Resources to help navigate services during the
COVID-19 Emergency
We want to assist local businesses to come out strong at the end of the public health emergency.
Wisconsin Safer-at-Home Order and Essential Business List
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Governor Evers has issued an order to stay "Safer at Home" which requires non-essential travel, workplace interaction and other non-essential functions to cease until April 24, 2020 (date subject to change). The goal here is to slow the spread of COVID-19 by ordering about half of the WI population to remain in their residence as much as possible. The other half of Wisconsin residence have professions deemed essential to the community. A list of qualified businesses can be found in the link below:
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Wisconsin Main Street Tips for Businesses
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Document designed by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to serve as a repository of ideas, tips and best practices compiled from local, state and national resources to allow our downtown (and other small businesses) to survive and thrive in light of current and rapidly changing circumstances.
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Did your business close (or cut hours) during this COVID-19 Emergency?
Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits with the State of Wisconsin.
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If you are out of work, because of business closure, you will qualify for WI State Unemployment Insurance Benefits. The Work Search part of UI Benefits has been waived for persons out of work due to COVID-19 emergency. At this time, the 1 week waiting period is still in effect, but in discussion within the WI legislature.
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Diaster Recovery Micro Loan Program
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This local Diaster Recovery Micro Loan Program works to provide short-term financial assistance to business affected by a natural or manmade diaster.
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Small Business 20/20 Grant
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Wisconsin Ecomonic Development Corporation announces target grants to small businesses suffering losses due to COVID-19 emergency. This week a $5 million grant program to assist small businesses, with less than 20 employees has been moved forward. Grant money has will be faciliated by Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI's). Something to note: Royal Credit Union is a CDFI, and is listed as such on some resource lists, however RCU is not a CDFI for business accounts, therefore is not allowed to participate in this Grant.
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CARES Act - "Paycheck Protection Program"
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Follow this link to read a condensed 4 page document, written by the US Chamber of Commerce, outlining this SBA Loan that has some forgivable portions when funds are used to retain workers, maintain payroll, make mortgage or lease payments or pay utilitites.
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SBA Express Diaster Bridge Loans
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Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses, who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender, to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA EDIL. If a small business has an urgent need for cash, while waiting for a decision and disbursement on SBA EDIL, they may qualify for SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms
- Up to $25,000
- Fast Turnaround
- Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL Loan
- These Express Loans carry a higher interest rate, set by the lender
- Must work directly with SBA Express Lender bank to apply
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SBA Economic Injury Diaster Loans
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Applications for SBA EID Loans can be sent in now. Follow links below:
Some tips to follow - SBA EID Loans are loans with flexible payment structures, 3.75% apr and can be held for up to 30 years.
SBA's advise for all wanting to apply - Apply Now, even if you are worried about eligibility or not sure if this is the right path for your business. Get the process started and get in line with the SBA Loan Officer to determine your best path at that time.
If loan amount is under $25K, then no collateral will be required, if loan is more then collateral is required but does not have to be free and clear.
There is no credit score minimum to be considered.
There is even a form (1368) for a startup business to be considered for loan dollars, based on projected revenue.
Need help with your application? The Small Business Development Center in Eau Claire is fielding questions and helping with navigating the application.
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act
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Family First Coronavirus Response Act responds to COVID-19 by requiring paid sick leave, free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers. Below are details on some of the topics that are specifically designed to benefits displaced workers.
Emergency Paid Leave Act of 2020
Workers qualify for paid leave during the following conditions;
Individual has COVID-19
Individual is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking medical diagnosis.
Individual is quarantined (including self-quarantine) at the instruction of a health care provider, employer, or government official to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Individual is caring for another person who is under quarantineIndividual is caring for a child or other individual who is unable to care for themselves due to closing of school or child care facility due to COVID-19
Benefits are distributed by the SSA. Eligible workers receive a benefit for a month (up to three), in which they must take 14 or more days of leave from their work due to qualifying COVID-19 reasons.
Benefit Amount: Two-thirds of the worker's average monthly earnings (based on most recent year of wages or self-employment on record), up to $4000/mo. Days when the worker receives pay from their employer (wages or sick pay) do not count as leave days for purposes of this benefit.
Applications will be taken online, phone or mail. Payments will be made electronically.
Paid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies & Personal and Family Care Act
This Act requires all employers of full-time employees to provide 14 days of additional paid sick leave, available at the beginning of a public health emergency. Part-time employees sick leave benefit will reflect hours worked from the previous two weeks of employment.
Businesses (less than 500 employees) would be reimbursed for the cost of these 14 paid sick leave days, when utilized by employees. Will take effect immediately upon bill enactment.
Local Employers Looking to Fill Positions
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Fill out this short template with details about jobs you are hiring for immediately. This will be shared to job seekers within the region.
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Job Seekers Looking for Temporary Work
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Are you a worker looking for temporary work? Follow the link below to see a list of local employers who may match your needs. Contact information can be found within the worksheet.
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