Downtown Waupun Small Business COVID-19 Technology Grant

***This grant opportunity is not available in 2022***

Purpose:

The Downtown Waupun Small Business COVID-19 Technology Grant was created by the Waupun Community Development Authority (CDA) to help small businesses in Downtown Waupun make necessary changes to adopt to current challenges and post-COVID-19 reality.

Funding ($20,000 available for 2021):

• Up to $5,000 per parcel address per calendar year.
• This grant will share in the actual cost of implementing the improvements identified in the project scope of work and cost estimate.
• An approved applicant will receive an amount equal to 75% of the total project cost up to $5,000 per parcel address, per calendar year.

Applicant Eligibility: 

• The business must be located within TID 3 boundaries.
• Tenants must have a minimum of 1 year remaining on current lease from the date of application.
• Properties zoned residential are not eligible.
• Tax exempt properties are not eligible.
• Properties will not be eligible if any special assessments, real estate or personal property taxes, utility bills, or other city charges are delinquent.
• One request per parcel address per calendar year.

Eligible Activities:

The Downtown Waupun Small Business COVID-19 Technology Grant will assist Downtown Waupun business owners in making necessary investments to meet the new challenges brought on by COVID-19.  Grant funds are intended for projects that will enhance a business’s ability to engage its customers, manage health and safety requirements, and operate effectively in order to pursue growth.

Eligible activities include but are not limited to:

• New or upgraded websites
• Virtual programming capability
• E-commerce platforms
• CRM platforms with integrated marketing, customer engagement, and automation.
• Software upgrades to enable pre-order and timed reservations.
• Delivery service implementation.
• Safety equipment and fixtures (such as plexiglass barriers, hand washing stations, protective masks, signage, etc.).

Application Submittal and Review Process:

• ​Applications are distributed and collected by the CDA no later than the 1st Tuesday of the month.
• Prior to submission, applicants must obtain Cost Estimates and include a budget*.  *Program funds come from local tax revenues to support local projects.  Although not required, it is appreciated if applicants consider obtaining bids from local contractors in preparing their application.
• Completed applications are reviewed on an as needed basis by the CDA, which has discretion over the program.  Applicants must attend the scheduled CDA meeting.
• Notification of approval/denial will be provided to the applicant by the CDA within 7 days of the scheduled CDA meeting.  Note that the project must be approved prior to any of the work taking place.
• Changes to an approved project must be reviewed and approved by the Community & Economic Development Coordinator.  Additional approval by the CDA may be deemed necessary.   Failure to obtain approval may result in reduction of award amount or grant forfeiture.

Project Completion and Reimbursement:

• Upon project completion, grantee must submit copies of paid invoices to CDA for reimbursement. 
• Only approved eligible expenses will be considered for reimbursement.
• The Grant award amount is not a guaranteed payment amount.  Final grant payout is based on project costs reflected in actual paid invoices submitted for reimbursement. 
• Payout will not exceed the maximum grant amount approved by the CDA.  If total project costs are less than estimated, the grant reimbursement will be pro-rated in accordance with grant guidelines.
• Projects must be completed within 6 months of grant approval unless otherwise approved by the CDA. 
• Projects not completed by the deadline will be considered closed due to incompletion and grant will be forfeited.
• Once grant payout is made, the application will be considered closed and no additional expenses will be allowable.