We are facing fluid and extraordinary times in the face of COVID-19. The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce is committed to the health and safety of our staff, community members, local businesses, and event attendees. Effective immediately, in the best interest of you, your business, and our community, we are suspending all in-person networking, meeting and programming events through April 6th and will continue to evaluate the situation as it unfolds. These events will be rescheduled and we will communicate new dates to our members over the next several weeks.
We hope the community can rally around local, small businesses during this time, where possible and when safe. They are the lifeblood of our communities and will need the support of customers more than ever through the near future.
We have compiled several resources below as guidance for businesses and employers to navigate through these times.
The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. The guide answers these questions?
VIEW – Small Business Guide for Emergency Loans & Paycheck Protection Program
SBA LOAN INFORMATION
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For complete details on SBA, visit www.sba.gov.
LISTEN NOW 3-24-20 update with Sen. Fitzgerald, Speaker Vos & Association Partners
LISTEN NOW 3-24-20 Update on the “Safer At Home Order” with WEDC Secretary & CEO Missy Hughes:
Listen / Watch Now Senator Ron Johnson Call hosted by WMC (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce)
LISTEN NOW 3-20-2020 with Rep. Mike Gallagher Conference Call
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Governor Ever’s Safer At Home Order
WEDC announces targeted grants to small businesses suffering losses due to coronavirus emergency
In another step toward assisting small businesses that suffer losses related to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is creating a program to provide grants to targeted businesses throughout the state, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes announced today / 3-18-2020.
Community Benefit Tree – Cure from Despair Fund-COVID-19- Income Relief – if you have employees that are in need of income relief due to losing their job or laid off because of the COVID-19 please have them contact us.
Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits from Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
CDC- Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Top Wisconsin Health Official Answers Your COVID-19 Questions
Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm answered about the state of emergency and what it means, as well as other preparations the state is making to test for the virus and prevent its further spread.
Our state agencies are developing guidance and resources for Wisconsinites to stay healthy and make informed choices for themselves and their families during this time. These agencies will continue to update their websites with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
Work-Share avoids layoffs, allowing workers to remain employed & employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity.
Updates from Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Updates from the Tavern League of Wisconsin
Spectrum offering free access to broadband and Wi-Fi for students without access for 60 days
COVID-19 Community Response Fund Is Ready To Take Donations
HOPELINE – Text HOPELINE to 741741 — from anywhere, anytime, about any type of challenge or struggle. Help and hope is just a text away.