"What really drives the economy is small business and this American Rescue Act basically is more than a game changer”- Darren Price, Tomah small business owner

MADISON -- With the effective distribution of vaccines and the aid in the American Rescue Plan, small businesses in Wisconsin are able to keep their doors open, and Wisconsinites’ lives are beginning to return to normal -- no thanks to every single congressional Republican, all of whom voted against the American Rescue Plan.

“Wisconsin’s small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy, and because of  President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, they’ll have the assistance and resources they need to keep their doors open,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler. “Thanks to Democratic leadership in the White House, Congress, and from Gov. Evers here in Madison, we’ve made tremendous progress in these 100 days to get shots in arms and get folks back to work.”

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Wisconsin Public Radio: Wisconsin Business Owners Say Federal Stimulus Can Help Them Build Post-Pandemic Futures

Leaders of Wisconsin businesses in hard-hit sectors say the millions in federal aid set to be distributed is a chance to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and make lasting changes in their industries.

Restaurant and hospitality business owners spoke Wednesday at a virtual listening session convened by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The session included businesses from urban and rural parts of the state, who discussed how funds from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package can help them in the short term and set up Wisconsin businesses for success after the pandemic.

WXOW: Rep. Ron Kind discusses American Rescue Plan and the benefits for small businesses in the La Crosse area

Kind said he supported the American Rescue Plan because it was direct feedback from small businesses that they listened to and are trying to help to buy some time while vaccinations are ramping up and people are getting back out.

He explained that part of the American Rescue Plan is the Paycheck Protection Program which is money given to small businesses that they can use for wages, salaries, utilities, rent payments, and other things they needed to cover but couldn't because of the virus.

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Darren Price, owner of BP Smokehouse in Tomah, said this funding has been crucial for so many small businesses.

"What really drives the economy is small business and this American Rescue Act basically is more than a game changer," said Price. "We're not out of the woods yet, but I can tell you that it looks much brighter now than it did a year ago and even six months ago."

Kenosha News: WATCH NOW: Serving up restaurant relief: Local owners take a look at new federal assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has not been kind to the restaurant industry, but a new federal assistance program may help some turn the tide.

The Biden Administration has signed the American Rescue Plan that includes $28.6 billion for restaurants as part of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The Small Business Administration will manage it.

The aid couldn’t come fast enough, industry leaders said.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 'Help is on the way': Wisconsin will issue $420 million in relief funds to small businesses, Gov. Evers says

Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday he will pour $420 million into small businesses through the Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grant program.

Evers made the announcement at The Ruby Tap, a wine bar and shop in Wauwatosa.

According to a news release, the funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act can potentially benefit 84,000 small businesses that generate between $10,000 and $7 million in annual revenue.