In Williamson County, as of April 14, 166 applications were received for COVID-19 relief money through the Wilco Forward Phase 2 program, with 144 applications approved for a total of $979,000 distributed. Of the remaining 22 applications not yet approved, 8 are in progress and 14 were denied. In an effort to encourage more businesses to apply for a Wilco Forward grant, the application deadline has been extended to April 30, 2021. The Wilco Forward program is financed with CARES Act funds and offers financial assistance to food services such as restaurants, food trucks and caterers, bars, and hotels/motels that were financially impacted due to closures and occupancy restrictions due to COVID-19. In Wilco Forward Phase 2, a business can receive up to $500 per employee with a maximum amount of $10,000 if eligible.

“We have received a lower number of applications than we anticipated, but that could be because many small businesses in the area are getting back on their feet,” said Williamson County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer. “We want to get the message out that there is Wilco Forward money available to those who need it, and we hope to receive more applications by extending the deadline.”

This is the second round of Wilco Forward small business grants funded by CARES Act funds. The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved allocating $10 million to fund Phase 2 of the program during the Commissioners Court meeting held on Tuesday, March 10.

Businesses will need to provide documentation that they are eligible for the program and have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the Wilco Forward Phase 2 signup page for more information and to apply.