MKE It Back Grant Program

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 provides grants for small business relief 

Last month, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 launched the MKE It Back Grant program to assist downtown small businesses in their recovery from the pandemic. More than 70 restaurants, bars, salons, barbershops, and retailers will be the recipients of the grant, bringing the total grant allocation to $250,000. Funding can be applied towards operating expenses and/or innovative marketing pivots in response to the pandemic.
 
Applications closed February 17, 2021.

Applications Are Now Closed

Prompt submittal of the online application is encouraged and must be received by February 16, 2021. 
Eligibility Requirements                                                                              
  • Small business is located within the geographic boundaries of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21
  • Small business is a BID #21 ratepayer or located in a BID #21 tax assessed property
  • Small business is a retailer, restaurant, bar, and/or personal service provider (spa, salon, barbershop, dry cleaner, etc.)
Evaluation Criteria

  • Demonstrates success of their downtown business operation before the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Successfully responded to the COVID-19 pandemic or plans to reopen
  • Demonstrates financial need
  • Demonstrates value proposition to the downtown community
  • Committed to keeping business in operation downtown
Timeline
  • February 4, 2021: MKE It Back grant application opens
    • Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately 
  • February 16, 2021: First-round deadline 
    • If all funds are dispersed in the first-round, the MKE It Back grant program will close after the first deadline. 
    • If funds remain available, a second-round deadline for new applicants will be updated on this webpage.
  • March 1, 2021: All applicants notified of their status 
  • Week of March 1, 2021: Upon receipt of the grant recipient form and W-9, processing will begin for grant awardees and mailed to the mailing address included in the applicant's grant form.  
  • July 1, 2021: Deadline for all costs incurred
  • September 1, 2021: Deadline for all supporting financial documentation
Recipients of the MKE It Back Grant

Click here to view the recipients of MKE It Back Grant funds.