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Loans & Working CapitalConditional

WEDC Disaster Recovery Microloan Program - Regional Activation Pathway

A standing Wisconsin disaster-financing program that can fund pre-approved regional economic-development entities to deploy rapid-response microloans to physically damaged businesses after a disaster.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

Who should look at this?

Good fit for: Economic-development partners assessing whether the July 27 tornado warrants a WEDC allocation, and physically damaged businesses that may need short-term gap financing if a regional allocation is activated.

Potential audience: Pre-approved regional economic-development entities and disaster-affected businesses in regions where WEDC activates an allocation

WEDC grants program funds to pre-approved regional entities, which then administer microloans to eligible businesses. Business eligibility includes measurable physical disaster damage, location in or adjacent to an activated region, and intent to resume local operations; additional exclusions and underwriting rules apply.

Government / Public AgencyNonprofitAssociation / CoalitionCivic / Community OrganizationBusiness

What recovery capacity might it support?

Funding & SponsorshipAdministrative & Operational SupportDirect Service Capacity

Availability: Standing program; July 27 regional activation must be confirmed

Deadline: Regional entities have a limited post-disaster request window under current program guidance; contact WEDC promptly.

Funding / value: Program guidelines provide business microloans up to $25,000, up to 36 months, at 0% interest with at least a six-month deferral; regional allocation and current terms must be confirmed.

Do not confuse this with:

Not an automatically open loan program for every affected business. WEDC must approve funding to a pre-approved regional entity before local business loans are available.

Applicability

WEDC lists the Disaster Recovery Microloan Program as active, but disaster-specific funding is not automatic. Regional partners should confirm whether an allocation has been requested or approved for the July 27 tornado before directing businesses to apply.

Documentation and cost rules

Regional entities should preserve disaster-impact evidence, business demand estimates and WEDC application records. Businesses should document physical damage, restoration needs, operating expenses and intent to reopen; costs incurred before program approval may not qualify.

Prior authorization: yes

Previously incurred costs: limited

The Hub is a starting point, not an eligibility determination. Confirm current rules with the administering organization before relying on a grant, reimbursement pathway, tax treatment, or operational resource.