Sustainability and Innovation Fund - Closed

To increase the sustainability of underbanked Latino/Latina and other minority small enterprises adversely affected by COVID-19 and the subsequent inflation which have not received any federal funding in our service region. Innovation of existing systems that prevented the business to operate successfully during the pandemic, would be funded first. These funds are ARPA Funds administered on the a contract with the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Funds will be prioritized based on need in the following counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties in underbanked communities. Funds are limited and thus, would be handled on first-come, first-served and on evidenced financial need. Chamber and Latino Entrepreneurial Network underbanked clients will be prioritized. EIDL and PPP loan recipients will be looked at after and those who qualify will be contacted.

• Must be an active & current member of the LCCSEW with an established small business. To activate membership, please visit: Join LCCSEW
• The business was operating during 2020 or 2021.
• Business must be legally operating in the State of Wisconsin. 
• Owners, partners, and shareholders of the business or business entity shall not:
• 1) Have a federal or State Tax delinquency or lien
• 2) Be debarred from doing business with the state of Wisconsin.
• 3) Pending criminal or civil charges for financial fraud
• 4) Have not received any other ARPA Federal Assistance in excess of $50,000 (EIDL, PPP)
• LCCSEW reserves the right to inspect the documents and visit the enterprise prior to approve the loan.
• Only one business per owner, partner or shareholder would be considered
• Applicants should have yet to receive any other monies from another Chamber, Association, or CDFI also administering ARPA funds from the Diverse Business Grant of the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
• Agree to a visit, audit and one year business coaching as part of the forgiveness contract

•  Full application filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• 2021 & 2020 tax return
• Evidence the business is operating and in good standing. Examples of evidence include Occupancy Permit, Sales Permit Annual Reports with the department of financial institutions, or current leases. This will be verified prior to disbursement.
• Budget for the grant. The maximum request is $30,000.00 minimum request is $5000.00
• Estimates, quotes or printouts of proposed use ie. Quote from a supplier, proposal from a consultant, internet printout of prizes

 Any technological improvement  or systems improvement for your business systems including but not limited to:

• E-commerce
• Website and social media site creation and management
• Accounting software inventory management software, productivity software, estimating software and its respective training (subscription software, maximum one year)
• Cashless systems implementation (equipment and leasing for a year)
• Consultants computer and information technology, finance and cash flow management, productivity, human resources or sustainability planning
• Information technology implementation or improvements
• Computers, iPad, peripherials or tablets for business use
• Any technology or systems improvements ie inventory systems, accounting systems, scanning technology, computer network, computer security etc.
• Some Operational Expenses (payroll for employees other than owners, commercial space rent, and commercial internet services). NO MORE THAN 30% of your proposal can be used for operational expenses.

Quotes, estimates, or proposals regarding purchase, payroll registers and leases will be needed to evidence your expense categories. A budget is required with the application.

• Illegal business activities
• Personal expenses or liabilities
• Alcohol
• Existing or pre-existing tax debt
• Fines or penalties
• Purchase of cars or trucks 
• Passive Real Estate