual and collective perspectives with representatives from various Wisconsin state agencies in the rule making process. By better understanding the thoughts of small business with the state government’s efforts to protect public health and safety, the BOARD assists state agencies in developing workable, understandable and usable rules and regulations.
Information about past and upcoming BOARD meetings can be found at the
Wisconsin Public Meeting & Notices site.
Who We Work With
In order to better understand the needs and concerns of the constantly evolving Wisconsin small business climate, the BOARD seeks comments from individual small business owners, representatives from our state business communities, interested citizens, and community stakeholders. The Director of Business and Rural Development, housed at the Wisconsin Department of Administration, staffs the BOARD and provides assistance and facilitation between members of the public and the BOARD.
Our Impact on You
Small businesses play an important role in our state’s economy, employing a significant amount of people. In many communities, small businesses are the economic engine employing a significant amount of people and providing a large amount of the tax base.
Resources
There are many resources on the state and federal level that can provide information and assistance for small businesses.