COVID-19 Business Resources

KCEDC information and services during this unprecedented time

In response to the rapidly evolving public health emergency of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), its impact on our region, businesses, investors, and community members, KCEDC has compiled a list of resources. We hope these resources will be of assistance to you as you navigate these turbulent times and the operation of your business. As we learn of additional resources, we will add them to this page, and send email blasts to our contact lists. Please encourage members of your team and other interested people to sign up for these KCEDC newsletters here.

We also encourage you to visit the following links to documents and websites for the most up-to-date information:

CDC Reopening Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has developed guidance for businesses related to COVID-19. The detailed guidance covers Employers with Vulnerable Workers, Restaurant and Bars, Child Care Programs, Schools and Day Camps, Communities of Faith, and Transit Administrators. Download the full document here.

Kewaunee County Public Health Department issues guidance, best practices, for safe and healthy re-opening process

May 14, 2020 | Kewaunee County Public Health Department has developed guidance to move our county forward to re-open in a safe and healthy manner. “We are stressing best practice. We have based this guidance off of current state and federal guidance and have provided links to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation guidance documents,” according to a cover letter provided with the “Moving Kewaunee County Forward – Kewaunee County Reopening Guidelines.”

Small retail stores with separate entrances may now open within guidelines

May 11, 2020 | Effective immediately, Governor Tony Evers announces today, standalone or strip-mall based retail stores can open for in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time, following social distancing guidelines, with masking encouraged. See the guidelines and additional businesses affected by this latest “Turn the Dial” of the Safer at Home order.

WEDC industry-specific reopen guidelines

May 8, 2020 | We are all working toward providing a safe and productive future for our employees, customers, and community. This will require the gradual adoption of new business practices that reflect the evolving reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and to continue to mitigate the effects of this unprecedented global health emergency. 

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation developed the WEDC Reopen Guidelines, with input from national and state health and industry experts and in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and our regional economic development partners, WEDC has compiled a series of industry-specific documents to help you get back to business while taking the necessary precautions to maximize safety. Following these guidelines will help us all get Wisconsin’s economy back on track.

Small Business Administration resumes accepting PPP loan applications

Monday, April 27 at 9:30AM CT | Any eligible borrower, through approved lenders, may file applications for Paycheck Protection Loans, processed through the SBA. Lenders may have their own application forms, so contact your business lender for more information. Other sources, available online, are also now available to process the loan applications. Be aware there are also non-authorized entities that may solicit information. Here is an article in Forbes that may help navigate the new options.

For more information on Paycheck Protection Loans, SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) with an Emergency Advance, and other resources, see the information below.

What COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Means for States 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) provides an estimated $2 trillion stimulus package to battle the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was signed into law March 31, 2020. A few highlights of what’s included here.

The Anatomy of the $2 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Bill

A visual representation of where the $2 trillion will be spent. Broadly speaking, there are five components to the COVID-19 stimulus bill visualized here.

Governor Evers Extends “Safer at Home” Order

April 16, 2020 | Gov. Tony Evers has directed the state Department of Health Services to extend the state’s Safer-at-Home order through 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 26. Like under the original order, people don’t need permission to leave their homes, but are only allowed to do so for specific things, like going to the grocery store or to the doctor. People are still allowed to exercise outside, but are required to keep 6 feet between themselves and others, unless they live with the person

March 24, 2020 | Governor Evers issued Emergency Order #12, the “Safer at Home” order, closing all Nonessential Wisconsin business until 8:00 am, Friday, April 24, 2020. The WEDC has additional information on this order. You can find definitions of “essential” business details on both the links above. The Department of Homeland Security CISA office has also issued Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.

Kewaunee County Resolution Declaring Public Health Emergency 

At the Tuesday March 17, 2020 Kewaunee County Board of Supervisors meeting a Resolution Declaring Public Health Emergency was passed. Also, effective Friday, March 20 at 1 pm all county facilities will be closed to the public until further notice. There will be limited access on case-by-case basis for critical court proceedings & departments by appointment ONLY. For continuing information updates check the Kewaunee County website frequently.

Protective steps to safeguard employees and the community and Human Resource questions

What can businesses do to help?

Where can businesses get help?

SBA

Paycheck Protection Loans (PPL), PPP, and your current business bank resources

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers (3-20 people), as we can, in economically vulnerable communities. See if your community qualifies and apply here. We hope these supplemental funds will help you get through the next days and weeks.

WEDC
WMEP
Agri-Business 

Additional Small Business Micro Loans and Grants

  • Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC): Current Loan Clients Modification options, contact Jaime Charon: Jcharon@wwbic.com or WWBIC Servicing: wwbicservicing@wwbic.com.
  • For current and new Small Business clients WWBIC fast track loans up to $25,000, contact Michael Hetzel, Director of Lending: mhetzel@wwbic.com for more details.
  • KIVA is now offering $15,000 loans statewide; more information here for business owners looking to borrow.
Additional Resources
Support Local

Now, more than ever, small businesses need your support. If you are doing business with a local provider, and your needs have changed, do your best to postpone the work and not cancel.

FEMA Support Under Emergency Declaration for COVID-19

On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of Stafford Act, increasing federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its role as the lead federal agency for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. Under this declaration, FEMA, in coordination with HHS, will assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public.

As of March 19, 2020, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories and one tribe have received 501b Emergency Declarations for COVID-19.

FEMA Regional Administration for Wisconsin

  • James K. Joseph, Regional Administrator
  • Kevin M. Sligh, Deputy Regional Administrator

World Health Organization COVID-19 Updates

 


This information is provided as a service to help local businesses and community members and is not intended as legal or medical information. Consult the official websites, your legal counsel, medical advisors, and human resources specialists for your specific needs.