GREEN BAY (NBC 26) -- The Greater Green Bay Chamber's Back to Business Grant has provided more than 20 businesses with valuable grant funding during the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, leaders with the chamber have expanded the program to be able to help other businesses.
“We’re just super hopeful that people will continue to apply because there is, we have the dollars waiting for you and we know that small businesses really need the support,” Kelly Armstrong said.
Armstrong said the grant program is now open on a rolling basis. Businesses who received PPP loans up to $30,000 are now eligible to apply. Businesses also must have a physical presence in Brown County and have between two and 50 employees. Grants can be for up to $10,000.
“Those have just been impactful to see the responses we’re getting from the companies that have received those," Armstrong said.
Voyageurs Sourdough and Bakehouse is one business to receive a grant. The owners there opened a physical store in Green Bay in March. About a week later, customers weren't allowed inside.
“We had taken a lot of loans at the start of the business and didn’t necessarily want to go and get another one," co-owner Ben Cadman said. “When I heard about the grant program I thought it might suit us quite well.”
The owners received a grant. They said it helped them purchase a new grab and go cooler that can help customers come in and get food quickly during the pandemic.
“It (the grant) has allowed us to again think on our feet, think about how can we make the most of our space, and how can we position the space in a way that people do feel comfortable to come in,” co-owner Celeste Parins said.
The chamber hopes that with the grant program continuing, more businesses will be able to share in those successes. Armstrong said the turnaround time is fast, typically around three weeks.
