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. 

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): The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.  Effective mid May, the SBA released a PPP forgiveness application that is available here. 

SBA Express Bridge Loans: This loan allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA EIDL. 

Click HERE for the direct portal for SBA Disaster Loans. Click HERE for assistance and instructions on how to apply for the SBA Disaster Loan. 

• Wisconsin's SBA Loan Seminar: The Wisconsin SBA office will offer daily webinars to answer your questions regarding how to apply for SBA loans. You must register to attend. 
  Click HERE to register for the 10:00 am webinars
  Click HERE to register for the 2:00 pm webinars
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan FAQ
• SBA COVID-19 Small Business Resources: America's Small Business Development Centers are working to help small businesses address the challenges and effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  
• SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources 

WEDC Small Business 20/20 Grant Program

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) created a program to provide grants to targeted businesses throughout the state. On March 17, $5 million in funding was approved for the effort to help “the smallest of the small,” known as Small Business 20/20 (SB20/20). SB20/20 will provide grants of up to $20,000 to businesses with no more than 20 employees to cover rent and to meet payroll expenses, including paid leave (including sick, family and other leave related to COVID-19). 

Click HERE for more information about the WEDC Small Business 20/20 Grant Program

• WEDC COVID-19 Business Resources
• We're All In Small Business Grant Program

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

Small Business Relief Fund: Provides direct grants up to $5,000 to small business owners in northeast Minnesota, central Minnesota, and northwest Wisconsin.

Kiva US Small Business Loans

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiva US is offering small business applicants expanded loan sizes, now up to $15,00 and grace periods from 1 to 6 months. 

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 Safer at Home Order
• Safer at Home News Release
• Safer at Home FAQ
• WEDC Essential Business Declaration

Local Resources for Businesses & Employers

Small Business Economic Relief Program - The City of Superior has developed a grant program to assist small businesses located in the City of Superior, Wisconsin.  

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. 

Other Financial Help & Guidance for Small Businesses

• CARES Act Relief Resources FAQ 
• Governor Evers Suspends Utility Rules and Allows for Additional Consumer Protections
• 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
• Forum Communication Community Commitment Grant Fund - A one million dollar matching grant to assist locally-owned businesses with marketing during this challenging time.
• 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.