Superior’s small business grant program had been so well received by community business owners that funds available for the program were exhausted by the beginning of September.
The Superior City Council replenished available funding Tuesday, Oct. 6. They approved reallocating $50,000 from a program to provide emergency microgrants to small businesses affected by the pandemic to replenish some of the funding available this year for the larger grant program.
“I have no problem with moving it back,” said Councilor Keith Kern, who questioned the necessity for replenishing the small business grants in light of new restrictions on indoor gatherings that could impact small businesses in Superior.
On Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers issued a new emergency order limiting public gatherings to 25% of total occupancy limits for a room or building or limiting the number of people to 10 if a municipality hasn’t established an occupancy limit for 28 days. The order runs from Thursday, Oct. 8 to Friday, Nov. 6.
Mayor Jim Paine said there a number of small businesses — new and existing — that have inquired about the small business grant program. He said there would still be about $8,000 available to provide emergency grants for businesses affected by the pandemic.
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“I just want to make sure we’re not just lumping it over there,” Kern said.
The council approved the reallocation by unanimous voice vote.
