North Austin News

Wilco Forward – a small business grant program established by Williamson County Commissioners – has $25 million in funds through the federal government's CARES Act.

The distribution of the money is still being worked on, and the commissioners that each small business can qualify for up to $30,000, according to KXAN. The recipient should be the sole proprietor of the business, and the business must employ 100 or fewer employees. Another stipulation is that the business must be headquartered in Williamson County and have opened prior to Feb. 15.

Businesses closed because of COVID-19 can receive 100% of the amount calculated by the grant, and businesses that remain partially open can receive 75%, according to Community Impact Newspaper.

The second tier of the program is a fixed-cost option. Owners can receive a one-time installment of two times the total of mortgage or lease payments, utility costs and property taxes.

Those who receive the grant can choose how they get the money, either amounting to a one-time monthly payroll or two-times monthly fixed costs, and receive whichever is more. Businesses must use the funds before Sep. 30.

Applications are available on the county website and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis..

County treasurer Scott Heselmeyer assisted in developing the plan, which was presented to county commissioners on May 1. He said it works similarly to the federal government's  Payroll Protection Program.

“We are prioritizing businesses interrupted due to COVID-19 in the related order: if a business was completely closed, then they would be eligible for 100% of their calculated grant amount. If a business was partially open, then they are eligible for 75%,” Heselmeyer told KXAN.