COVID-19 Resources for Business

In an effort to provide information and resources to address the current issue we are facing nationwide, we have compiled this list of resources for businesses. We intend to update this periodically as new programs and resources present themselves. Please check back for updates.

As a first step, businesses should first contact their lender or bank to see what relief their lending institution can offer. This point has been highly stressed as an important first action. Many banks are able to assist businesses in SBA loan applications. When reaching out, businesses should make sure to note the date, time and name of the bank representative they talked to. It would also be helpful for them to get any agreements for relief in writing for their records.

Quick Access Links:

• Local Resources
• State of Wisconsin Resources
• Federal Resources
• Toolkits
• Freelance/Artist Resources
• Other Resources
• Recursos en Español

Thank you to partner organizations who have compiled many of the resources and links shared below (Milwaukee Downtown BID 21, WEDC)

Update - Businesses can now apply online for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance. Business Business owners should be extra cautious during this time as there will be numerous predatory lenders, including those disguised as operating from the SBA.

Local Resources

• Milwaukee Health Department - For technical information on the Novel Coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19, visit the Milwaukee Health Department's Novel Corona Virus Webpage.

• Guidance for Businesses during Stay at Home Order - Please visit the following link for the Order from the City of Milwaukee Commissionr of Health. See pages 5-8 for more information on essential businesses and operations. (Added 3/24/2020)

• Property Tax Exemption Guidance - For owner's of Tax-Exempt property, please click on the link for the March 27, 2020 Assossor's Office Guidance Letter for Property Tax Exemption Filing (Revised 3/29/2020)

• Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) - MEDC is a private non-profit corporation that serves Milwaukee businesses by providing low interest loans and other resources. Visit MEDC's website or call (414) 269-1440. (Added 3/20/2020)

• Restaurant Carryout Zone Program - In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, on March 16 Governor Tony Evers restricted restaurant service to delivery and carry-out only.  To assist restaurants that currently do not have a "Loading Zone" adjacent to their business, the City of Milwaukee has implemented a temporary program to provide "Restaurant Carryout Zones" (click link and scroll down to the section for information and online application). (Added 3/19/2020)

  • All Class B and Class C establishments are currently allowed to sell sealed containers of alcohol to go. The hours are the same as those allowed under a Class A establishment (liquor/grocery store), which are 8:00 am – 9:00 pm, as long as the individual license for that business allows those hours. Beer and wine can be sold in unlimited quantities, while there is a 4 liter restriction per customer for liquor.
    Curbside service is allowed for those establishments that already hold a Sidewalk Dining Facility Permit that extends to the area where alcohol will be given to the customer. Businesses without a sidewalk café would be required to obtain a Temporary Change to the Plan of Operation permit. No late fees currently apply. (Added 3/20/20)
    Alcohol can still be picked up at the door of the establishment. Otherwise if the business has another outdoor area that is currently licensed like a patio, they could also establish a pickup place there. (Updated 3/24/2020)

• City Permitting during COVID-19 -The City Permit and Development Center has released new guidance for business opeartions. Please view the following Department of Neighborhood Services March 25 News Release for details. (Updated 3/25/2020)

• Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Loan and Technical Assistance Resources 

  • WWBIC Fast Track Loan Program - For current and new small business clients, WWBIC is offering fast track loans up to $15,000 and Lines of Credit for up to $10,000! See the Fast Track Fact Sheet for additional details or contact Michael Hetzel at mhetzel@wwbic.com for more details. (Updated 4/3/20)

  • WWBIC has moved all business and financial educational programming on-line and on-demand. (Added 3/20/20)

  • WWBIC is offering current loan clients affected by COVID-19 loan modification options. In some cases, these small business owners may have options for deferments, interest payments being covered, and direct grant support for payroll and rent. For more information contact Jaime Charon at jcharon@wwbic.com or WWBIC Servicing at wwbicservicing@wwbic.com. (Added 3/20/20)

• Business Improvement Districts - BIDs serve many of the City's commercial corridors, commercial districts and industrial areas. Below are a list of resources they've compiled for businesses and individuals.

  • Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District (BID 21) - BID 21 has compiled a comprehensive list for businesses and community members. Visit BID 21's COVID-19 page for more. (Added 3/20/2020)

  • East Side Business Improvement District COVID-19 Resource Page (Added 3/19/2020)

  • Menomonee Valley Business Improvment District COVID-19 Resource Page (Added 3/26/2020)

  • Historic Highway 41 aka South 27th Street Business Association COVID-19 Resource Page (Added 3/26/2020)

  • Hisotric Third Ward Business Improvement District COVID-19 Resource Page (Added 3/29/2020)

  • Villard Avenue Business Improvement District COVID-19 Resource Page (Added 4/1/2020)

  • Brady Street Business Impovement District COVID-19 Resource Page (Added 4/2/2020)

• Kiva has expanded lending terms and eligibility to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Downtown businesses in our communities that are women-, minority- and/or veteran-owned are also eligible for a 50% match from WEDC to expedite their loan. Encourage businesses to apply, and/or sign up to be a lender on the Kiva website. Effective immediately, U.S. applicants for a Kiva loan will have access to the following:

  1. Expanded eligibility: More businesses in the US will be eligible for a Kiva loan than ever.

  2. Larger loans: The maximum loan on the Kiva platform will increase from $10,000 to $15,000.

  3. Grace period: New borrowers may access a grace period of up to 6 months for greater financial flexibility. If you have questions and would like to contact a local Kiva rep, contact Amy via e-mail: Milwaukee@local.kiva.org or text - 414-220-0177(Added 3/19/2020)

• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) - Click here for WEDC's Strategies and Resources for Small Businesses and Community Groups (Added 3/20/2020)

• Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) - MMAC is currently hosting a serices of Webinars for Business Strategies During the Pandemic.  Additionally, MMAC has a list of resources on their Coronavirus Guidance and Resources page. (Added 3/20/2020)

  • 4/8/20 Webinar - BILINGUAL SBA PRESENTATION: COVID-19 ASSISTANCE (Added 4/3/2020)

  • MMAC Business Survery - MMAC is encouraging all small business owners to fill out this quick 5 question survey. It will help them understand where the greatest need for resources and information is during this challenging time. (Added 3/27/2020)

  • 3/17/20 Webinar How your business can withstand a global pandemic outbreak (Added 3/30/2020)

  • 3/24/20 Webinar Focus on small business needs & crisis communications (Added 3/30/2020)

• Gener8tor - gener8tor is hosting emergency one-week virtual programs for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs will feature daily webinars designed to identify, understand and help small businesses secure resources to withstand the current crisis. One-on-one office hours will also be available. Businesses wishing to enroll is should sign on the gener8tor Emergency Responce Program website. (Added 3/20/2020)

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Milwaukee - LISC has assembld a list of links and resources for businesses for COVID-19. (Added 3/24/2020)

  • Brew City Match COVID Resources - The City of Milwaukee is proud to be a partner on Brew City Match. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, Brew City Match is taking action to ensure that we continue to support the people and places where we work. Our goal is to mitigate economic impact in our communities. We have developed two tools to ease the financial burden for small business owners:

    • The Brew City Match COVID-19 Small Business Grant that provides up to $1,200 to assist small businesses with rent and payroll support.
      The Brew City Match COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Loan Fund that provides zero interest loans to small businesses to assist with rent, payroll, and additional
      For more information visit: https://brewcitymatch.com/covid-19 (Added 3/31/2020)

  • Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund (Added 3/30/2020)

  • LISC National Business Resources (Added 3/30/2020)

  • Resources for Artists/Freenlancers (Added 3/30/2020)

• The Ethnic & Diverse Business Coalition (EDBC) - The EDBC is a coalition of 14 ethnic and diverse chambers of commerce and partner organizations that serve the State of Wisconsin.
  
  The COVID-19 Small Business Impact Grant is to assist small ethnic and diverse businesses of any industry that are a business member in of one of our coalition members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before filling out this application, please note that you MUST be a member in good standing with one of our member Chambers of Commerce. If you are NOT a member of a chamber, please reach out to a chamber (you can view a list at www.edbcwisconsin.org) to view chamber memberships and to inquire about your eligibility. Grants will be available up to $500.
  
  If you have any questions, please call (414) 287-4172 for more information., PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATION FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT GRANT. (Added 3/24/2020)

• Biz Starts Milwaukee - Biz Starts has compiled a list of Business Resources for COVID-19. In addition, they are accepting requests for online business coaching. Click here to schedule an online business coaching session. (Added 3/24/2020)

• Visit Milwaukee COVID-19 Page (Added 3/26/2020)

• Milwaukee Responds Fund (for Non-Profits) - Milwaukee Responds offers COVID resources for Non-Profit partners with a focus on the areas of food, housing & shelter, medical services/clinics, mental health and early childhood and K-12 education activities. Visit the Milwaukee Responds page for information on how to apply or donate.

State of Wisconsin Resources

• Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) - This page provides resources for business and consumer banking customer. Click here to view the WBA COVID-19 resource page and be sure to check back as it's updated periodically. (Added 3/31/2020)

• WEDC Small Business 20/20 Grant Program - The goal of the Small Business 20/20 program is to support small businesses and micro-enterprises adversely economically impacted by COVID-19. Click here to learn more about the 2020 Grant Program. (Added 3/19/2020)

• WEDC: For program and other assistance available to Wisconsin business owners, please visit: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/. (Added 3/19/2020)

• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (WDWD) - Click here for more information regarding Public Information for Unemployment for COVID-19. (Added 3/19/2020)

• Small Business Administration Updates - WEDC and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) officials are working with the Wisconsin office of the Small Business Administration to unlock federal Economic Impact Disaster Loans for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. We will provide additional details on the availability of SBA funding as they become available. (Added 3/19/2020)

• Coronavirus Information for Partners -Answers to frequently asked questions by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. (Added 3/19/2020)

• COVID-19: How we can help businesses - The Small Business Development Center-Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship has created a page with important information for its clients amid quickly changing conditions and unprecedented measures put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Added 3/19/2020)

• Department of Workforce Development - Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information

• Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) - Visit WHEDA's COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Page for information  for homeowners, renters, small business owners, mortgage lenders, commercial developers and property managers and owners.

Federal Resources

• U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program - A disaster declaration for economic injury related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been submitted to the SBA by Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Wisconsin’s Governor’s Office. Businesses can now apply for emergency Disaster Loan Assistance through the online portal. (Updated 3/20/2020)
  General information is available for disaster assistance here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
  For additional information, please contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer ServiceCenter. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. (Added 3/19/2020)

  • They have simplified the process of applying and the application should take ~10 minutes to complete.
    There will be an option to select the advance/grant as part of this process.
    The applicant will need to provide revenue for 2019 and also the number of staff employed. (Updated 4/3/2020)

• U.S. Treasury guidance on Paycheck Protection loans (Added 4/2/2020)

  • Paycheck Protection Program Overview (Added 4/2/2020)

  • Application for Paycheck Protection Loan (Added 4/2/2020)

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act (Added 3/26/2020)

  • COVID-19 UPDATE: FIRST GLANCE AT THE STIMULUS BILL from RestoreYourEconomy.org (Added 3/30/2020)

  • National Community Development Association Analysis of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Added 3/30/2020)

  • Small Business Owner's Guide to the Cares Act (Added3/29/2020)

  • Additional stimulus analysis from Husch Blackwell (Added 3/27/2020)

  • Additional stimulus analysis from MMAC (Added 3/26/2020)

  • International Economic Development COVID-19 Update: First glance at the stimulus bill. (Updated 3/26/2020)

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - For guidance on essential works, please view the following Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infractructure Workers During COVID-19 Response. (Added 3/23/20) 

• SBA Disaster Assistance in Reponse to the Coronvirus Handout (Added 3/19/2020)

• Coronavirus Tax Relief - The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. (Added 3/19/2020)
   
• Coronavirus Resources - The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus (also known as novel coronavirus). (Added 3/19/2020)
   
• Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know - The U.S. Treasury Department is supporting American workers and businesses who are impacted by the coronavirus. (Added 3/19/2020)
   
• Families First Coronvirus Response Act
   
• IFF List of Resources for Non-Profits for COVID

Toolkits

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Added 3/19/2020)
• U.S. Small Business Association Toolkit (Added 3/19/2020)
• National Main Street (Added 3/19/2020)
• International Downtown Association (Added 3/19/2020)

Freelance/Artist Resources

• Arts Wisconsin (Added 3/19/2020)
• Imagine MKE (Added 3/19/2020)
• COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources (Added 3/19/2020)
• The Rauschenberg Emergency Grants (Added 3/19/2020)

Other Resources

• Facebook Small Business Grants - Facebook understands that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time. (Added 3/19/2020)

• UW Credit Union Emergency Personal Loan - For those members who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, they are offering a low-rate personal loan to help with budgeting concerns. (Added 3/19/2020)

• USBG National Charitable Foundation's Bartender Emergency Assistance Program - Emergency funding for bar industry staff who need financial support, can apply to the USBG National Charitable Foundation’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. USBG membership is not required to receive funds. Click here for USBG grant eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and the applications. (Added 3/19/2020)

• WEBINAR - How your business can withstand a global pandemic outbreak - MMAC held this webinar on March 17th to discuss how business leaders are adjusting to the pandemic. Click here for a recording of the Webinar.

• Urban Economic Development Association (UEDA) - UEDA is working with Centers for Financial Empowerment's Bank On Fellowship, which aims to increase access to high quality and fairly priced banking services. Click here for the Bank On Accounts Flyer and here for a list contacts for the Bank On Account Managers (Added 3/27/2020)

• AARP Community Connections Platform Launch Announcement (Added 3/30/2020)

• National League of Cities COVID-19 Local Resources Tracker (Added 3/31/2020)

Recursos Para Negocios Para COVID-19 En Español

• El primer paso mas importante es hablar con su banco para ver cuales ayudas tienen. Esto ha sido un gran punto de enfoque de estrategias para conseguir ayuda. Muchos de los bancos se pueden ayudar en aplicar para los programas de ayudas federales. Cuando esta llamando a su banco, seria bueno grabar la fecha, la hora y el nombre de el/la representante del banco con quien usted se comunico. Tambien es importante que pide el acuerdo de la ayuda en forma escrita.

• Pagina Web del Departmento De Empresas Pequñas: Recursos Para COVID-19 (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

• Recursos del Hispanic Collaborative en Colaboracion con MMAC 

  Serie de Conferencias Electronicas compartidas desde el SBDC en Puerto Rico - Subiran mas informacion al sitio Web de SBDC Puerto Rico. (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

  • 4/8/20 Webinar - BILINGUAL SBA PRESENTATION: COVID-19 ASSISTANCE (Añadidio 4/3/2020)

  • COVID-19: MEJORES PRÁCTICAS PARA LA OPERACIÓN DE LAS EMPRESAS (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

  • WEBINAR: COVID-19 y Negocios Latinos: discusión de herramientas y estrategias para empresas latina. - Debido al COVID-19, los negocios no están funcionando como es habitual y las empresas de latinos están siendo más afectadas que nunca. Con la finalidad de que nuestra comunidad conozca sobre los recursos para los negocios afectados, acompáñenos en un webinar GRATUITO llamado “COVID-19 y Negocios Latinos: discusión de herramientas y estrategias para empresas latinas”. Le invitamos a participar en una conversación con panelistas invitados, con preguntas y respuestas orientadas a apoyar a las empresas propiedad de latinos. Haga click aqui para la grabacion del taller de COVID-19 y Negocios Latinos. (Modernizado 3/27/2020)

  • Como se puede sostener su negocio en medio de un brote de pandemia global (Añadidio 3/30/2020)

  • Necesidades de empresas pequeñas y medias de communicacion en crisis (Añadidio 3/30/2020)

  • Encuesta sobre los necesidades de empresas pequeñas (Añadidio 3/30/2020)

  • 3/23/2020: Aspectos Laborales ante el COVID-19 (Knowing Your Employer Responsibilities during COVID-19)

  • 3/24/2020: Manejo del Cash Flow en Momentos de Crisis (Management of Business Cash Flow during Times of Uncertainty)

  • 3/25/2020: Préstamos de Desastre del SBA ante el COVID-19 (SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for COVID-19 Emergency)

  • 3/26/2020: Comience su Tienda Online (Start your Online Store)

  • 3/27/2020: Alternativas de Financiamiento ante el COVID-19 (Other Business Financing Sources for the COVID-19 Emergency)

• El Tesorero de los Estados Unidos:

  • Pagina Web del Tesoro IRS para Coronavirus (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

  • Preguntas y respuestas acerca de plazos de presentación y pago (Añadidio 4/2/2020)

  • Boletin del IRS Sobre Presentacion de Impuestos y Pagos - Sigue este enlace para mas informacion sobre la extension del Tesoro, IRS para la extension de fecha limite de presentacion de impuestos y pagos de impuestos federales al 15 de julio. (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

• ¿Qué negocios definitivamente son considerados esenciales? (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

  • Supermercados
    Panaderías o Pastelerías
    Farmacias
    Cuidadores de Familia
    Colmados
    Gasolineras
    Tiendas de suministros para mascotas
    Licorerías
    Negocios que proveen elaboración, procesamiento y distribución de alimentos y bebidas
    Refugios para animales
    Bancos
    Oficinas de Servicios de Seguro
    Ferreterías
    Oficios como Carpintero, Plomero y Electricista
    Lavanderías
    Correo u otros servicios de mensajería y envío
    Negocios que vendan suministros para oficina o equipo informático
    Servicios de Transportación como Uber, Lyft, compañías de Taxi y guagua pública
    Hoteles y moteles que cierren sus piscinas, jacuzzis y gimnasios
    Restaurantes: servicios de entrega y recogido de comida solamente

• ¿Qué negocios son considerados no esenciales? (Añadidio 3/24/2020)

  • Gimnasios
    Salones de Belleza (cabello, uñas y/o bronceados) y Barberías
    Spas
    Tiendas de Tatuajes
    Establecimientos de arte corporal