Pandemic Resource Update 4-16-20
Dear clients,
Today was a big day for updates…
Wisconsin’s Safer-at-Home Order Extended Until May 26
You most likely have already heard this news. You can read the official order here: https://evers.wi.gov/Documents/COVID19/EMO12-SaferAtHome.pdf
Under the new order businesses and activities ramping up service and operations:
Public libraries: Public libraries may now provide curb-side pick-up of books and other library materials.
Golf courses: Golf courses may open again, with restrictions including scheduling and paying for tee times online or by phone only. Clubhouses and pro shops must remain closed.
Non-essential businesses: Non-essential businesses will now be able to do more things as Minimum Basic Operations, including deliveries, mailings, and curb-side pick-up. Non-essential businesses must notify workers of whether they are necessary for the Minimum Basic Operations.
Arts and crafts stores: Arts and craft stores may offer expanded curb-side pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Aesthetic or optional exterior work: Aesthetic or optional exterior lawn care or construction is now allowed under the extended order, so long as it can be done by one person.
Small Business Administration Loans – PPP and EIDL – Lapse in Appropriations
According to the SBA, as of this morning, the PPP loan program has run out of funding. The SBA is not able to accept NEW applications for the EIDL loan – at this time.
That does not mean there won’t be additional funding for these programs in the future. I’ve pasted an email from the SBA to the bottom of this email, so you can read more details. Here is a summary:
PPP Loans:
The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the PPP based on available appropriations funding.
EIDL Loans:
Also, the SBA is unable to accept new applications for the EIDL COVID-19 related assistance program, including EIDL Advances, based on available appropriations funding. Applicants who already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We have also heard that SBA EIDL loans are being capped at $15,000. Congress is expected to reload these loan programs so full amounts can be paid out, but until the “Phase 4” bill passes, people may experience delays or bumps in the road in getting their assistance.
New Grant Opportunity! Save Small Business Fund
To be eligible you must employ between 3 and 20 people, be located in an economically vulnerable community, and have been harmed financially by the Covid-19 pandemic.
See if your business qualifies by entering the zip code for your business here: https://www.savesmallbusiness.com/#eligibility
If you are eligible, a short application will go live on April 20 at 12 noon. If you’d like a reminder you can sign up on the website.
Unemployment Benefit Disbursement
DWD’s website has been updated here: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/caresact/
Which Unemployment Program is for You? https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/ui/pua-18786-p.pdf
Below is a nice recap below from Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce…Also
As part of the CARES Act, there are three benefits that unemployed individuals may be eligible to receive if they are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits:
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) is a temporary emergency increase of $600 per week in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which will automatically be added to benefit payments from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). UI claimants do not need to apply for these additional benefits. Wisconsin plans to start making FPUC payments the week of April 26, 2020. The benefits will be retroactive to the week ending April 4.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to people not otherwise eligible for regular UI, including those who are self-employed, independent contractors or have a limited work history. Wisconsin plans to start taking PUA applications the week of April 21, 2020.
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.
Beware of SBA Loan Scams and Other Fraud
Please scroll down (under the SBA email) for an email from University of Wisconsin regarding the uptick in fraud related to Disaster Loans – and how to avoid fraud.
Fundera’s Best Small Business Grants for 2020, Including Coronavirus Grants
Fundera keeps a great list of grants for small businesses. They’ve now updated it to include coronavirus-related grants. There may be some grants that you’re eligible for on this list, so I would encourage you to review it quickly to see if that’s the case. Some of the grant funds are currently suspending applications but plan to resume again; so it may be worthwhile to get on mailing lists in order to get updated when grants may open again.