The Sconi

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is poised to pump an additional $25 million into his Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, an initiative that offers one-time assistance to new and existing local businesses that are looking to open a new location or expand operations.

“Investing in Wisconsin ingenuity and entrepreneurship will pay dividends for our state, and I'm excited to bring our total investment to $100 million to continue supporting small businesses and Main Streets in every corner of Wisconsin,” Evers posted on Twitter this week.

WEAU.com reports that Evers went public with his intentions during a recent tour of small businesses in Eau Claire, where he spoke with voters as his November reelection fast approaches. During a stop at a cheese and beer bar on Third and Vine, the governor made it a point of assuring residents that small businesses are a huge part of his campaign platform.

“These investments in our Main Streets are paying off all across the country,” he said. “You hear about talk of smaller and rural communities dying off, but not in Wisconsin. When I visit Main Streets across Wisconsin, I’m incredibly proud to see the vibrant small businesses benefiting from these crucial grants. In the classroom, more than 146 new small businesses have opened.”

While adding that another aspect of his plan includes increasing the minimum wage, Evers said he plans to move carefully in that regard in hopes of giving small business owners their best chance to adapt to the change.

Evers is set to face off against Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels in the November general election.