COVID-19 Information Resources

January 22, 2021-

As the COVID-19 vaccination distribution process continues, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Wisconsin's Department of Health Services are working together to make sure that Wisconsin's employers have the right resources to encourage and, where possible, facilitate vaccine protection against COVID-19 in their workplaces.

Completing this survey will help WEDC understand what businesses are planning, and where they can best support with information or other methods to help increase the participation rate.

Click on the survey  to complete.

In addition, if you or any of your team members have questions about COVID - 19 or the vaccine, Dr. Paul McGinnis, who has practiced Family Medicine for more than 20 years and serves on the Hudson Area Crisis Task Force, would be happy to participate in an employee meeting or be available to answer questions.  You can contact him at pmcginnismd@gmail.com.

January 20, 2021- 

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #104 and Emergency Order #1 establishing a new statewide public health emergency and face coverings requirement, respectively, as the state continues to expand vaccination distribution across the state. Executive Order #104 is available here and Emergency Order #1 is available here.

“We’re working every day to get vaccines distributed and get shots in arms to get our state back to some sort of normal,” said Gov. Evers. “At the end of the day, vaccine supplies are limited, so while we continue to ask the federal government for more vaccines and faster, we have to keep working together to stop the spread today by continuing wear our masks, staying home whenever we can, avoiding gatherings, and doubling down on our efforts to keep our friends, neighbors, and families safe.”

As of today, Wisconsin has administered 248,185 vaccines across the state and began administering vaccines in Phase 1B to first responders and law enforcement earlier this week. The Department of Health Services (DHS) also announced Wisconsinites 65 years or older will be eligible for the vaccine starting Mon., Jan. 25, 2021. There are approximately 700,000 Wisconsin residents 65 years or older that would be eligible for the next round of vaccines, therefore it will take time to get through this group and will be dependent on the number of vaccines provided by the federal government.

For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

 

 

January 15, 2021-

Gov. Evers Announces Launch of Mobile Vaccination Teams

Mobile vaccination clinics will expand vaccine access to all corners of Wisconsin

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Wisconsin National Guard (WING) will launch the Mobile Vaccination Program on January 19. As additional vaccine is allocated to Wisconsin, this initiative will accelerate vaccination efforts and expand accessibility to all corners of Wisconsin by supplementing local partners with staffing support and resources. “It has always been our goal to get folks vaccinated as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible,” said Gov. Evers. “These mobile vaccination teams are going to help us do just that by continuing to expand vaccine distribution across our state, leveraging partnerships and our best resources to meet folks where they are in their own communities.” Local and Tribal health departments (LTHDs) are leading the coordination for the vaccination of police and fire personnel, as well as EMS and unaffiliated health care providers in their jurisdictions. LTHDs that identify gaps in vaccine access or have exceeded local vaccination capacity will be able to request support or assistance from Wisconsin’s mobile vaccination teams. The teams will work closely with LTHDs to meet the unique needs of each community. “This pandemic has amplified health inequities throughout the state—we have seen how differences in opportunity, resources, and access to quality health care have exacerbated this public health crisis,” said Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “That is why this program is an especially critical tool in Wisconsin’s vaccination rollout. The Mobile Vaccination initiative will help close gaps in accessibility and ensure that every Wisconsinite will have the opportunity to get protected against COVID-19.” The Mobile Vaccination Program is a collaboration between DHS, WING, and local health partners. At launch, the program will deploy nine mobile vaccination teams with the intention to scale up the program in order to support vaccination of Phase 1A, Phase 1B, and beyond. Mobile clinics will be staffed by WING and pharmacy or nursing student volunteers through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin System. All volunteers will be required to complete safety trainings and necessary instruction modules. “Making vaccines available to the public is an all-of-Wisconsin effort that requires collaboration across state government,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general. “Our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen in the Wisconsin National Guard have been an integral part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re honored to continue serving our fellow citizens in this way.” The University of Wisconsin System is also expanding a $500 tuition credit for students that help during the pandemic to eligible students who volunteer to do vaccinations. “UW nursing and pharmacy students can provide critical help Wisconsinites get vaccinated,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson. “We are pleased to offer this tuition credit and appreciate the partnership with Gov. Tony Evers as we once again demonstrate the Wisconsin Idea at work – where there’s a problem facing Wisconsin, UW System is part of the solution.” As the state continues to expand vaccination efforts, COVID-19 has not gone away. Wisconsinites are still encouraged to mask up, stay physically distant, and wash hands frequently to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep communities safe. For information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the COVID-19 vaccine page. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage and follow @DHSWI on Facebook, Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

January 14, 2021-

First, happy new year and welcome to our stakeholders and clients from the SBDC at UW-River Falls who are now going to be part of our SBDC COVID Relief Update emails!  My name is Luke Kempen and I am the Director of the SBDC Center at UW-Eau Claire. I am a CPA with over 30 years of business experience. I have been with the SBDC at UW-Eau Claire for over eight years and focus on financial consulting with clients. If you want to learn more about me click here.   Starting today and going forward, our two SBDC offices will be collaborating on a joint “COVID Relief Update Email” to be sent to our clients, stakeholders, and friends of the SBDC in the Western Wisconsin counites the two SBDC offices serve. These emails will focus on COVID relief issues only.  I will try to keep the update emails concise and relevant and present the information in a manner that you can quickly sort through what is relevant to you. Understand that this update email is sent to over a thousand people in Western Wisconsin with many different types of businesses. Therefore, while something may not apply to you it may be very relevant to someone else. If after reading our updates you still have questions, please reach out to one of our SBDC Centers and we will get back to you and assist you as best we can. Given the complexity and scope of the Law, I expect very frequent update emails through the end of January as details and specifics are announced.   Right now, we continue to await many of the specifics on the new Covid Relief Legislation (the Law) that was passed and signed by the President on December 27.  The Law has over 5,000 pages!  The SBA, Treasury and Congress continue to work through the details of how to implement the various components of the Law.  Last Friday information on the PPP loans was released ( see below) and we expect the SBA and Treasury to release more specific information about the Law going forward.   Since the Law was passed, and people have had a chance to read the Law, we have learned some specifics about it. To help you quickly go through the information in this email, I created the specific sections listed below. Go to the sections that may affect you and get the information you need related to the new Law: PPP Loans Update 2.  SBA EIDL Grant and Loan Program 3.  Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program 4.  Farmer Specific Parts of the Law   Please keep in mind the information below is based on our current understanding of the programs. Details and specifics can and likely will change over the next several weeks so continue to watch for updates.         PPP Loans Open Today   The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced Last Friday afternoon that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (First Round PPP Loans) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Applications for these First Round PPP Loans and Second Draw PPP Loans will run until March 31, 2021 or until funding runs out. I've talked to a couple bankers this morning and they told me that if you are looking to apply for the first or second draw loans you should contact them immediately. They will begin the process of accepting your application and will hold it until the SBA is ready to process it.   Note: In the information provided above, the SBA uses the term “community financial institutions” and states that initially next week loans will only be made through these institutions. Unfortunately, no clear definition was made of who are “community financial institutions”. When we get more clarity we will update you. It may be best to start with your current bank to secure a First Draw or Second Draw PPP Loan given they know you and your business best.        Two PPP Loan Paths- First Draw and Second Draw PPP Loans There are now two PPP Loan paths depending on if you previously received a PPP loan. 1.  First Draw PPP Loans 2.  Second Draw PPP Loans For both PPP loan paths, applications are to be made to participating banks just like the PPP loan program this past summer. Under both First and Second Draw PPP Loans, businesses will still need to spend at least 60% on payroll expenses, which the program specifies includes employer-provided group insurance. The 60-40 cost allocation between payroll (salary, commissions, bonuses, wages, group health/dental/vision insurance, group retirement) and non-payroll costs will continue to apply. For the self-employed, salary only applies. For the remaining 40% - in addition to mortgage/rent and utilities - funds can also be spent on: ·    Operations expenditures (i.e. software and cloud computing needs) ·    Property damage costs due to public disturbance ·    Supplier costs for supplies ordered before the loan was received, or perishable goods ordered before or during the loan ·    PPE equipment for employees purchased to comply with guidance from the Department of Health & Human Services, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control, or a state or local government First Draw PPP Loans First Draw PPP loans are generally for borrowers who have not previously received a PPP loan but see the exception (F) below. First Draw PPP Loans follow the final rules of the PPP loan program that ran last summer and include the following key PPP loan updates:  ·    Most borrowers may receive a loan amount of up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll costs in 2019, or the 12 months before the loan application but borrowers in the accommodations and food services sectors (NAICS industry code 72) can receive a loan amount of 3.5 times their average monthly payroll costs in 2019 or the 12 months before the loan application. ·    PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan's covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs. ·    PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures ·    The Program's eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations. ·    The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees. ·    Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount. (We await more clarification on who may be eligible for this and the process.) https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-2483-sd-ppp-second-draw-borrower-application-form Second Draw PPP Loans Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower: ·    Was in business before February 15, 2020 ·    Has fewer than 300 employees ·    Used, or will use, prior PPP loan if previously received ·    Can demonstrate at least 25% revenue decrease in gross receipts* during the any quarter of 2020 (compared to the same quarter in 2019) Below are links to the Official SBA PPP Loan application forms that the Lenders will be using.  If you are going to go to a lender seeking one of these PPP loans the information on the application form is what the lender will need from you. First Draw PPP Loan Lender Application Form: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-2483-paycheck-protection-program-borrower-application-form Second Draw PPP Loan Lender Application Form: https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-2483-sd-ppp-second-draw-borrower-application-form If you like to read more, additional Information on PPP First and Second Draw Loans can be found at the links below. Read the SBA's full Interim Final Ruling on Second Draw PPP Loans (42 pages) Read the SBA's Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act   First Draw PPP Loans (82 pages)

SBA EIDL Grant and Loan Forgiveness

We expect more information to come out soon on the SBA EIDL Loan and Grant program. We provide what we know now here: If You Already Received an EIDL Grant: It appears you are not eligible to apply for a second EIDL Grant. If you had an EIDL grant and a PPP loan and the EIDL Grant amount was deducted from your PPP loan forgiveness amount… ·    SBA will identify forgiveness payments that were reduced by EIDL Advances and automatically remit a reconciliation payment to the ACH account identified by the PPP lender in the Forgiveness Platform. Upon confirmation that the payment has been accepted by the PPP lender, SBA will generate a Notice of Paycheck Protection Program Reconciliation Payment that will be available in the Forgiveness Platform. ·    The PPP lender is responsible for notifying the borrower of the reconciliation payment. The PPP lender is also responsible for re-amortizing the loan and notifying the borrower of the amount of the next payment due, or advising the borrower that the loan has been paid in full, whichever is applicable. If the amount remitted by SBA to the PPP lender exceeds the remaining principal balance of the PPP loan (because the borrower made a payment on the loan), the PPP lender must remit the excess amount, including accrued interest paid by the borrower, to the borrower. Click here for the link to the official SBA Procedural Notice on the Repeal of EIDL Advance Deduction Requirement for SBA Loan Forgiveness Remittances to PPP Lenders NEW EIDL Loan Applications The new Law provides funding for additional EIDL Loans and EIDL Grants.   It appears if you already got and EIDL Loan or EIDL grant that you cannot get a second one. The SBA has extended the EIDL Loan Application loan period another year from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021 and is currently accepting EIDL loan applications.  Make sure if you want the EIDL Advance Grant that you check that box on the application!! Other EIDL program changes include: ·    Targeting the $10,000 advance to low-income communities ·    Permitting small businesses in low-income communities that received an EIDL advance to receive additional funds, up to $10,000 ·    Allowing more flexibility for the SBA to verify that emergency EIDL grant applicants have submitted accurate information ·    Extending time for the SBA to approve and disburse emergency EIDL grants from three to 21 days

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program

This is a new targeted grant program created by the Law specific to businesses that are a “live venue operator or promoter, theatrical producer, or live performing arts organization operator, a relevant museum operator, a motion picture theatre operator, or a talent representative” that was both: (a) fully operational on February 29, 2020 and (b) that demonstrates a 25% reduction from the gross earned revenue during the same quarter in 2019 (or 2020, as applicable). Certain venue operators are not eligible to participate (e.g., venue operators owned by public companies, offering performances of a prurient sexual nature, receiving more than 10% of gross revenue from federal funding). To be eligible, as of the date of the grant, the business must be open or intend to reopen. Initial grants may be in an amount equal to 45% of gross earned revenue in 2019. A venue operator may qualify for a second grant equal to 50% of the amount of the first grant, but the total amount of grants may not exceed $10 million. For a 14-day period, the SBA will award priority grants to the venue operators that have seen at least a 90% decline in revenue comparing the period between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 against the comparable period in 2019. Immediately thereafter, for another 14-day period, the SBA will then award second priority grants to venue operators that have seen at least a 70% decline in revenue. After both priority grants have been satisfied, all other venue operators may then apply. We note that the Law reserves $3 billion for venue operators that do not qualify under the priority grant provisions. A recipient must use the grant funds for the following expenses which were incurred between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021: payroll costs; and certain rental obligations, utility payments, mortgage obligations, worker protection costs, payments to certain independent contractors and ordinary/necessary expenses. The SBA is working on the rules they need to adopt to implement these Grants.  In the meantime, here is what you can do to prepare: ·    Work through and document your revenue calculations of 2020 as compared to 2019 to verify how much of a decrease in revenue you had and if you are eligible, what round you can apply. ·    If you are a member of NIVA (National Independent Venue Association)….Read the NIVA emails being sent you as these will provide you with updates and progress.   If you haven’t renewed your NIVA membership yet or want to sign up to be a member you can do so here: https://nivamembers.paperform.co It is my understanding that NIVA membership is free.  NIVA will be your best source of information on these Grants. ·    Since the SBA will be administering the Grant, you will need to register with The System for Award Management (SAM).  This is an official website of the U.S. government. There is no cost to use SAM. You can register for this at: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/  This can take 7-10 days, so please do your registry now so you are ready to apply for the grant when the SBA opens the application process.

 

December 17, 2020-

Free Will Donation Christmas Breakfast

 

December 16,2020-

 

Thursday Dec 17 Drive thru covid testing

 

November 20, 2020-

Gov. Evers Announces New Public Health Emergency Due to Overwhelmed Wisconsin Hospitals, Issues New Face Coverings Order

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today declared a new public health emergency in Wisconsin as Wisconsin’s hospitals are operating at or very near full capacity and healthcare providers are struggling to keep up with the demand for care. Executive Order #95 is available here. Emergency Order #1 is available here. Both orders are effective immediately and will expire after 60 days or with a subsequent superseding order. “Wisconsin hospitals are overwhelmed and facing staffing shortages,” said Gov. Evers. “We continue to see record-setting days of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. We need everyone to stay home and wear a mask if you have to you go out. We need your help to stop the spread of this virus, and we all have to do this together.” Wisconsin hospitals in every Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition Region are strained, reporting that their intensive care units are often full and that they may no longer be able to accept new patients. More than a third of all hospitals in Wisconsin are operating at peak capacity and are unable to admit new patients. Twenty-one percent of medical surgical beds and thirty-two percent of intensive care unit beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. With the large and growing influx of COVID-19 patients, there are fewer beds and resources available for people with non-COVID-19 conditions who require hospitalizations. The surge in patients has caused ripple effects through the hospital system, with intermediate care units treating more patients who would otherwise be transferred to the intensive care unit and fewer transfers to larger hospitals for patients needing higher levels of care. In addition to the lack of hospital beds, hospitals are facing widespread staffing shortages. Over a third of Wisconsin hospitals are reporting critical staffing shortages. Forty-two percent of hospitals expect a critical staffing shortage within a week. Multiple hospital systems have requested and received staffing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “The current surge in cases are overwhelming our hospitals,” said Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “We know hospitalizations are a lagging indicator, which means we will need even more capacity for our hospitals in the coming weeks with our current cases. We need every Wisconsinite to take this seriously to stay home. That is why it is imperative we take action to curb transmission now – to protect residents of Wisconsin in every corner of the state.” Wisconsin is experiencing unprecedented, near-exponential growth of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the average daily number of new cases currently at 6,254, almost double the average daily cases seen a month ago, and an increase of 260% since September 20, when the average case number was 1,720. With today’s new face covering order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

 

November 11, 2020- 

Governor Evers issued a new advisory last evening that can be found here Executive Order #94.

This order advises Wisconsinites to:

• Stay home to save lives
• Limit contact to only those they live with
• Avoid any unnecessary travel and limit trips out to the essentials like grocery shopping or getting tested
• Cancel gatherings and plan for virtual holiday gatherings
• Encourage friends and family to gather virtually rather than at each other’s homes
• Allow employees to work from home whenever possible and take extra precautions to protect workers and customers
• Support local businesses through curbside pickup, delivery, and online; and
• Wear a mask and keep 6 feet apart from others when out in public

 

October 22, 2020-

Informational webinars were presented yesterday.  Below are direct links to webinar recordings for the following grant programs:

• COVID-19 Movie Theater Grant Program Webinar Recording - NEW
• COVID-19 Lodging Grant Program Webinar Recording- NEW
• COVID-19 Live Music and Entertainment Venue Grant Program Webinar Recording NEW

 

October 15, 2020-

Tourism Industry Grant Applications

 

October 14, 2020-

The Hartbeat of Mainstreet Grant Program

 

October 13, 2020-

Entrepreneurship Support Grant Release 

We're all Innovating Contest

 

October 6, 2020-

We're All In Small Business Grant - Phase 2

October 5, 2020 - 

 

 

SBA Minnesota Civil Unrest Disaster Assistance Training   August 18, 3 PM   We will be holding an additional training next week for those impacted by civil unrest. Join us to understand an important SBA loan program that can help businesses, non-profits, homeowners and renters fill the gap.  Register now.

 

 

Minnesota’s Small Businesses Received $790+ Million in FY 19 Federal Contracts   The release of the Fiscal Year 2019 Small Business Federal Procurement Scorecard shows a record-breaking $132.9 billion in prime federal contracts – 26.5% of the federal contracting dollars – were awarded to small businesses, adding a record-breaking one million jobs to the American economy.   “The $790,598,121 that small businesses here in Minnesota secured in federal contracts represented an incredible impact to our economy in FY 19 and supported job creation, innovation and growth,” SBA’s Minnesota District Director Brian McDonald said. “Supporting this effort, our office held 127 trainings, outreach events and visits last year, and that’s in addition to multiple larger efforts made with partners across the state.”

 

 

On-Demand SBA Training   Since March, our office has been working diligently to provide training opportunities to meet the needs of the small business community here in Minnesota. Below are links to recordings of just a few of the trainings we hosted with guest experts to watch at your convenience.   ·    Insurance for Small Business with the UMN Corporate Institute ·    SBA COVID 19 Preparedness/Reopening Planning for Small Business with MN OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation ·    Re-Building Enterprise Value for Small Business with guest Julie Keyes ·    Finding and Combining Multiple Funding Options for Your Small Business -Panel with SBA and Experts ·    Unemployment Insurance in Uncertain Times with UMN Corporate Institute ·    Contract Performance for Small Business with UMN Corporate Institute   SBA’s participation or support is not an endorsement of any product, service, or entity.

 

 

Tax Tip: Home Office Deductions   With more people working from home than ever before, some taxpayers may be wondering if they can claim a home office deduction when they file their 2020 tax return next year. The IRS has a helpful web page that may answer some of your questions here.

 

 

Tools for Landlords with Tenants Impacted by COVID-19   The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has created a document to help landlords to engage with at-risk tenants while remaining in compliance with fair housing laws and understand the key elements of a repayment plan. It provides links to sample rent repayment agreements and could prove useful to small business owners with rental properties.

 

 

Stay Updated For more on SBA programs for the coronavirus, please visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus.   If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up to get it directly via sba.gov/updates.   Be sure to add your MN zip code to receive this Minnesota-specific information. Join us on Twitter (@SBA_Minnesota) for information as it becomes available too.

 

October 1, 2020 - 

EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance 

EDA RLF One Page Overview 

September 30, 2020 - 

WEDC We're All Innovating Contest 

Entrepreneurship Support Grant Release 

September 26, 2020 - 

Non-profit that helps small businesses access the financing they need through the Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program.

More Information Here

September 23, 2020 - 

On September 22, Governor Evers declared a new public health emergency due to outbreaks on school campuses and issued a new statewide face covering order. This new order is effective until November 21, 2020.

We have updated the Statewide Face Covering Requirement page on our website with information about the new order and St. Croix County’s response.

You can find more information about the order on Governor Evers’ website.

 

September 22, 2020 - 

The Governor has issued a new public health emergency today, Tuesday September 22, 2020 to extend the statewide mask mandate until November 21, 2020 as cases of coronavirus accelerate around the state.

Please see below:

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/09/22/file_attachments/1552176/EmO01-SeptFaceCoverings.pdf

 

August 26, 2020 - 

 

August 17, 2020 - Valley Wide Covid 19 Response Fund

Ellen Montgomery, Marketing Associate, SCVF

emontgomery@scvfoundaion.org   m: 612-703-8438

 

VALLEY WIDE COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND ANNOUNCES SECOND WAVE OF GRANTMAKING

 

[Hudson, August 17, 2020] – The COVID-19 Response Fund for the St. Croix Valley is launching a second wave of grantmaking on August 19. The fund will grant an additional $600,000 (approximate) to nonprofits focused on housing, utilities, and transportation and serving Chisago and Washington counties (Minnesota) and Burnett, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties (Wisconsin).

 

The Response Fund was established on March 20, 2020 as a partnership between United Way St. Croix Valley, United Way Washington County-East and the St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF). From late-March to early-May, the fund distributed $525,000 to 98 nonprofit organizations responding to basic needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Following the fund’s quick response to the region’s most immediate needs, the partners paused grantmaking and reached out to regional leaders to gather input on the longer-term impacts of the pandemic and recovery.

 

The Response Fund partners recognize that the hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be challenging for thousands throughout our service area. The partners aim to alleviate some of those challenges with grants focused on housing (rent/mortgage assistance and shelter), utilities, and transportation (automotive repairs and gas cards).  Valley nonprofits are working hard to creatively respond to the needs in our communities; therefore, grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund will be flexible to encourage continued innovation in filling critical gaps to ensure people are getting the services they need.

 

THE GRANTMAKING PROCESS

Eligible organizations should submit an online application form at https://www.scvfoundation.org/covid-19; applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18.  Grants from the Response Fund will be recommended by an advisory committee appointed by the SCVF, UWSCV and UWWCE. These appointees could include staff, board members, affiliated community foundation board members and/or other community partners of the SCVF, UWSCV and UWWCE.  Notifications will be sent in early October.

 

The COVID-19 Response Fund will make grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive tax-deductible contributions, such as schools and other public entities. This Response Fund is not currently able to fund businesses, or nonprofits with 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) status.

 

The COVID-19 Response Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals. For information about community resources for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, contact the United Way at 211.

 

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

Donors have many options for contributing:

• Give online at https://www.scvfoundation.org/covid-19
• Checks can be sent to SCVF, 516 2nd St Ste 214, Hudson, WI 54016 (payable to SCVF/COVID-19).
• SCVF donor advised fund holders can recommend a grant to The St. Croix Valley Foundation with "COVID-19 Response Fund" as the grant purpose.
• SCVF can also accept appreciated stock and other assets. Call SCVF for assistance with those donations.

 

The SCVF has ten affiliated community foundations (Amery, Chisago Lakes, Hudson, Lower St. Croix Valley, New Richmond, Northwest Alliance, Prescott, River Falls, Somerset and Stillwater) throughout the six-county region. If a donor chooses to designate a gift to one of those areas, SCVF will ensure that dollars are granted to support that community.

 

In a consolidated effort to help those most affected by COVID-19, the SCVF is waiving all administrative fees for the Response Fund. This means (with the exception of fees charged by banks/credit card companies) that 100% of a donor’s gift will be used to help those most affected by COVID-19 in the St. Croix Valley.

  The Covid-19 Response Fund for the St. Croix Valley.O

UNITED.  TOGETHER.  FOR THE VALLEY.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is a philanthropic organization with the mission of enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley. Accredited by the Charities Review Council and the Council on Foundations’ National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the SCVF serves two counties in MN (Washington, Chisago) and 4 counties in WI (Burnett, Polk, St. Croix, Pierce). Ten affiliated community foundations are hosted under the structure and guidance of SCVF. For more information contact Heather Logelin, President at hlogelin@scvfoundation.org or 715-386-9490. 

The United Way St. Croix Valley helps ensure that all people in the St. Croix Valley can lead a healthy life, receive quality education, and experience financial stability. We strengthen Wisconsin communities in St. Croix, Polk and Pierce

Counties. We also serves communities in Burnett and Washburn Counties in Northern Wisconsin. For more information contact Ann Searles, Executive Director at ann.searles@unitedwaystcroix.org or 715-377-0203.

CALL 211 if you need help locating services.

The United Way of Washington County-East works to unite our community and local resources to give each person the opportunity to build a better life. Areas served include river communities from Afton to Marine on St. Croix, also Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, Hugo and Withrow. For more information contact Jessica Ryan, Executive Director at jessica.ryan@uwwce.org or 651-439-3838.

CALL 211 if you need help locating services.

 

August 12, 2020 - 

Since Governor Evers issued an Executive Order declaring a public health emergency requiring face coverings statewide starting August 1, St. Croix County Public Health has been in discussions with local leadership, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office to figure out what this means for our county. In the attached letter, the St. Croix County Public Health Administrator provides further guidance that developed out of these discussions.

• The letter can also be found on our website at: https://www.sccwi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6151/St-Croix-County-Public-Health-Message-8-12-20
• For more information on St. Croix County’s COVID-19 response visit: https://www.sccwi.gov/covid19

St. Croix County Public Health Message

 

July 30, 2020 - Mask Mandate

Gov. Evers Issues Executive Order Declaring Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide

MADISON —​ Gov. Tony Evers today declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, and will expire on September 28, 2020 or by a subsequent superseding order. Executive Order #82 declaring a public health emergency is available here and Emergency Order #1 requiring face coverings statewide is available here. “While our local health departments have been doing a heck of a job responding to this pandemic in our communities, the fact of the matter is, this virus doesn't care about any town, city, or county boundary, and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve said all along that we’re going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what's best for the people of our state, so that's what I am going to do.” Wisconsin is seeing new and significant community spread and increase in cases of COVID-19 which requires that we declare a new public health emergency and require face coverings. Wisconsin has experienced a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the entire state, with 61 of 72 counties (84 percent) representing 96 percent of the state’s population experiencing high COVID-19 activity. All regions of Wisconsin have high COVID-19 activity levels. This is a dramatic increase from where Wisconsin was in June, when only 19 of 72 counties (26%) were experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The average number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 has drastically increased throughout July, with an average of 556 new cases each day between July 1-7, an average of 764 new cases each day between July 8-14 (a 37% increase from the previous week), an average of 890 new cases each day between July 15-21 (a 16% increase from the previous week), and an average of 938 new cases each day between July 22-26 (a 5% increase from the previous week). Under this order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. Face coverings are strongly recommended if you are outdoors and maintaining physical distancing is not possible. The order also enumerates exceptions to the requirement, listing activities such as when an individual is eating, drinking, or swimming. Individuals with health conditions or disabilities that would preclude the wearing of a face covering safely are also exempt from the requirement. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is available here. “The data is what drives our decisions, and that data tells us we have significant community spread in Wisconsin and need to take statewide action,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Community spread means that any interaction out in the community can mean exposure, and because people can spread COVID-19 without symptoms or even knowing they are sick, we need to take universal precautions in order for wearing face coverings to be effective.” As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the medical and scientific community continues to learn more about the virus, including how to best prevent its transmission. Recent scientific studies show that wearing face coverings is very effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. “Staying home, limiting interactions, practicing physical distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly are still the most effective ways to stop the spread,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer and the State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases. “But we learn something new about this virus every day. A growing number of scientific studies tell us that face coverings, when used correctly and consistently by a large percentage of the community, are extremely effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets.” For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

 

July 29, 2020 - EDA Cares Act

Regional Business Fund Announces New EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund

 

Loans will be limited to small businesses with 10 fulltime equivalent (FTE) employees or less Loans will be limited to certain industry sectors believed to be most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45) Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62) Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71) Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72) Other services (NAICS 81) Use of loan funds is for working capital Minimum loan size of $5,000 and maximum loan size of $10,000 Term of 7 years Option of 12-month payment deferral or interest-only period Interest rate will be 1% for the first two years, and then will increase to 2% in subsequent years No prepayment penalty Matching funds/other financing is not required Can be utilized in conjunction with any other loan or grant program   Business who meet the eligibility in the following counties can apply: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk and St. Croix.   More information about the program requirements and how to apply can be found via the following link: https://www.rbfinc.org/cares-act-rlf

 

July 27, 2020 - COVID-19 HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program - Small Business Grant

LINK 

 

*Let’s spread the word and get some Western Wisconsin Businesses all the COVID recovery assistance we can!*

• Applications for the HartBeat of Main Street Small Business Grant Program ("Program") will be accepted from July 27, 2020 through 11:59 pm PT on August 23, 2020 or whenever 500 applications have been submitted, whichever is sooner ("Application Period").
• Membership in the Wisconsin Main Street Program is not required to be eligible for the grant. Grant recipients are not required to be customers of The Hartford. Applications will be weighed and grants awarded without consideration of applicant’s being or not being a present, past, or prospective customer of The Hartford.

 

Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration as minority, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned.

 

• ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for a Program grant:
  • The applicant’s business must be a business entity in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business.
  • The applicant’s business must operate a “brick and mortar” store-front since at least January 1, 2019 in an older or historic downtown, Main Street or Neighborhood Commercial District.
  • The applicant’s business must employ less than 20 full time employees.
  • The applicant must be an owner of the business.
  • The applicant must be at least age 18 years or older.

 

• What types of grant expenses are eligible?
  • Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
  • Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
  • Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
  • Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales
  • Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
  • Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses

 

July 14, 2020 - COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program 

On July 14, 2020, St. Croix County in partnership with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) launched the COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program. This new loan program was created to help businesses in the county that are experiencing unanticipated financial pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The press release, information about the program and link to the  application can be found on the St. Croix County website and below:

• Webpage: https://www.sccwi.gov/958/Small-Business-Loan
• Application: http://wcwrpc.org/Documents/COVID-19-Small-Business-Loan-Application.pdf

 

July 8, 2020 - Best Practices 

Cardinal Health Practices

1. Frequent sanitizing of high use items throughout the facility.
2. All common areas have disinfecting wipes available and associates wipe down after use.  Example such as microwave, copier, tables, etc.
3. Created additional meeting space in area within warehouse that allows 6 foot spacing with more associates.
4. Protocols are set up if an associate tests positive.
5. OSO comes in three times a day to perform cleaning of main areas which include doors, lockers, timeclock, etc.
6. All equipment must be sanitized both when done and when starting to ensure that it was done.
7. Daily we give updates to associates.  These can be work or outside life updates to CDC guidelines, best practices, or questions that are coming from associates.  These are done in our start up meetings.
8. Each division within Cardinal is set up a little different.  Some sites have used plastic dividers to have separation within cubes or jobs and the line.  We had enough space, so although we had to move some things around, we were able to do this without spacing.
9. Staggered start times and break times to assist with social distancing.
10. Revised HR policies including attendance, sick time, and Covid-19 symptom quarantine policy.  This flexibility has helped our associates take time off and not worry about pay and their jobs if they do have any symptoms which has helped keep the team safe.  We also have allowed employees to go out on leave if they don’t feel comfortable to be at work at this time and will come back when they are ready.
11. Expanded benefits during this time to assist employees with both the physical and mental well being.

https://www.gm.com/masthead-story/return-work-safety-protocols.html

 

June 29, 2020 - Personal Protection Equipment

Minuteman Press - Hudson

Great River Office Products

Uline

Micklesen Drug Inc.

 

June 25, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center

Under the initial rules, some business owners chose not to apply for a PPP loan because the requirements were not a good fit for their particular circumstances. These new rules were designed to make it significantly easier for more - if not all - of a PPP loan to be forgivable for businesses. If you have not yet applied for a PPP loan, you may want to apply now.

 

June 22, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Please join the St. Croix County Wisconsin and The St. Croix Economic Development Corporation as they share the most recent COVID-19 data, what to expect when someone tests positive and how to operate safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 25th, 2020 Via Zoom

For further questions the contact information can be found here:

https://www.sccwi.gov/

 

June 2, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

$75 million-We're All In Small Business Grants

 

May 19, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Governor Evers Announces $75 Million in Grants for Small Businesses

 

May 18, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

The Department of Children and Families has released guidance for licensed day camps for children including:

• • Guidance for Licensed Day Camps for Children Overview
  • Updated Best Practices for Child Care Providers FAQ
  • Best Practices for Child Care Providers Overview
  • Reopening Child Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic Decision Tree

 

May 15, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin Safety Council- Returning to Work

St. Croix County Health Advisory

 

May 8, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Governor Evers Announces Best Practices and Safety Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses

WEDC- Reopen Guidelines

 

May 7, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

USTA-Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health & Safety Guidance for all Travelers

St. Croix County FREE Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing May 8th

 

May 6, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

CDC- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting

CDC-Reopening Workplaces During The COVID-19 Pandemic

CDC- Gatherings & Community Events

CDC- Businesses & Workplaces

 

May 5, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin Hospital Association Daily Statistics

Employer Toolkit (a good source for both state and federal programs)

Wisconsin Manufacturer's & Commerce-Back to Business Plan (a data-driven formula for regional opening)

 

May 1, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Interim Final Rule on Corporate Groups and Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository Institution Lenders

Federal Reserve Expands Access to its Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF) to Additional Lenders, and Expands the Collateral that can be Pledged

Federal Reserve Board Announces it is Expanding the Scope and Eligibility for the Main Street Lending Program

Main Street Lending Program Frequently Asked Questions

CDC- Reopening Guidance

 

April 27, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Paycheck Protection Program

Paycheck Protection Program FAQs

Governor Evers Emergency Order #34

Governor Evers Updated Order - Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses

Safer at Home Extension FAQs 4/27:

For non-essential businesses, “Minimum Basic Operations” will now include the following:

• Basic functions. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business's inventory, preserve the condition of the business's physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions, including where these functions are outsourced to other entities.
• Facilitating remote work. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.
• Employee designation. Non-essential businesses and operations must determine which of their workers are necessary to conduct Minimum Basic Operations and inform such workers of that designation.
• Delivery and mailings. Minimum Basic Operations may include fulfilling nonessential deliveries, mailing parcels, or receiving parcels if all of the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space, including a car or truck. Delivery or parcel services may not require a signature by the recipient. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for nonessential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• Curb-side pick-up. Minimum Basic Operations may include curb-side pick-up of goods, if all of the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Goods must be purchased online or by phone before 18 pick-up. The goods must be pre-packaged by the manufacturer, distributor, or store. The store may not require a signature by the customer. The store must schedule pick-ups to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• Arts and craft stores. Arts and craft stores may offer curb-side pick-up as described in section 14.e. More than one staff member, but no more than the minimum number of staff necessary, may work at the store solely for filling orders for materials for making personal protective equipment (i.e. homemade facemasks). The additional staff allowed in this section may not sell, package, or assist in any way with the sale of items not necessary for making personal protective equipment. All staff working to fulfill or process orders for personal protective equipment must comply with all requirements in Section 2.b.i. and 2.b.ii. of this Order.
• Aesthetic or optional exterior work. Minimum Basic Operations may include aesthetic or optional exterior residential construction and lawn care, if all the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space, including a car or truck. No more than one employee or worker may be on the site at a time. Services may not require a signature by the recipient. Aesthetic or optional exterior work requiring more than one person on the site are prohibited.
• NEW Curb-side drop-off. Minimum Basic Operations may include customer curb-side drop-off of goods or animals for the purpose of having those goods or animals serviced, repaired, or cared for by the business. Staff within the business or facility must be limited to one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Services must be paid for on-line or by phone. Drop-offs and pick-ups must be scheduled ahead of time to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Customers are not permitted in the business or facility. The business may not require a signature by the customer. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• NEW Outdoor recreational rentals. Minimum Basic Operations may include rental of recreational equipment including but not limited to boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, golf carts, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Staff within the business or facility must be limited to one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Rentals must be paid for on-line or by phone. The business must schedule pick-up and drop-off ahead of time to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Customers must remain outside the business or facility. Rented equipment must be cleaned after each use. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
• NEW Car washes. Entirely automatic car washes and self-service car washes may open for service. High-touch surfaces must be cleaned between each use if possible, or as frequently as practicable.

 

April 22, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

WI Pandemic Unemployment Assistance 

 

April 20, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Governor Evers Badger Bounce Back Program:

Badger Bounce Back Plan

Emergency Order #31- Badger Bounce Back

WEDC- Badger Bounce Back

Badger Bounce Back Plan-Fact Sheet

Press Release- Increasing COVID-19 Testing Capacity

New Employer Tax Credits

 

April 17, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

4 Session Self-Care Series-Coping with COVID with Dr. Kathy Farah

 

April 16, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Emergency Order #28-Safer At Home Order

Safer at Home Extension FAQs

 

April 15, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

EFRTC- IRS: Employee Retention Credit

Hudson Community Coronavirus Response

Facebook: Hudson Community Coronavirus Response

Facebook: Hudson WI Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau- Community Updates

 

April 9, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

NEW - Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide

Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide

Coronavirus Small Business Guide

Coronavirus Response Toolkit

 

March 25, 2020 - Most Recent Updates

Wisconsin State Governor Evers Safer At Home Executive Order

WEDC Essential Business Declaration

Summary of the COVID-19 Stimulus passed in Senate, 3/25. Click HERE for the Federal "CARES" Act Summary.

 

Financial Help & Guidance for Businesses

Steps to Take Now:

1. 1. Call your lenders to see how they can help.
   2. Contact your vendors, landlords and taxing authorities if you feel you will need to be late on payments.
   3. Monitor this page as we will be releasing information as emergency funding applications become available

Business Resources:

• Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce COVID-19 Business Center
•  https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/

COVID-19 Resources for Hospitality Companies:

• https://go.whenlabs.com/covid19

Small Business Association Resources:

• Disaster Loans Now Available
• Small Business Owners are now eligible to apply for a U.S. SBA low-interest loan due to COVID-19. The Disaster Loan Assistance Program is for Small Businesses and most Non-Profit Organizations that have suffered directly by this disaster.
• Apply HERE:  https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
• ELA0-Request for Transcript of Tax Return (IRS 4506T)
• ELA-Request for Transcript of Tax Return (instructions IRS Form 4506T)
• ELA0-Schedule Of Liabilities (SBA 2202)
• ELA0-Monthly Sales Figures (SBA 1368)
• ELA0-Fee Disclosure Form and Comp Agreement (SBA 159(
• ELA0-Personal Financial Statement (SBA 413)
• ELA0-Business Loan Application (SBA 5)
• ELA0-Loan Application (Sole Prop) SBA 5C
• SBA Form 2202 Instructions
• WI_16363 EIDL Fact Sheet 3.24
• Wisconsin 16363 Press Release
• Spanish Wisconsin 16363 Press Release