COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 RESOURCES

(as of March 15, 2022)

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

On March 11, 2021 the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus bill, was signed into law. An overview of the legislation, produced by the National Conference of State Legislators, is available here (direct link here to the following website: https://www.ncsl.org/ncsl-in-dc/publications-and-resources/american-rescue-plan-act-of-2021.aspx) We will continue to monitor the funding and update this webpage as more details become available.

U.S. Treasury Guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund - https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-fund

National League of Cities – APRA Local Relief Frequently Asked Questions - https://www.nlc.org/covid-19-pandemic-response/arp-local-relief-frequently-asked-questions/

The League of Wisconsin Municipalities is hosting informational calls on the American Rescue Plan Act that may be useful. More details on these calls, along with some additional resources is available on the League’s website here.

Important Resources from the U.S. Treasury:

Final Rule for Fund Guidance: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRF-Final-Rule.pdf
Interim Final Rule For Fund Guidance - https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/FRF-Interim-Final-Rule.pdf
Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Home Page - https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds
Quick Reference Fact Sheet - https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRP-Fact-Sheet-FINAL1-508A.pdf
U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for Non-entitlement Units of Local Government - https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-fund/non-entitlement-units
Treasury’s guidance on NEUs - https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/NEU_Guidance.pdf
Treasury Non-entitlement Unit of Local Government Checklist for Requesting Initial Payment - https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/NEU_Checklist_for_Requesting_Initial_Payment.pdf
State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Guidance Available for American Rescue Plan Act – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/SLF/COTVC-News/2021-05-12.aspx

Eau Claire County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Recover Assistance Grant Program
Eau Claire County is utilizing a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide grants to small businesses and nonprofits to assist with pandemic relief and recovery efforts through two program components. The application, program summaries, and frequently asked questions can be found at https://www.co.eau-claire.wi.us/our-government/about-the-county/american-rescue-plan.

Business Resources

Main Street Bounceback Grant Program
The Main Street Bounceback Grants program provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant commercial properties in Wisconsin. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location as of January 1, 2021. West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) has entered into an agreement with the WEDC to deploy the grants in West Central Wisconsin defined as the counties of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix. Click here for more information.

State of Wisconsin Event Venue Grant Program
This program will provide funding of up to $200,000 per eligible organization, for a total of $10 million, to assist event venues due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Additional information, including the application instructions, is available here https://doa.wi.gov/pages/EventVenueAssistance.aspx.

State of Wisconsin Live Event Small Business Grant Program
The Live Event Small Business Grant Program will award grants to small businesses who provide a significant portion of their goods and services to various Live Events. The State intends to award up to $12 million in grants. Additional information, including the application instructions, is available here https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LiveEventSmallBusinessAssistanceGrants.aspx.

State of Wisconsin Movie Theatre Grant Program
The purpose of this program is to provide eligible Wisconsin movie theater operators with assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The State intends to award up to $11.25 million in grants to eligible movie theater operators. Additional information on the program can be found here https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/movietheaterassistancegrants.aspx

Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Grant Program
Provides financial support for organizations that promote and develop tourism activities in Wisconsin. A total of $15 million is available, up to $1,000,000 per eligible organization, based on expenses incurred between March 3, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Grant funds are available as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and will be distributed by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA). Applications for the program are open now through September 29, 2021. Additional information about the DMO Grant Program is available here: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/DestinationMarketingOrganizationsGrantProgram.aspx.

City of Eau Claire EDA Cares Revolving Loan Fund
https://www.eauclairedevelopment.com/doing-business/financial-assistance/
This program is designed to provide benefits to businesses that were operating successfully prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Any manufacturing, commercial, service, and creative economy businesses located within the Eau Claire city limits may apply for funding. See program webpage for details.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-and-industry-cares-act-program
USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. This program is available to rural businesses and agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans. See program webpage for additional details.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance (EIDL)
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Effective April 22, the SBA modified the Targeted EIDL Advance application process to determine if businesses also qualify for the additional $5,000 Supplemental Targeted Advance. For details about the Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance program, please visit SBA.gov/eidl

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Application Walk Through:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiX_kaTs1xA&feature=youtu.be

SBA Debt Relief Program
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief
Under this program the SBA will assist with principal and interest payments for SBA 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.

SBA Express Bridge Loan Program
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-express-bridge-loans
This program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access financing quickly. These loans can provide economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bring the gap while applying for an SBA EIDL loan.

Regional Business Fund, Inc. Micro Loan Fund
https://www.rbfinc.org/micro-loan-fund
The Micro Loan Fund Program provides small loans to startup or newly established small businesses two years of age or less who are unable to access traditional financing (bank or credit union).

Regional Business Fund, Inc. Growth Loan Fund
https://www.rbfinc.org/growth-loan-fund
The Growth Loan Fund is for established companies that have financing needs that cannot be met by traditional lending institutions. Eligible businesses have been operating for more than two years and have at least $100K in sales within the last 12 months.

SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established through the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act to provide over $16 billion in economic relief to target industries. The SVOG application portal will be launched soon.

Non-Governmental Financial Assistance Resources (Note: this list is not exhaustive of all potential non-governmental assistance programs.)

Force for Positive Change:https://www.warf.org/programs-events/community/force-for-positive-change/
The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program:https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/hartbeat
Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loan Fund: https://www.hmongchamber.org/
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation COVID-19 Loan Program: https://www.wwbic.com/
Facebook Small Business Grants Program: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants
Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund: https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/verizon-small-business-recovery-fund/
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - Save Small Business Fund: https://www.savesmallbusiness.com/
Lowe's-LISC Partnership Small Business Relief Grants:
https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/small-business-relief-grants/lowes/

Technical Assistance

FastTrac Online Business Accelerator Course
https://ic.successfulbusiness.org/events.aspx
In response to the impact COVID-19 has had on the local economy, anyone interested in starting their own business, becoming self-employed or taking a new product to market can attend the Kauffman FastTrac free 10-week online course.

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/
SCORE: https://www.score.org/coronavirus
Western Dairyland’s Women’s Business Center: https://www.successfulbusiness.org/
Veterans Business Outreach Center: http://vboc.org/
UW Stout Manuacturing Outreach Center: Click here for website

Community Resources

USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Resources for Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities
https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_RDSA_COVID-19CUMULATIVEFactsheet_09_09_2020.pdf

"Routes to Recovery: Local Government Aid Grants" Program
(Click here for program link)
On Wednesday, May 27th, Governor Evers announced the Routes to Recovery Local Governments Aid Grants Progarm aimed at helping the state's local governments address some of their most urgent COVID-19 recovery needs. The program is funded with $200 million in federal dollars under the CARES ACT. See program page for funding allocations and program details.

USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants

State Trust Fund Loan Program
https://bcpl.wisconsin.gov/Pages/LoanProgramHomePage.aspx

USDA COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide
https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf

USDA Rural Development Fact Sheet

League of Wisconsin Municipalities - COVID-19 Resources
https://lwm-info.org/1575/COVID-19---Coronavirus-Resources

Wisconsin Towns Association Resources
https://www.wisctowns.com/resources/clerk-town-resources/

Data Resource - EMSI Job Posting Dashboard
https://www.economicmodeling.com/job-posting-dashboard/

FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program
Protective Measures Page

Coronavirus Pandemic: Public Assistance Simplified Application
Simplified Application.pdf

Coronavirus Pandemic: Eligible Emergency Protective Measures
Protective Measures Fact Sheet.pdf

Residential Assistance Programs

WHEDA
https://www.wheda.com/COVID-19-FAQ/

USDA Rural Development & Summary of Program Actions
https://www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus

Summary of Program Actions PDF

Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERA) provides up to 15 months of assistance with current or overdue bills to help households that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic avoid eviction. More than 13,000 Wisconsinites have already received help with rent and utilities statewide. Despite the recent eviction ban extension due to rising COVID-19 cases, help is still available for eligible households through WISCAP agencies and Energy Services. The program is funded by the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Additional information about the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program is available here: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/WERA.aspx

Resources for Farmers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-and-industry-cares-act-program
USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. This program is available to rural businesses and agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans. See program webpage for additional details.

American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund
https://farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund/

Wisconsin DATCP Resources
https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/News_Media/Covid19.aspx

USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
www.usda.gov

USDA Farm Service Agencies
www.usda.gov

UW Extension
https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/coronavirus/

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/closer-look-farmer-relief-senate-pandemic-package/

Farm AID
www.farmaid.org

Resources for Non-Profit Organizations

Wisconsin Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality & Economic Lift (TRAVEL) Stimulus Grant Program
http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/grants/travel-stimulus-grant-program

FEMA Public Assistance Programs
https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2020/04/02/coronavirus-covid19-pandemic-private-nonprofit-organizations

National Council of Non Profits
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofits-and-coronavirus-covid-19

Area Specific Resources

Community Foundation of Chippewa County - Response Recovery Rebuild Fund
https://www.yourlegacyforever.org/funds/response-recovery-rebuild-fund.phtml

Eau Claire Community Foundation Quick Response Community Fund
https://eccfwi.org/funds/quick-response-community-fund/

Chippewa Valley Business Community COVID-19 Resource Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/504041823806583/

Other Resources

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
Self-employed business owners may qualify for unemployment through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program.
https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/pua/

USDA Agricultural & Food Research Initiative - Foundational & Applied Science Program
https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/agriculture-and-food-research-initiative-foundational-applied-science-program

Additional Resources/Agencies

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/

Wisconsin Economic Development Association

http://www.weda.org/covid-19-information-and-resources/

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

https://www.wmc.org/home/coronavirus

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

https://www.wheda.com/BCE/

Wisconsin Department of Tourism
http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/covid-19-resources