Williamson County small business grant program distributes more than $7.5M in first week

Williamson County has distributed more than $7.5 million in grants to area small businesses, according to a May 14 news release.

The Wilco Forward grant program was launched May 6 and offers financial assistance to local business who are dealing with hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic. Requirements include that businessesmust have opened by Feb. 15 and must have fewer than 100 employees. The maximum grant total is $30,000.

So far, the county has received 2,673 applications and provided funding to 573 businesses, the release said

“In Williamson County, we have made the survival of our small businesses a top priority. The fact that we have been able to provide funding to over 570 businesses in less than a week is a testament to the dedication of the Williamson County team in supporting our small business community,” Williamson County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer said in the release.

Wilco Forward is funded through the approximately $93 million the county received from the federal coronavirus relief package. The Commissioners Court allocated $25 million for the program.

Wilco Forward is accepting applications through June 30 but is distributing money on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials recommend applying early in case money runs out.

Applications can be submitted online at www.wilco.org/forward.