COVID-19 Resources & Assistance

The Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor the impact of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 on the economy as well as how it will continue to directly impact our business community in the Twin Ports.  With that in mind, this page is designed to be a one-stop hub of resources and information for businesses and individuals in our region.  We will continue to update this page with new information as it becomes available.  

On March 24, 2020, Governor Evers announced the Safer at Home Order. The order was extended until May 26, 2020, with Emergency Order #34. Effective May 14, the Safer at Home Order and the extension was ended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 

The Governor's Office announced a Badger Bounce Back plan on Monday, April 20, 2020. This plan lays out the milestones needed and groundwork for a phased process to reopen businesses in Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin Department of Economic Development has released guidelines on safe business practices for all essential and nonessential businesses, available here. 

Douglas County Testing Sites

If you are in need of a COVID-19 test, there are six sites in close proximity to Douglas County where you can be tested. Click here to learn more about each site and how to schedule a test.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Economic Disaster Loan (EIDL): Funds from this loan are working capital loans to help pay other fixed debt, payroll, tax obligations and other operating expenses that will allow the business to stay in business. Processing time is taking 2-4 weeks depending on the size of the loan, so please apply early. It is recommended that you save often while applying.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Re-Opening: The Treasury Department has announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To learn more about the PPP and to apply please click here. 

• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan FAQ
• SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources 
• SBA Simpler PPP Forgiveness Loans

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVO) - The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues. Click here for the SVO FAQ page. 

WEDC Small Business Resources

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)  Has created a page that highlights all of the resources available through the WEDC. This page includes WEDC Resources, State of Wisconsin Resources, Federal Resources, and Other Resources. 

• WEDC COVID-19 Business Resources

The Development Association

The Development Association Business Assistance Loan Program 

The Business Assistance Loan Program is open to Development Association members.  The goal is to provide $5,000 loans to members within a week of the application. 

Loan Application

Entrepreneur Fund

Entrepreneur Fund Covid-19 Resource Page

Kiva US Small Business Loans

Kiva US is an international non-profit crowdfunding loan website where anyone can donate money to help finance your loan.  

Click HERE to explore Kiva Loans. 

Wisconsin Resources for Businesses & Employers

Additional guidance and resources to help Wisconsin Businesses respond to COVID-19.  Stay up to date at Wisconsin.gov as the situation progresses. 

• Wisconsin Statewide Covid-19 Coronavirus Information
• Department of Health Services Covid-19 Information Page
• WEDC Stay Safely Open Guidelines

Local Resources for Businesses & Employers 

Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation COVID-19 NW WI Response Fund - The mission of this fund is to respond to the needs identified in our community and deploy resources to non-profit organizations at the frontlines of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Northwest Wisconsin. 

Mainstreet USA "At Your Side" Small Business Grant Program - This grant program supports brick-and-mortar small businesses in Main Street Districts (in Superior, the Superior Business Improvement District. Small businesses within the SBID may apply for any amount between $5,000 and $10,000. 

On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, the City Council voted to pass a mask resolution for the City of Superior.  The resolution will go into effect on Monday, July 27, 2020, and will require all individuals to wear a face-covering in indoor areas accessible to the public. You can read the full resolution here. 

Printable Mask Resolution Flyer

Mask Resolution Business FAQ

Mask Resolution Citizen FAQ

Local Resources for Individual Help

Northwest Community Services Agency: A number of assistance programs are available for individuals.  Please call NWCSA at 715-392-5127 for direct guidance based on your situation. 

Other Financial Help & Guidance for Small Businesses

• CARES Act Relief Resources FAQ 
• Governor Evers Suspends Utility Rules and Allows for Additional Consumer Protections
• Preventing and Managing Covid-19 Outbreaks in the Workplace Guidance for Employers
• Save Small Business Fund: A grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories. 
• Wisconsin Unemployment Office: Click the link for a FAQ from the Department of Workforce Development to help answer questions for employees who may be laid off due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA):  For individuals who are unemployed and otherwise not eligible for unemployment benefits.
• Facebook Small Business Grant Program: Facebook has announced $100 million grant program for small businesses being impacted by COVID-19
• IRS Coronaviurs Tax Relief: The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by COVID-19
• United States Government Response to COVID-19
• 5 Ways to Retain Your Customers - Even if you need to close due to health and safety concerns, here a few ways to keep serving your customers during this COVID-19 outbreak.
• 5 tips to stay productive while working from home

ALERT

Please note that during this pandemic, we have been made aware of increased efforts of scams around the lending process as well as computer viruses and hacking attempts. To reduce your risk, please note that all lending applications are free, do not need a deposit or credit card information, and there are no immediate deadlines. In addition please advise all employees to use caution while working online, only open trusted sites and attachments, use secure remote log in if possible.