More than $7.5 million has been given out to small businesses as part of Williamson County’s Wilco Forward grant program. Wilco Forward was developed by a strike team that includes County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles to provide financial relief to local business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program began accepting applications on May 6 and has received 2,673 applications as of May 14.

Wilco Forward is funded through the approximately $93 million the County received from the CARES Act. The Commissioners Court allocated $25 million for the program. Currently, the County has funded 573 applications.

“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,” said Scott Heselmeyer, Williamson County Treasurer.

“The response to the Wilco Forward program highlights the need in the small business community.  So far, there have been more than 2,600 applications for the program.  Every one of these applications is important, and the staff in the County Auditor’s office is doing an amazing job of processing these applications fairly and efficiently.  This is a large project, and it will take a little time, but every applicant will hear from us,” added Heselmeyer.

Applications are still being accepted. Applications 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.