WilCo Forward Grants Program Disburses $15M In Business Grants

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The Williamson County Wilco Forward grant program, which was started to provide financial assistance to local businesses impacted by the coronavirus, has issued more than $15 million in grants as of May 21, officials said this week.

A total of 1287 checks have been mailed to business owners who needed support to get back on their feet, officials added.

“As the Williamson County economy begins to rebuild, more than 1,200 businesses have received assistance to help re-tool and restart," Williamson County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer said in a prepared statement. "In a time of crisis, our leaders stepped up to place a priority on the survival of our small businesses. Williamson County is setting the standard for protecting jobs and economic opportunity in these difficult times."

Officials said the program has received an overwhelming response since it was first launched on May 6, with 3,015 applications received so far. Each application is reviewed carefully, making the processing of the documents time consuming; however, every business owner will hear back from the county regarding their application, officials explained. The County Auditor’s Office has approved 1,675 applications so far, according to county officials.

Applications are still being accepted and can be submitted online through the county’s website at www.wilco.org/forward to the Williamson County Auditor’s Office. The money will be issued as applications are processed until the $25 million in budgeted funds are exhausted. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2020. Wilco Forward is funded through the approximately $93 million the County received from the CARES Act.