covid-19 business resources

Badger Bounce Back, Be Ready Guide

Badger Bounce Back: A joint guide from Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation that includes phases to reopen after COVID-19. The entire plan can be viewed here.

Department of Workforce Development Unemployment for Employers

Wisconsin Unemployment FAQ for Employers: View information for employers and employer service providers relating to unemployment taxes, reporting, collections and more. Also view COVID-19 FAQ here.

CARES Act: View information about the three benefits that unemployed individuals may be eligible to receive if not eligible for regular UI benefits:
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): Provides most individuals an emergency increase in $600 per week in unemployment benefits (e.g., Regular UI, PUA and PEUC). NOTE: Wisconsin plans to start making FPUC payments the week of April 26, 2020. Claimants DO NOT need to take action for the additional $600 per week benefit.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assitance (PUA): Provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to people not otherwise eligible for regular UI (e.g. self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history). NOTE: Wisconsin is now accepting online applications for PUA.
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Provides an additional 13 weeks of emergency benefits for people who remain unemployed after they have exhausted their Regular UI benefits.

Wisconsin UI Resources in Spanish and Hmong: Information to access resources in Spanish, Hmong and for interpreter and translation services.

SCORE

Coronavirus Small Business Resource Hub: SCORE created a website to serve as a resource hub about their remote mentoring services, online workshops and virtual webinars on COVID-19 related concerns for business owners.

University of Wisconsin System’s Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship

Center for Technology Commercialization: Provides access to specialized resources and aid for small business innovators, visionaries and entrepreneurs to bring their technology from idea to market.

Food Finance Institute: Provides financial technical assistance to food, beverage and value-added agriculture businesses with tools needed for success.

Small Business Development Center: A statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

Essential Business Declaration: View general information, FAQs, definitions of businesses that fit the criteria about Essential and Nonessential operations as defined by the Safer at Home Order, and how to submit an inquiry to designate a business as essential.

Small Business 20/20 Program: View information about the Small Business 20/20 Program that provides up to $20,000 grant funds to approved community development financial institutions (CDFIs).

Strategies for Small Businesses to Navigate COVID-19 Challenges: A guide designed to serve as repository of ideas, tips, and best practices complied from local, state, and national resources to allow communities to survive and thrive in light of current and rapidly changing circumstances. The guide is also avaiable in in Español and Hmong.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue: View the press release for small businesses on sales taxes and other steps to help taxpayers in response to COVID-19. Read other Department of Revenue press releases related to COVID-19.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

WWBIC COVID-19 Loan Program: A loan program focused on existing businesses looking for business financing during COVID-19.

Veterans Business Outreach Center: Provides business development services to Wisconsin men and women who are active duty services members, including Guard and Reserve, Veterans and family members of the above.

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