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COVID-19 Small Business Resources
Milwaukee County Small Business Recovery Grants
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
- Navigating Through COVID-19 Guidebook for Small Businesses and Organizations (PDF)
- WEDC General Guidance for All Businesses - Best Practices to Reopen
KIVA
Kiva lenders have shown their commitment to providing financial assistance to all by making 0% interest loans to entrepreneurs in the U.S. on Kiva.org for the last 10 years. In today’s difficult circumstances, we’d like to make it as easy and impactful as possible for small businesses in the U.S. to have access to affordable capital on the Kiva platform - capital that may be the difference between shutting down and keeping their doors open.
Kiva recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has global impact, and will continue to explore ways to help as many people affected by this crisis as possible. Currently, the U.S. market is the place Kiva has the most agility to deploy financial assistance.
Effective immediately, U.S. applicants for a Kiva loan will have access to the following:
- Expanded eligibility: More businesses in the U.S. will be eligible for a Kiva loan than ever.
- Larger loans: The maximum loan on the Kiva platform will increase from $10,000 to $15,000.
- Grace period: New borrowers may access a grace period of up to 6 months for greater financial flexibility.
- Email Renee Lindner at Kiva for more information, or call her at 414-395-4548.
Wisconsin Small Business Development Network
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Network has created the COVID-19 page to anchor important resources and information amid quickly changing conditions and unprecedented measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff across all of our centers are available to work with you via phone or virtual means.
United States Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (or working capital loans) are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations. They have set up a page to help you navigate the process.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
MMAC is currently hosting a series of Webinars for Business Strategies During the Pandemic. Additionally, MMAC has a list of resources on their Coronavirus Guidance and Resources page.
Gener8tor
Gener8tor is hosting emergency one-week virtual programs for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs will feature daily webinars designed to identify, understand and help small businesses secure resources to withstand the current crisis. One-on-one office hours will also be available. Businesses wishing to enroll is should sign on the gener8tor Emergency Response Program website.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
WWBIC has moved all business and financial educational programming online and on-demand. WWBIC is also working with federal, state and local elected officials to support the many WWBIC borrowers, entrepreneurs and businesses in need of loan capital now! WWBIC is offering current loan clients affected by COVID-19 loan modification options. In some cases, these small business owners may have options for deferments, interest payments being covered, and direct grant support for payroll and rent. For more information email Jaime Charon or email WWBIC Servicing. For current and new small business clients, WWBIC is offering fast track loans up to $25,000! Email Michael Hetzel for more details.
Hmong Chamber of Commerce
The Hmong Chamber of Commerce is offering an emergency loan fund in response to COVID-19. Small businesses can apply for a loan starting at $5,000 and up to $10,000. The business is required to have existed for a minimum of two years and be located in a low to moderate income tract or be a minority-owned business in Wisconsin. Once the application (PDF) is complete, the business owner can send it and the other requirements to Yuli Her, the development coordinator, vial email.
State of Wisconsin Resources
- WEDC Small Business 20/20 Grant Program - The goal of the Small Business 20/20 program is to support small businesses and micro-enterprises adversely economically impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about the 2020 Grant Program.
- WEDC: For program and other assistance available to Wisconsin business owners, please visit COVID-19 Business Insights and Relief Information.
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (WDWD) - View more information regarding Public Information for Unemployment for COVID-19.
- Small Business Administration Updates - WEDC and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) officials are working with the Wisconsin office of the Small Business Administration to unlock federal Economic Impact Disaster Loans for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. We will provide additional details on the availability of SBA funding as they become available.
- Coronavirus Information for Partners -Answers to frequently asked questions by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- COVID-19: How we can help businesses - The Small Business Development Center-Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship has created a page with important information for its clients amid quickly changing conditions and unprecedented measures put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Department of Workforce Development - Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information
Federal Resources
- U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program - A disaster declaration for economic injury related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been submitted to the SBA by Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Wisconsin’s Governor’s Office. Businesses can now apply for emergency Disaster Loan Assistance through the online portal.
- General information is available for disaster assistance
- For additional information, please contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer ServiceCenter. Call 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or email Disaster Customer Service. (Added March 19, 2020)
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: Employers with 3 to 20 employees can apply for grants starting Monday, April 20. These have to be businesses in "distressed communities" (zip codes 53214, 53219 and 53227 qualify).
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - For guidance on essential works, please view the following Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response (PDF).
- SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus Handout (PDF)
- Coronavirus Tax Relief - The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
- Coronavirus Resources - The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus.
- Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know - The U.S. Treasury Department is supporting American workers and businesses who are impacted by the coronavirus.
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (PDF)
Other Resources
- Facebook Small Business Grants - Facebook understands that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time.
- UW Credit Union Emergency Personal Loan - For those members who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, they are offering a low-rate personal loan to help with budgeting concerns.
- United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) National Charitable Foundation’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program - Emergency funding for bar industry staff who need financial support, can apply to the USBG National Charitable Foundation’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. USBG membership is not required to receive funds. View USBG grant eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and applications.
- WEBINAR - How your business can withstand a global pandemic outbreak - MMAC held this webinar on March 17th to discuss how business leaders are adjusting to the pandemic. View a recording of the Webinar.
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities: Resources and Information
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): LISC Small Business Relief Grants