IndustriesSports & RecreationTourism, Hospitality & Events

Evers to grant $140 million for tourism, entertainment businesses

In Business Madison
By In Business Madison
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Gov. Tony Evers has announced more than $140 million in grants to businesses and organizations that play an integral role in Wisconsin’s tourism and entertainment industries. The new grant programs will be invested in industries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, including live event venues, movie theaters, summer camps, minor league sports, and the lodging industry. Additional investments will be made in reopening Wisconsin historical sites and marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.

The investments include the following: 

  • $75 million for lodging grants; 
  • $11.25 million for movie theaters; 
  • $12 million for live event small businesses; 
  • $2.8 million for minor league sports teams; 
  • $10 million for live venues; 
  • $15 million for destination marketing organizations; 
  • $8 million for summer camps; 
  • $1 million for the Wisconsin Historical Society to assist in reopening historical sites; and 
  • $7.5 million to increase marketing support for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Department of Revenue.

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