​Main Street Bounceback Grant Program Updates

The Main Street Bounceback Grant Program has been extended through the end of December 2022 as long as funding remains available. Eligible applications submitted in a complete and accurate manner are reviewed and approved on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is committed to continuing to fund the program; however, they do not want any business entering into any decision - especially financial - based upon the assumption of funding they might not be able to deliver on. For this reason, they are not able to guarantee how long funding will be available or guarantee funding for any individual business who is interested in applying. They also cannot guarantee a timeline of when a business will receive funds if awarded a grant. 

As of June 1, 2022, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has added the eligibility requirement that commercial spaces be larger than 400 square feet. They have been informed that any application submitted after June 1st, 2022 must meet this requirement to be approved. All applications and information being sent out by MadREP to applicants have been updated with this information. If you send out applications or program information, please use the updated information below. 

Another change WEDC is considering at this time is to allow for only one grant per business or business owner even if the business has multiple locations or if a business owner has ownership in multiple businesses. MadREP has already been following this guideline throughout the entire program, so regardless of WEDC's decision on this, there won't be much change to approval in our region. The only thing that could change is that if a business or business owner received a grant in a different region of the state, they would not be eligible for another one in this region. WEDC mentioned this change could be put into effect as early as the beginning of September, but they have not heard any confirmation yet. 

Updated application documents and program information/submission instruction forms are provided below for your reference. If you have any questions about the forms or program, please email [email protected].

Main Street Bounceback Grant Application
Main Street Bounceback Program Info. June-Dec 2022
​Main Street Bounceback Application Submission Instructions

Main Street Bounceback Grant Program Update

Due to the extremely high volume of interest, the Main Street Bounceback Program has been oversubscribed in our region. However, there is a possibility for more funding from the state. All applications that are submitted as of April 7th or later will be put on a waitlist to be processed and reviewed only if our region receives additional funding for the program. If funding is received, MadREP will process all complete and accurate waitlist applications on a first-come, first served basis.
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If you have any questions, please contact MadREP staff directly at [email protected]. 

Main Street Bounceback Grants 

Main Street Bounceback Grants are open through June 30, 2022 and provide support to businesses who open a new location or expand operations in a vacant commercial property. Launched by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the 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.

​For more program details, go to http://madisonregion.org/news/entries/madrep-now-accepting-applications-for-main-street-bounceback-grants/.​

​Small Dollar, Big Impact Grants

​The third cycle of the Small Dollar, Big Impact Grants began today. AARP will be accepting applications from across Wisconsin for “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grants, which will be awarded to new projects that are designed to improve a community and make it a better place for everyone to live, work and play as they age. AARP Wisconsin may award a grant of up to $1,000 to at least one eligible applicant. The grant amount could be a portion of or the total cost for the project. All projects must be completed within 60 days from winner announcement. If your project includes public engagement, please ensure that the activities follow all local and state guidelines.

Small Dollar, Big Impact grants are exactly what the name describes – simple, short-term, low-cost solutions that could have remarkable impacts on the shaping of neighborhoods and cities. There are so many great ideas and proposals for making life better in communities across Wisconsin. AARP knows how impactful $1,000 can be and this is their way of extending some seed money to get these projects off the ground.

The deadline for this grant is March 15th and the winners will be announced on April 5th. For eligibility and criteria requirements, go to states.aarp.org/wisconsin/.