State to launch grant programs for businesses hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic 

Two new competitive grant programs totaling $75 million will support businesses in communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tony Evers said Tuesday.

“These grants will help make sure some of our hardest-hit communities have a fighting chance to rebound and recover while ensuring our state can move forward and build a more prosperous, equitable future,” Evers said in a statement.

Half of the funding will go to chambers of commerce and other collaboratives that support businesses owned by members of communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The other half will support community development financial institutions that are providing grants to businesses with 10 or fewer employees owned by members of similar communities.

Evers also opened an application period for $50 million in previously announced equitable recovery grants, with half of the funding focused on organizations providing health, early childhood and education services and the other half focused on organizations providing economic support, housing and environmental justice services. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 5.

All three grant programs are supported by dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Wisconsin reported 3,549 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, for a total of 740,559 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There have been 84,979 probable ones.

The seven-day average for daily new cases was 2,663, down 144 from a week ago. The seven-day average for new probable cases was 408.

DHS reported 11 confirmed deaths and one probable death on Monday, for a seven-day average of 13.

There have been 8,064 confirmed deaths and 896 probable ones.

On Tuesday, 1,136 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in the state, down 29 from Monday and up 27 from a week ago, according to data from the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

WHA reported 310 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units in the state, down one from Monday and 13 from a week ago.

Per state data, 56.9 percent of Wisconsinites, 3,312,936 people, have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

And 54 percent, 3,144,303 people, have completed their vaccine series.

There were 6,386,219 doses administered as of Monday. The seven-day average for daily new doses was 5,280.