The Williamson County Wilco Forward grant program, which was started to provide financial assistance to local businesses impacted by COVID-19, has issued more than $15 million in grants as of May 21. A total of 1287 checks have been mailed to business owners who needed support to get back on their feet.  
 
“As the Williamson County economy begins to rebuild, more than 1,200 businesses have received assistance to help re-tool and restart.  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,” said Williamson County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer.      
The program has received an overwhelming response since it was first launched May 6, 2020. So far, the Williamson County Auditor’s Office has received 3015 applications. 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. The County Auditor’s Office has approved 1,675 applications so far.  
 
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.