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COVID-19 Business Resources

In these unprecedented times, we are working  to ensure that businesses in Vernon County have access to the information and resources they need.

Paycheck Protection Program - Round 2 
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering:  First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants & Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan

CARES $ Revolving Loan  - $10-$50k. Low Interest/Deferred payments
Vernon County Businesses that employs less than 10 full time employees looking for a short-term, fixed rate, low-interest business loan for equipment, working capital, or real estate;  loan sizes from $10,000 to $50,000, interest rates as low as 1% and deferrals of principal and/or interest payments may be allowed for up to 12 months.

WEDC Resources for COVID-19
Wisconsin Economic Development Downtown Team have compiled the attached document for consideration for our small businesses to pivot and thrive during these times.  There are best practices from local, State, Federal and global small businesses, as we know them now.  Included are funding opportunities for minimizing small business disruption.

Vernon County Economic Development Loan


USDA Resource Matrix
Very good and comprehensive document laying out specific resources for businesses, non-profits, governement entities, residents and much more. 

KIVA is a crowd-lending platform that provides 0% loans to small businesses through a platform of online lenders (local and global).
Effective immediately, U.S. applicants for a Kiva loan will have access to the following expanded lending options in response to the pandemic:

    • Expanded eligibility: More businesses will be eligible for a Kiva loan.
    • Larger loans: The maximum loan on the Kiva platform will increase from $10,000 to $15,000.
    • Grace period: Applicants may receive a grace period of up to six months for greater financial flexibility.
    • Women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses may also have access to a 50% match, up to $5,000, from WEDC.
    • To apply for a loan or sign up to be a lender yourself, visit www.kiva.org
SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) Disaster Assistance Funds  have been made available to Wisconsin businesses. 
    • These loans can be for up to $2 million and the funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that otherwise could not be paid because of the disaster’s impact
    • The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses w/out credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75% over a 30-year term.

 U.S. Bartenders Guild (USBG) 
National Charitable Foundation’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program provides emergency funding for bar industry staff who need financial support. USBG membership is not required. Additional donations are being accepted as well.

Coulee Cap - USDA Revolving Loan Fund
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, small businesses in rural areas in Vernon, Crawford, Monroe and La Crosse Counties suffering severe economic injury will be given preference and will have the option to take advantage of zero interest, deferred payments, and no collateral requirements.

Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection COVID-19 Toolkit 
This is intended to serve as a resource for agricultural organizations as they prepare for potential impacts of COVID-19 on their business operations. The State of Wisconsin, including the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus) in coordination with the Department of Health Services (DHS) Public Health and other local, state, and federal partners.  DATCP’s Emergency Response Group is also working to update the department’s plan to ensure continuity of essential operations.

Info and Resources for the Creative Sector re COVID-19
Arts Wisconsin is working tirelessly to keep Wisconsin’s creative economy strong at this moment of crisis.  This site is updated continuously.

Wisconsin Department of Tourism Resources
A comprehensive list that Travel Wisconsin/Wisconsin Dept of Tourism has gathered in one place to help your business, organization and employees navigate this incredibly difficult time. 

Coronavirus Tax Relief 
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
This page will be updated as new information is available. 

FAQ's and Unemployment Benefits - Department of Workforce Development
Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 Coronavirus and Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits.