Wisconsin offering cash for small businesses and child care

MADISON, WI (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers' administration will offer $2,500 grants for up to 30,000 small businesses hurt by coronavirus. The grant application opens next month.

The money comes from the federal CARES act. Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply, although the money will only help about one third of small businesses in Wisconsin. Census data show there are over 91,000 businesses in the state with fewer than 20 employees.

Businesses can use the $2,500 any way they see fit. Rent, salaries, and inventory qualifies, as does paying for barriers and other protective measures to keep people safe from coronavirus.

As far as the 60,000 businesses that will miss out, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes said the grants are aimed at restaurants and other shop that were forced to close early on in the pandemic.

"There are many many businesses of all sorts that have been affected by COVID-19, but we're really trying to reach in and impact those businesses that had to shut early and are in that moment now of considering reopening," said Hughes.

The state also has $51 million available for child care providers impacted by coronavirus. There are three application periods, the first opened Monday. Find that information here.