Welcome to Rock County's Small Business and Non-Profit COVID-19 Funding Portal

In response to the pandemic, the County of Rock has launched a pair of funding programs to assist small businesses and non-profits. While both programs are based on need and designed to stabilize, strengthen and/or restart business operations that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, each program is structured and funded differently. 

Attention: Professional / Third-Party
Assistance Providers and Advisors

The COVID-19 Grant Program (CGP), which was launched fall 2021, is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, and its rules are in accordance with federal guidelines. The maximum CGP award is capped at $10,000 per applicant; and the actual grant amount will be equal to the demonstrated amount of economic losses attributed to the pandemic. For example, if the documentation shows an economic loss of $800 dollars, compared to business operations pre-COVID, an applicant would be eligible for an $800 grant. If the documentation shows a $7,500 economic loss, comparing pre-COVID to its current operations, then an applicant would be eligible for a grant in the amount of $7,500. In any event, the maximum grant award per applicant will not exceed $10,000. 

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Loan Fund (SBLF) - which was originally released in spring 2020 and subsequently modified later that year - is funded through the countywide sales and use tax. Eligibility is primarily determined by an applicant's ability to document a 25% decline (or greater) in revenue / sales (income) due to the pandemic. Maximum loan amounts are capped $20,00, with interest rates up to two percent and terms not to exceed five years.

As a condition of receiving CGP funding, businesses/organizations agree to work with the University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center(s) and/or their contracted designated service provider(s). While the scope of this work is designed to primarily address the applicant's post-COVID related business development, disaster preparedness and/or sustainability planning - these TBD services (which will be provided free of charge) may include any combination of coaching, mentoring, training, business plan development, etc. 

The SBLF and the CGP are administered by Rock County's Planning, Economic & Community Development Department. Grant, as well as loan, proceeds are intended to be applied toward the following obligations: payroll; mortgage / rent; utility bills; usual and customary business operating expenses; future disaster and sustainability preparedness; etc. A small business owner (or group of owners with more than 20% ownership interest) and non-profits may only apply once to each program – regardless of how many different businesses are affiliated, managed and/or owned by said individual(s) or group(s).

If your small business or non-profit organization can document the negative economic impacts created by COVID, then please consider applying to the CGP or the SBLF. While the eligibility requirements for both offerings are similar, there are some important differences. The items, as well as others, are noted below and also outlined within the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

If your answers to all of the following questions are YES, then locate the Start My Grant Application button and follow the instructions [NOTE: If you already have an account, click here to login].

My small business and/or non-profit organization is / has:

  • an independently-owned, small business that is headquartered and operating in Rock County, WI.
  • been operating (in Rock County) since March 14, 2020.
  • structured as a limited liability company, partnership (including s-corporations), independent contractor, a sole proprietor and/or a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
  • annual revenues / sales less than $1 Million
  • at least one employee, but not more than 25 employees
  • not received more than $20,000 from either the PPP and/or the SBA EIDL loan program(s).
  • experienced a decrease in revenue / sales / income / profitability (i.e. independently or collectively considered economic losses) compared to pre-COVID operations, and can document said decrease(s). Applicants are required to submit tax returns (i.e. federal only), WI DFI registration verification, a signed W9, and a copy of a valid driver's license [NOTE: Additional documentation - such as point-of-sales reports, quarterly payroll and/or sales tax filings, quarterly balance sheet and profit & loss statements, etc. - is optional].
  • not a business that is primarily engaged in gambling, tobacco or vaping; alcohol sales, payday lending, lobbying, multi-level marketing or direct sales; financial, religious or educational institutions or providers.
  • not delinquent on any outstanding taxes owed; is not a registered sex offender; is not listed on Wisconsin's debarred contractor and its ineligible vendor list(s).

Start My Grant Application

NOTE: If your answer to the PPP or SBA loan question was NO, and your answers to the following questions are YES, then please consider applying to the County's COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Loan Fund. To apply, locate the Start My Loan Application button and follow the instructions.

My small business and/or non-profit organization is / has:

  • an independently-owned, non-franchise business that has been operating for at least 12 consecutive months in Rock County, prior to the date of this funding application and during the pandemic (as generally accepted or described by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention).
  • annual revenues/ sales less than $1 Million
  • at least one employee, but not more than 20 employees.
  • experienced at least a 25% decrease in revenue / sales, income or profitability due to COVID-related impacts; and can document said decrease(s). Applicants are required to submit tax returns (i.e. federal only), fiancial (i.e. balance shets and P&L) and bank statements, WI DOR / DFI registration verification, a signed W9, and a copy of a valid driver's license [NOTE: Additional documentation - such as point-of-sales reports, quarterly payroll and/or sales tax filings,etc. - is optional].
  • not a membership-based or foreign-owned establishment; government, religious institutions and educational provider; Class A licensed alcohol establishment, registered tobacco business, firearms dealer or sales; gambling, lobbying, management of companies, media, piercing, real estate and tattoo establishment; and as well as other businesses generally considered to be detrimental to Rock County’s public, health, safety and welfare.
  • not delinquent on any outstanding taxes owed; is not a registered sex offender; is not listed on Wisconsin's debarred contractor's and its ineligible vendor list(s).

Start My Loan Application

Rock County Planning, Economic & Community Development • planning@co.rock.wi.us • 608.757.5587 • 51 S. Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545