Coronavirus: WilCo Approves $10M More In CARES Act Funds

WILIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County Commissioners Court members approved an additional $10 million of CARES Act funds — federally issued money for the COVID-19 response — to be allocated to the Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program, officials said on Thursday.

The additional funds are needed to continue providing financial assistance to Williamson County small businesses impacted by COVID-19, county officials explained.

Wilco Forward was originally launched May 6 with the help of a strike force team and $25 million in CARES Act money. Since the fund's inception, there has been an overwhelming response from community business owners who needed financial support to get back on their feet,count officials said.

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In less than a month, the Williamson County Auditor’s office tasked with reviewing the applications for the grant program has approved 2,328 applications of the 3,280 that have been submitted up until June 2. Of the $25 million designated to fund the program, officials said, nearly $24 million in grants have been approved for business owners.

“We have had a significant response from the small business community applying for the Wilco Forward Small Business Grant program," Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said in a prepared statement. "Helping our small businesses and the employees of those businesses during this very trying time has been the County’s priority. I want to encourage other Wilco small businesses to apply if they haven’t through the month of June."

With a little over $1 million left to issue, and still many more applications to review, Williamson County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer requested approval of an additional $10 million to be able to fund Wilco Forward until the application deadline closes June 30, officials said.

There are 754 applications out of 3,280 that are still pending review, according to county officials. Heselmeyer estimates the County will receive some 3,400 total applications before the application deadline on June 30.

The average grant, officials said, is $10,266.22 for each qualifying business, although that amount can vary per applicant. For details on eligibility and more information on Wilco Forward visit https://www.wilco.org/forward.