WISCONSIN TOMORROW - AN ECONOMY FOR ALL

As instructed by Act 185, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation respectfully submits, in accordance with s. 13.172 (2) the following report for consideration by the legislature and the Governor.

 

This report includes a plan for providing support to the major industries in Wisconsin that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency, including tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, forest products, construction, retail, and services.

RELIEF AND RECOVERY RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Wisconsin businesses look forward to a future when they can return to providing the products and services their customers need and crave, unencumbered by threats to the health of their employees and those they serve. Working toward that future will require the gradual adoption of new business practices that reflect the evolving reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and our success in mitigating the effects of this unprecedented global health emergency.

PANDEMIC AMPLIFIES BROADBAND ACCESS STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

We in Wisconsin understand the dire consequences that result from a lack of high-speed or broadband internet connectivity, and now even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Without it, many Wisconsin workers are unable to work from home, children cannot access virtual learning, and healthcare through telemedicine is inaccessible. In short, access to broadband has become an essential service.

COVID-19 UPDATES FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS

As issues continue to develop and change at a quick rate with COVID-19, the Coronavirus, we at the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) are working to provide the latest resources and updates to assist county officials during this unprecedented time.

PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS / FA$TRAK BORROWER 

SBA and the The U.S. Department of the Treasury have posted a revised, borrower-friendly #PaycheckProtectionProgram loan forgiveness application.

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In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application that applies to borrowers who:

Are self-employed and have no employees; OR

Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR

 

Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to #COVID19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.

SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE & LOAN RESOURCES

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

RURAL PROSPERITY

Celebrating and fostering the uniqueness of Wisconsin’s rural communities.   Wisconsin’s rural landscape is integral to our state’s identity—both for the quality of life it affords its residents and for the escape it offers to those seeking to partake of Wisconsin’s natural splendor.

 

Maintaining the vibrancy of Wisconsin’s rural economies requires an understanding of the diversity of its industries—from agricultural production and working forests to main street businesses.

 

The variety of rural Wisconsin’s economic assets must be reflected in a coordinated statewide approach to building and maintaining rural prosperity throughout the state. WEDC is committed to helping rural stakeholders navigate the programs and resources available to build upon their strengths.

TOGETHER, WE'RE TEACHING YOU SPECIFIC WAYS TO MAKE YOUR SMALL TOWN A BETTER PLACE

We’re creating the videos, courses and toolkits that help you learn, grow and take action.

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Want to hear practical advice from us every week? Get our newsletters.

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Are you an Idea Friendly town?  https://saveyour.town/idea-friendly-creed/ 

 

Each month we focus on a rural challenge you've told us about. You'll see a 30 minute video, if you are a member. Membership is only $25 a month and you will have access to all of our videos!

 

Take a look at the list of videos:  https://learnto.saveyour.town/video-library and learn how to become a member. 

COVID-19 FEDERAL RURAL RESOURCE GUIDE

USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities through:

• technical, training, and management assistance

• financial assistance

• state and local assistance.

 

This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in stimulus bills and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type.  

SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCE -- COURAGE TO ADAPT,  STRENGTH TO SUCCEED.

During these difficult times, everyone is talking about survival, uncertainty, and loss—loss of revenue, relationships, and resources. It’s normal and human to feel fear and uncertainty, to wonder about the future of your business.  At SCORE, we get it. And we’re also here to remind you that you are stronger than you think and more powerful than you know.  You are a small business owner, the person who dared to ask what if? The leader who had the courage to take that first step to build a business and a future you believe in.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Cooperative Network is committed to helping our members through these challenges. We continue to engage with government and business leaders on the state and federal levels. This evolving situation requires constant communication with those developing the policies and programs which will shape our future.

COVID-19 & THE COOPERATIVE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Important webinar put on by NCBA CLUSA

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES

Ag and rural cooperatives are critical and essential every day, especially in times of crisis. We are grateful for the work that your cooperative is doing to help meet the needs of our communities in the midst of this pandemic. Our lawmakers see it, too, classifying agriculture as an essential business in this time of crisis.

RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANAGING COVID-19 ARE VERY FLUID

These references include reputable sources and technical support information from GWAAR and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.  Advocacy, Caregiver Support, General COVID-19 questions/answers, Health Promotions, Nutrition, Scams & Fraud.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

The agency is responsible for the regulation of Wisconsin public utilities, including those that are municipally owned, since 1907.​​​​​

FAQs FOR HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS, HOUSING PROVIDERS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

WHEDA has adjusted operations to protect our employees and the communities we serve. We continue to deliver the level of service our customers have come to expect and we remain focused on expanding access to affordable housing and economic opportunity.

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You may have questions surrounding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These are answers to some of the most common questions about the virus.  

COVID-19 CHILD CARE RESOURCES

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has compiled resources to help essential workers, providers, and families navigate the child care landscape during the COVID-19 crisis. While the state has aggressively mobilized to slow the spread of COVID-19, families still need child care as many return to work amidst the public health emergency.

RENEW Wisconsin's tenth annual Renewable Energy Summit

Presented by Arch Electric and Invenergy,  will be hosted virtually over three days from Tuesday, January 12th through Thursday, January 14th, 2021. Renewable power is emerging as a force in Wisconsin. With this transition underway, the theme of this year's event, “Building the Clean Energy Mosaic,” will highlight the diversity of technologies, people, and scale needed to shape our clean energy future.

"BOUNCE BACK"

RWHC has created a 35 minute video titled, “Bounce Back.” RWHC's Cella Hartline, Erin Smital and Jo Anne Preston, share resiliency tips and techniques.

 

It is broken into short chapters if you want to watch or share it in short segments, or you can simply play through the whole program. Once you open the media-site video and click play, you will see on the bottom right of the screen buttons for selecting the chapters and also a link to download the power point slides.

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FOR PARTNERS

In response to the rapidly evolving public health emergency, DWD understands COVID-19 has raised many questions by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Here are  answers to frequently asked questions that relate to DWD’s services and information.

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• Employment & Training (DET) Partner Information

• Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker Program Employers and Crew Leaders

• Youth Apprenticeship Coordinators and Partners

• WIOA Title I Partners and Practitioners

• Job Center Business Services

• Equal Rights (ERD) Partner Information

• Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Partner Information

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC

In response to the rapidly evolving public health emergency, DWD understands COVID-19 has raised many questions by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that relate to DWD’s services and information.

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We also encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for the most up-to-date information.

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• Unemployment

• Employment & Training

• Worker's Compensation

• Vocation Rehabilitation

• Equal Rights

POSTING COVID-19 COMMUNITY SURVEYS

How to access and post the free COVID-19 community surveys to administer to your residents.  We have three resident surveys:

• Impact Survey to measure how COVID-19 has impacted your residents,

• Impact Pulse Survey to be used after the initial Impact Survey to continue to measure resident impact,

• Resident Readiness/Consumer Confidence (NEW!) to understand your residents' comfort level as officials evaluate how to reopen their community.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is open – virtually to all in our community.   WWBIC is working with federal, state and local partners to support our many WWBIC borrowers and entrepreneurs and businesses in need of loan capital now. 

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• COVID-19 Loan Program

• Paycheck Protection Program

• WWBIC Classes

• Business Financing

• Kiva Wisconsin

• Personal Finance Resources

COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES

As conditions surrounding COVID-19 continue to change, we remain committed to providing the safe and reliable energy you depend on.

COVID-19 - CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

The League is committed to helping Wisconsin’s cities and villages do their job. That includes helping you navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll find answers to questions that you and other municipal officials have been asking. We’re already discovering that many of your questions are of the “I never thought of that” variety, and the League is tracking down answers and options to those questions as rapidly as possible.​

START OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS

VBOC at WWBIC is funded in part by a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

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The VBOC @ WWBIC provides programs and services that help start or grow your business, including:

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• Boots to Business and Boots to Business | Reboot

• Business Training and Counseling

• Assistance with Business Loans

• Assistance with Veterans Business Certification

PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR RECOVERY

As the state continues to balance the public health aspect of the coronavirus outbreak with the requirement to smartly and safely reopen the Wisconsin economy, the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) is sharing with state policymakers its Road to Recovery  recommendations aimed at helping small businesses emerge from the COVID-19 economic crisis.

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• Programs -- Eligibility & Use of Funds

• Access Technical Assistance

• WEDA Road to Recovery Recommendations

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID GRANTS​

aimed at helping our local government partners address some of their most urgent and unique COVID-19 recovery needs. Administered by the Department of Administration (DOA), Routes to Recovery Grants will be allocated to every Wisconsin county, city, village, town,​ and federally recognized tribe.

W.R.A.P. - WISCONSIN RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources will partner with the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association, a trusted community partner to provide direct assistance to residents of Wisconsin administering this funding. $25 million will be allocated to agencies across the state for residents to apply for that meet income and need eligibility.

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This program is designed to serve with and alongside local leaders and organizations because, as everyone knows, collaboration will be the key to making our Badger State thrive again.

COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Continuing Education will continue predominantly in a virtual environment throughout the summer while Contract Training remains open to meet the planning and training needs of our business partners and also follows appropriate health and safety guidance.

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The COVID-19 Team continues to monitor the nature of the pandemic. It is a dynamic situation, but the college is poised to provide uninterrupted education going forward.

FACING COVID-19 WITH TOURISTS

We at your Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources want you to know we are here for you and our great state as we go through the COVID-19 public health emergency together.

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In light of COVID-19, the DNR is canceling, adjusting and postponing an array of in-person public events, meetings and operations consistent with guidance provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Department of Administration. However, should you need a place with space, getting outdoors has both physical and mental benefits.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

 learn how the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is responding to the current outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

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• Licensing Process

• DMV Services

• Transportation Projects

FACING COVID-19

Facing COVID-19 – the arts and creativity are more important than ever.   As we are all aware, our communities across Wisconsin are responding to the challenges regarding the spread of COVID-19.  Public health is our priority.  

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We are also keenly aware of the significant effect COVID-19 is already having on our arts organizations and individual artists across the state.

RESPONDING TO COVID-19: A WEBINAR SERIES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SERVING SMALL COMMUNITIES

The Responding to COVID-19 webinar series presents resources for small units of general local government (UGLGs) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the webinars provide digestible information on how small UGLGs may access public funding, data, and other resources made available due to the pandemic.

INFORMATION ON COVID-19

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are top priorities at UW-Stevens Point. Our commitment is heightened in recent weeks as we address concerns regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and prepare to slow the spread of this virus to our campuses and communities.

TOURISM RELIEF TO ACCELERATE VITALITY & ECONOMIC LIFT (TRAVEL)

The Stimulus Grant Program, an $8 million effort aimed at providing much-needed support to the tourism industry. Tourism promotion and tourism development organizations can apply today October.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE WISCONSIN ECONOMY

The economy will continue to slowly recover as we learn more about COVID-19.

• Consumers need to be confident and feel safe before the economy can recover, regardless of “Stay at Home” orders.
• The impact of COVID-19 varies across different types of businesses, with the key condition being their ability to adapt.

WHAT WILL LIFE BE LIKE AFTER THE PANDEMIC?

There are more questions than answers on what life will be like in this future "new normal" we all are facing as we recover from this pandemic.  AARP has many resources available to help answer those questions for your entire family & community.

State of Wisconsin

Department of Revenue

WISCONSIN FARM SUPPORT PROGRAM

A federally funded program that will provide $50 million of relief to farmers that suffered economic damages in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.