COVID-19 Business Resources
The River Falls Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing relevant information, resources, and updates surrounding the Coronavirus crisis to help the local business community.
NEED TO KNOW:
Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) released an updated advisory continuing the limits on the size of indoor public gatherings. The advisory limits public gatherings to no more than 25% of a space’s maximum capacity or no more than one person per 113 square feet in a space without defined occupancy limits. There are exemptions for schools, childcare, healthcare, houses of worship, and other settings that are outlined in the advisory found here. The advisory was originally scheduled to end at the end of December, but has now been extended to January 31, 2021.
Pierce County and the rest of Wisconsin have seen a promising decrease in new cases and positivity rates over the last few weeks. However, Pierce County is still in a worrisome position. The 7-day average of new cases remains approximately three times the critical threshold rate established by the Harvard Global Health Institute. Pierce County has a higher rate of new cases than the state of Wisconsin or the Twin Cities metro. Schools are stressed, as cases among K-12 staff and students increased fourfold from October to December.
For the full press release, click HERE.
Eligible businesses will receive $20,000 grant by year-end
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on 12/3 with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) that restaurants and other targeted small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive $45 million in assistance, bringing the total assistance distributed to Wisconsin businesses this year to more than $220 million.
The program, We’re All In For Restaurants, is aimed at businesses throughout Wisconsin that, as gathering places, have been challenged from the beginning of the pandemic, and are incredibly important employers and community members.
“Restaurants and other venues have been among the businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Evers said. “They’ve made the tough decisions to keep employees and customers safe by restricting indoor seating, offering delivery and curbside pick-up, and providing outdoor tables. We greatly appreciate the changes they've made to prioritize the health and safety of our communities, but now with winter coming, we are glad to provide this support at a critical time.”
The program will be administered by the Department of Revenue (DOR) in collaboration with WEDC. Unlike previous We’re All In grants, businesses will not have to apply for the grants, but will be identified and contacted directly by the DOR based on the businesses’ state tax records.
“We have all the systems in place to quickly disburse funding to these businesses who need it to get through the coming winter months. Our staff is ready to assist, and I am pleased we are able to help,” said DOR Secretary Peter Barca.
According to preliminary DOR estimates, restaurants will account for roughly 95 percent of the approximately 2,000 businesses to receive the funds. The program will target businesses with annual revenues of more than $1 million and less than $7 million. Previous state grant programs have focused on businesses with annual revenues of less than $1 million.
This is the third phase of the We’re All In grant program from WEDC aimed at helping businesses weather the economic storm created by the pandemic. The first phase provided more than $65 million in grants to more than 26,000 businesses statewide, while the second phase is currently disbursing more than $120 million to more than 24,000 small businesses statewide.
Funding for We’re All In programs comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which expires on Dec. 31. Additional federal funds for small businesses have not yet been approved.
It's important to know the necessary steps to take if an employee of yours tests positive for COVID-19. Check out this simple step-by-step guide from Pierce County Public Health - WI to help you through the process: https://bit.ly/2IqhSVe
Good news for all our small businesses that offer ecommerce and shipping options – the MainStreetWI.com online retail portal is expanding statewide. The portal, launched in June for participants in WEDC’s Main Street and Connect Communities programs, will be expanded as part of our new We’re All In For Small Business marketing campaign. This campaign will include additional media and social media tools and resources which will be released on November 16th, but in advance of this launch, we are hoping to identify additional businesses that should be added to the site to allow Wisconsinites to shop local when they are shopping online this holiday season. Surveys show that more than 70% of consumers plan to do at least some online shopping this year, and we’d like to make it easy to identify and purchase goods online from local shops instead of online platforms.
Online Shopping Portal: https://www.mainstreetwi.com/
To be eligible:
- Businesses must have a physical storefront presence in the state (no online businesses – home based businesses only if they actively market space to customers - i.e. an artist studio)
- Businesses must offer ecommerce options, either on a dedicated website or through active social medial sales outlets
- Businesses must offer statewide shipping of product. Local delivery or curbside options are not sufficient. Restaurants that sell merchandise, or coffeeshops with subscription bean memberships would be eligible if they can be shipped statewide.
To submit your business:
- Community representatives can send an excel spreadsheet of businesses in the community that are eligible to me at the email below – spreadsheet should include Business Name, Business Address, Contact Email and Website/Social Media where ecommerce happens.
- Individual businesses can visit the shopping portal and click ‘submit a business’ at the top of the page and complete the form.
Daily/weekly case dashboards:
- Pierce County Public Health
- St. Croix County Public Health
- UW-River Falls
- School District of River Falls
- Wisconsin counties
- Wisconsin statewide
Area testing locations:
Click HERE for a full recording of the webinar.
On Tuesday, Gov. Evers directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue Emergency Order #3 limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy. See full the order and list of exemptions here:
https://bit.ly/3lkPMs7
This directive is effective at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2020, and will remain in effect until Nov. 6, 2020, and applies to any gatherings at locations that are open to the public such as stores, restaurants, and other businesses that allow public entry, as well as spaces with ticketed events. A frequently asked questions document is available for review here: https://bit.ly/34EU9rs
Sept. 25: Pierce County issues updated advisory to address surge in COVID-19 cases
CHAMBER WEBINARS
On 8/25 CVTC President Bruce Barker gave an update on the College strategy to ensure continued education and training needed for essential workers in our community, while maintaining a safe environment for employees and students.
Bruce was joined by members of the CVTC team as they shared information about campus programs and services, opportunities for local high school students, business and industry engagement, and planning for the newly acquired property in River Falls.
They had a conversation with members of the chamber to discuss continued partnerships to support the health, education, and growth of the River Falls community.
Speakers
Bruce Barker, President
Shelly Olson, Executive Dean – Health, Emergency Services and River Falls Campus
Kristel Tavare, Director of PK-12 Initiatives
Dan Lytle, Business Development and Menomonie Campus Manager
Click HERE for a recording of the meeting.
On 8/13/2020 UW-River Falls Interim Chancellor Connie Foster and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Success David Travis joined the Chamber for a webinar to inform the community on the university’s plans for a safe fall semester.
They shared information with Chamber members on “Falcons Forward: Planning for Fall 2020 and Beyond” – the institution’s framework for welcoming faculty, staff, and students back to campus later this month.
Click HERE for a full recording of the webinar.
Click HERE for a link to a full recording of the webinar.
On Thursday, July 9th AZ Snyder, Health Officer for Pierce County, gave local businesses an update on COVID-19 in our community, provided more information about the local communicable disease ordinance under consideration, and gave business owners and operators an opportunity to ask questions of their local public health department. The County Board will be considering the ordinance at a special meeting open to the public on Tuesday, July 14th at the River Falls High School Auditorium.
An educational presentation from Helen Strike, President of River Falls and Regina Hospitals, part of Allina Health. Strike provided up-to-date information about Allina Health and River Falls Area Hospital’s response to COVID-19 and it's impact in our state and communities. Click the links below for more information.
Public Health values the role our business community plays in fighting COVID-19. AZ Snyder, Pierce County Public Health Director and Health Officer, will share the county's recent efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, as well as a business toolkit to prepare for safe reopening recently developed by Pierce County. There will be time for the business community to ask questions.
- Recording of meeting
- Contact ethan.holmes@mail.house.gov for any questions or help you need on SBA.
- Chamber Webinar Recording: 4/22/2020
- Chamber Webinar PPP, EIDL, Unemployment, and other financial tips Powerpoint presentation
- Click HERE to for a recording of our Chamber SBA Guidance Webinar. Katherine Fossler from the UWRF SBDC shared information on how to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Programs loans through the SBA.
- IRS Employee Retention Credit
- IRS Employee Retention Credit FAQ’s
- SBDC UW-River Falls PowerPoint
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & GUIDANCE
Gov. Tony Evers today announced a $10-million investment aimed at providing economic stabilization for nonprofit organizations providing critical services to Wisconsinites during COVID-19, which continues to surge across Wisconsin.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected folks and families across our state in nearly every aspect of their lives,” said Gov. Evers. “Our nonprofit organizations have been there every step of the way, answering the call to serve by providing critical and diverse services to Wisconsinites who are facing significant challenges. The economic stability of our nonprofits is key to ensuring they are able to continue this good work for people and families across Wisconsin.”
The COVID-19 Pandemic Response Nonprofit Grant Program will provide grant funding to eligible organizations that are providing critical services to individuals in the areas of health care, housing and shelter, adult education, or other services being provided in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts are funded through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF).
On October 6th, 2020, Gov. Evers announced an additional $100 million investment in Wisconsin’s small businesses to help stabilize the economy and ensure business owners across the state.
Click here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2a4759f
Click HERE for for an overview of SBA Coronavirus relief options.
- ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL): Click HERE for the direct portal for SBA Disaster Loans. Click HERE for assistance and instructions on how to apply for the SBA Disaster Loan.
- SBA Tutorial: How to Apply for Disaster Loans : SBA Information begins at 9:20 in video.
- SBA Covid-19 Small Business Resources: America’s SBDCs are working to help small businesses address the business challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
- The Regional Business Fund is accepting applications for working capital loans at this time. They also will work with existing borrowers. These programs are available to businesses within the City of River Falls and all of St. Croix County. More information can be found Here.
Webinars:
Chamber SBA Guidance Webinar:
- Click HERE to for a recording of our Chamber SBA Guidance Webinar. Katherine Fossler from the UWRF SBDC shared information on how to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Programs loans through the SBA.
- IRS Employee Retention Credit
- IRS Employee Retention Credit FAQ’s
- SBDC UW-River Falls PowerPoint
- SBA Tutorial: How to Apply for Disaster Loans : SBA Information begins at 9:20 in video.
Businesses will be asked to supply the following information as part of the application process:
Tax Information Authorization (IRS Form 4506T) for the applicant, principals and affiliates.
Complete copies of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return.
Schedule of Liabilities (SBA Form 2202).
Personal Financial Statement (SBA Form 413).
Profit and loss statements
Monthly sales figures (SBA Form 1368)
SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process at: 1-800-659-2955.
Forms Available for Download:
- Business Loan Application (SBA 5)
- Fee Disclosure Form and Comp Agreement (SBA 159(
- Loan Application (Sole Prop) SBA 5C
- Monthly Sales Figures (SBA 1368)
- Personal Financial Statement (SBA 413)
- Request for Transcript of Tax Return (IRS 4506T)
- Schedule Of Liabilities (SBA 2202)
- Request for Transcript of Tax Return (instructions IRS Form 4506T)
- SBA Form 2202 Instructions
- WI_16363 EIDL Fact Sheet
Loan Application Process Quick Facts
- Funds are working capital loans to help pay other fixed debt, payroll, tax obligations and other operating expenses that will allow the business to stay in business.
- First payments will not be due until 11 months after the date the promissory note is executed
- Interest rate will fixed 3.75% for up to 30 years
- Up to $25,000 may be borrowed without collateral. After that collateral will likely be required but the SBA will take second and third lien positions if needed.
- Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available and will be based on ability to re-pay and previous sales.
- HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED THAT PAPER VERSIONS OF LOAN DOCUMENTS ARE FILLED OUT FIRST. THEN USE THEM TO ENTER DATA ONLINE SO YOU THE SYSTEM DOES NOT TIME OUT ON YOU AS YOU ARE ENTERING DATA. Documents are available to download below.
- Processing time is taking 2 to 4 weeks depending on size of loan. Apply early
The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation is your business information and financing resource. We work to improve the environment for business and job growth which will sustain and improve the quality of life in Pierce County. Pierce County offers a unique combination of Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area access with authentic Wisconsin rural character. We would be glad to assist your business opportunity research. Contact us today for a free, confidential conversation!
- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Included on this page are resources available to Wisconsin businesses from WEDC and other local, state and federal agencies. You are encouraged to visit this page regularly, as we plan to update this directory as new information and resources become available.
- WEDC Strategies for Small Businesses to Navigate COVID-19 Challenges
- WEDC Essential Business Declaration: Find out if your business is considered essential according to the Safer at Home Order.
Small Business Development Center
America’s SBDCs are working to help small businesses address the business challenges of the coronavirus disease 2020 (COVID-19) pandemic.
- WWBIC COVID-19 FAST TRACK LOAN PROGRAM
- Business for All grant
- Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program
- Main Street Lending Program
- Work Share Information
- The Red Backpack Fund: for women-owned businesses
- ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL): Click HERE for the direct portal for SBA Disaster Loans. Click HERE for assistance and instructions on how to apply for the SBA Disaster Loan.
- West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Disaster Recovery Microloan Program
- COVID-19 Artist Emergency Fund from Art’s House
- IRS Guidance on Federal Tax payments: the IRS has released guidance regarding Federal tax payments due. We suggest you contact your accountant for advice.
- Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities: The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
- New Employer Tax Credits from the IRS:
- USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
- USDA Rural Development has financing available to assist everyone in a community.Businesses can be assisted with acquisition, start-up or expansion funds as well as funding for energy efficiency improvements. Housing Programs assist rural residents in purchasing a home or repairing their existing home. Multi-Family Housing Programs can assist owners with rehabilitation and provide financing for new construction or purchase/rehabilitation. Value-Added Producer Grants are available for farmers to conduct feasibility studies/business plans and for working capital to start the operation. Municipalities can be assisted with funding for water and waste systems and for community facilities such as fire trucks, police stations, libraries, etc. Non-profits can be assisted with funding to build facilities and/or purchase equipment. For more information, contact USDA Rural Development at 715-345-7600.USDA Rural Development Website
USDA Program Flyer
- Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau: Worker’s Compensation Rate Relief for Employers Who Pay Furloughed Employees
Wisconsin Main Street and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) offers ideas, tips, and best practices from local, state and national resources to allow communities to survive and thrive in light of current and rapidly changing circumstances.
The EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is designed to assist small businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by assisting with long-term, fixed rate, low-interest working capital loans.
Click HERE to learn more and to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible, a business must:
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Utilize the loan for working capital
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Be located within the seven county region (Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix)
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Employ less than ten (10) full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
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Operate within one of the following industry sectors:
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Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
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BUSINESS RESOURCES
- Covid-19 Business Toolkit: Preparing to Reopen Safely, Responsibly and Confidently
- Click Here for a FAQ from the Wisconsin Unemployment Office to help answer questions for employees who may be laid off due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau: Worker’s Compensation Rate Relief for Employers Who Pay Furloughed Employees
- Department of Workforce Development: Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information. This answers questions about applying for unemployment.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): This program will start taking applications the week of April 21.
- Ways to Retain Your Customers During the Coronavirus Outbreak Even if you need to close due to health and safety concerns, there are ways to keep serving your customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
- U.S. Chamber Foundation Guide to Corporate Aid – A list of corporate entities who donated or changed business practices to help fight COVID-19 around the world.
- COVID-19 Crisis: Tips to Help Foodservice Operators
- This tool is brought to you by StreetSense.com. It was designed to help restaurant owners plan and mitigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The kit contains clear and concise resources for managing capital, planning for relaunch, adjusting operations in the wake of the crisis, and more.Restaurant Re-Open Toolkit
- COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention: An overview of information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to OSHA standards, control and prevention, by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- US Dept. of Labor: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has resources to help employers and workers prepare for and respond to coronavirus in the workplace.
LOCAL RESOURCES
In August 2020, a coalition of government, business, and educational partners in River Falls joined together to create a unified messaging campaign to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
The Let’s Do Our Part campaign invites all community members to join the campaign as it evolves.
Visit HERE for more information.
Click HERE to download a free Let's Do Our Part River Falls poster.
- Sign up for the new Softskills for the Workforce to learn presentation and facilitation skills for webinars, communication strategies for conflict resolution, tips on coaching and mentoring, as well as organizational skills to assist with time and stress management.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Flyers Available for Businesses
- Shopping tips
- Tips for Group Settings: (homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities)
Remote Working Guidance
ALL-INCLUSIVE
GOOGLE SUITE/HANGOUTS – $6-25/PER USER
Services Provided: Video Conferencing | Audio/Phone | Instant Messaging | Information Storage/Sharing | Project Management | Security/Encryption
*In response to COVID-19 through July 1: free access to our advanced Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities to all G Suite and G Suite for Education customers globally including larger meetings, for up to 250 participants per call, live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers within a domain, and the ability to record meetings and save them to Google Drive
OFFICE 365/TEAMS – $0-12.50/PER USER
Services Provided: Video Conferencing | Instant Messaging | Information Storage/Sharing | Project Management | Security/Encryption
*In response to COVID-19: Beginning March 10, Microsoft is rolling out updates to the free version of Teams that will lift restrictions on user limits.
COMMUNICATION
ZOOM – $0-19.99
Services Provided: Video Conferencing | Web Conferencing/Webinar | Security/Encryption | Tips for securing your Zoom Meeting here
In response to COVID-19: free for educators to move toward virtual learning
ZOOM PHONE – $14.99
Services Provided: Audio/Phone | Security/Encryption
SLACK – $0-12.50
Services Provided: Video Conferencing | Instant Messaging | Information Storage/Sharing | Security/Encryption
GOTOMEETING – $12-16/PER USER
Services Provided: Video Conferencing | Web Conferencing/Webinar | Audio/Phone | Instant Messaging
*In response to COVID-19: some organizations may be eligible for access to free emergency remote work toolkit. Can register here.
INFORMATION SERVICES
DROPBOX BUSINESS – $12.50-20/PER USER
Services Provided: Information Storage/Sharing | Security/Encryption
*In response to COVID-19: Free Dropbox Business subscriptions for a three-month period to nonprofits and NGOs that are focused on fighting COVID-19
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
TRELLO – $0-20.83/PER USER
Services Provided: Information Storage/Sharing | Project Management | Security/Encryption
MONDAY - $39+
Services Provided: Information Storage/Sharing | Project Management
- Why are we Social Distancing? From the Pierce County Health Department: Why are we social distancing during COVID-19?
- Managing Stress & Loneliness During COVID-19: From the Pierce County Health Department: Find out how to prevent loneliness and stress during a time of social distancing
- How to Manage Anxiety & Stress during COVID-19: From the CDC: Find out how to reduce stress and anxiety in yourself and others
- Compassion Resilience: Facilitator resources to build the capacity of helping professionals, caregivers, and the systems in which they serve.
- Coping with COVID: Taking care of our mental well-being is always important, but in these unprecedented times, self-care is even more crucial. I am partnering with local physician Dr. Kathy Farah (www.kathyfarahmd.com) in offering a four part self-care series to help community members learn skills to reduce stress and bring a sense of calm in the midst of a very stressful time.
- Pandemic Guidance A brief outline of how to prepare before and respond during a pandemic by Ready.gov, official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement now. Based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Understanding the Coronavirus – Webinar about the impact of coronavirus on the private sector and how companies should consider their response, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Jan 27, 2020)