COVID-19 Small Business Resources

Milwaukee County Small Business Recovery Grants

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)

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

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