VETERAN
BUSINESS
GUIDE

The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to all types of Wisconsin businesses whose operations are impacted by disruptions to their supply chains, withering demand for their products and worker unavailability resulting from sustained social distancing.

This page is designed to provide the latest, best information to our members and businesses across Wisconsin on resources aimed at maintaining the vitality of the companies upon which our economy depends. As the volume of inquiries through our phone lines and website prevents us from responding individually to people as we would like, we invite you to visit this page regularly. We plan to update this directory as new information and resources become available.

Included on this page are resources available to Wisconsin businesses and employers, as well as service members, veterans, and their families from our partners as well as local, state, and federal agencies.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

We're here to help you navigate the complexity of COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts.

REACH OUT

GUIDELINES FOR REOPENING YOUR BUSINESS SAFELY

WEDC has compiled industry-specific documents to help you get back to business while taking the necessary precautions to maximize safety.

REVIEW GUIDELINES

WEEKLY MEMBER COVID-19 BRIEFING

Bringing Wisconsin's veteran business community the information & resources needed during the pandemic.

As Wisconsin's veteran business community adjusts to the challenges presented by Coronavirus, we are here to provide the support our members need to thrive in challenging times. We provide you with critical updates, new resources, and information from experts to support your business.

Join us for our weekly COVID-19 Member Briefing every Friday at 9:30am.

Webinar Replay Library

REGISTER HERE

NEWS & UPDATES

Gov. Evers Announces Launch of COVID-19 Response and Recovery Investment Dashboard

Standoff over Covid relief could drag into September

County, tribal emergency managers are front line of coordinated response

Wisconsin congressional Dems are calling on President Trump to fund 100 percent of National Guard costs in the state to continue combating the coronavirus

Evers has about $300 million more in federal aid he can spend to fight COVID-19

WBA pushes for automatic loan forgiveness for small business owners

COVID-19 Testing Hits Month Low

DHS Hospital Partners Say COVID-19 Testing Materials Have Been Diverted From Wisconsin

Gov. Evers: Wisconsin COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1,000

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Receives Nursing Assistance from USDVA and WI National Guard

Wisconsin officials report 478 new COVID-19 cases as seven-day average hits lowest point in a month

Rural, urban health care systems promote telehealth and the broadband required to effectively use it

Covid-19 indicators 'slightly improved' in recent weeks — except one: Dr. Raymond

COVID-19 Coping Tips for Small Business Owners

Yelp says hundreds of Milwaukee-area businesses have closed since March

Corporate bankruptcies on pace for 10-year high

Wisconsin exports on pace for $2.45 billion drop this year

COVID-19 Stimulus Executive Order and Memoranda Summarized

Workplaces make up nearly 40% of COVID-19 facility probes in state

Mask mandates have broad support among Wisconsin voters, new poll shows

Wisconsin National Guard provides election support across state

Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival kicks off this week

Wisconsin COVID-19 Death Toll Surpasses 1,000

DHS Reports 621 New COVID-19 Cases Sunday

5,000 Wisconsin Residents Hospitalized Because of COVID-19

10 AUGUST UPDATE: Wisconsin National Guard continues statewide COVID-19 testing this week

Veterans unemployment down for third month in a row, but still double pre-pandemic levels

Communities, businesses, citizens say ‘We’re All In’ to stop spread of COVID-19

Wisconsin National Guard mobilized to support August 11 election

Federal Grant to Address Behavioral Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE CENTER

During this constantly changing situation, it is important to have the latest information from credible and trustworthy sources. All resources provided here have been validated by MCW physicians, scientists and other credible partners.

VISIT MCW.EDU

RESOURCES FROM OUR SPONSORS

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Federal Resources

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Funding Programs
• Paycheck Protection Program
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
• SBA Express Bridge Loans
• SBA Debt Relief- 7(a), 504, and Microloans

The Wisconsin Small Business Development (SBDC) Network and its partners are helping small businesses apply for federal disaster loans to mitigate the substantial economic injury as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Wisconsin SBDC, a resource partner of the SBA, has created a web page to help business owners understand the qualifications and application process. Consultants across the network’s 13 locations are working remotely via phone, email and virtual tools to assist clients. The Wisconsin SBA and its other SBA resource partners— including WWBIC, Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center, SCORE, and Veterans Business Outreach Center—are also working to assist their clients.

Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the crisis by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion.

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Resuming Business Toolkit

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT

The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead. Learn more about PPP eligibility and forgiveness.

DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT (DPA)

In response to the COVID-19 global crisis, DFC is seeking to strengthen and restore domestic industrial base capabilities through the Defense Production Act (DPA). The President’s Executive Order signed on May 14, 2020 provides DFC the tools under the DPA to re-shore domestic production of strategic resources needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, and to strengthen any relevant domestic supply chains. Find more information on eligible projects, loan conditions, and more here.

Export-Import Bank

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has announced a series of initiatives to inject liquidity into the market and give maximum financing flexibility to facilitate sales of U.S. goods and services abroad.

US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

State Resources

WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Stay in-the-know about important Wisconsin business and economic news, community announcements and new programs and resources available for your business. Learn More.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

The Wisconsin Farm Support Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, is 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. Individual payments will range from $1,000-$3,500. Wisconsin farmers with gross income between $35,000 and $5,000,000 in 2019 may be eligible to receive a payment. The application period for this funding runs from June 15 through June 29. Learn More.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is providing immediate help for small businesses on sales taxes and taking other steps to help taxpayers in response to COVID-19. Learn More.

Other Resources

WISCONSIN WOMENS BUSINESS INITIATIVE CORPORATION

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. Learn more.

KIVA LOANS

Kiva has expanded small business lending on its online platform to include a larger list of eligible businesses, the possibility for larger loans, and a grace period for repayment.  Learn more here (or visit the dedicated pages for applicants in Milwaukee or applicants in Madison).

LISC

LISC is providing grants to small businesses to help them keep functioning and remain vital facets of their local economies through this challenging period. Learn More.

HMONG WISCONSIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) has announced a new Emergency Loan Fund (COVID-19) in response to the negative impact that Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the Wisconsin business community. These funds are primarily used for working capital to cover rent, payroll, and other fixed expenses. This loan fund is similar to HWCC’s existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Small Loan programs but with a slightly lower rate and an interest-only option for the first 3 months. Loans from $5,000 and up to $10,000. Learn More.

WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission funds for a new CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund for counties served by the Commission. Learn More.

KEEP ME INFORMED

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about important economic and business news, as well as new COVID-19 programs and resources available for your business and community.

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WORKFORCE RESOURCES

Federal Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus. Learn More.

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY

Through Economic Impact Payments and other means, the Treasury Department is ensuring that Americans receive fast and direct relief in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Learn More.

OSHA GUIDELINES

Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help employers respond in the event of coronavirus in the workplace. Learn More.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

The CDC has compiled interim guidance for businesses and employers responding to (COVID-19). Learn More.

State Resources

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Stay in-the-know about important Wisconsin business and economic news, community announcements and new programs and resources available for your business. Learn More.

WISCONSIN DWD- VETERANS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD), is committed to advancing employment opportunities for Wisconsin veterans through targeted business engagement and service and commitment to the veteran community. Learn More.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES

DHS has developed resources for employers to use to inform themselves and their employees on public health best practices and precautions to take to continue protecting employees, customers, and communities from COVID-19. Learn More.

Other Resources

MRA- THE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Everything you need for timely resources on the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, such as sample policies, guidance on communicating and preparing your workplaces, and layoff/closing information. Learn More.

DAVIS & KUELTHAU sc

Davis|Kuelthau has organized a multidisciplinary team to monitor and address the vast range of litigation, regulatory and transactional challenges faced by companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. We are regularly issuing guidance and have assembled a summary of some of the many local, state and federal resources available to help businesses with their pandemic preparedness and response efforts. Learn More.

KEEP ME INFORMED

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about important economic and business news, as well as new COVID-19 programs and resources available for your business and community.

SUBSCRIBE

VETERAN AND MILITARY RESOURCES

Federal Resources

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VA has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans, their families, health care providers, and staff in the face of this emerging health risk. We are working directly with the CDC and other federal partners to monitor the outbreak of the virus. Learn More.

EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Customer Service Center is available to help both Service members and employers understand their Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) rights and responsibilities, and to address potential COVID-19 related impacts. Learn More.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Department of Labor has compiled resources for career seeking veterans. Learn more.

State Resources

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and other local, state, and federal partners.

The Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant (ANVG) program provides limited financial assistance to those in need and who have exhausted all other sources of aid. The grants may be used for specified health care and subsistence needs up to maximum grant limits. Learn More.

Veterans in need should contact their local Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program coordinator. Learn More.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRRS

DHS has developed resources for employers to use to inform themselves and their employees on public health best practices and precautions to take to continue protecting employees, customers, and communities from COVID-19. Learn More.

Other Resources

AARP

AARP has released a fact sheet for veterans, military and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More.

COVID-19 MILITARY SUPPORT INITIATIVE

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC), Blue Star Families, and participants of the White Oak Collaborative have joined forces to create the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative (CMSI)—a united, national platform to provide resources and expertise to support communities, states, and military families through this crisis. Learn More.

DAV

In response to this unprecedented event, Disabled American Veterans are establishing a COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide help to service-connected disabled veterans who have lost employment. Learn More.

MILITARY ONE SOURCE

The Department of Defense is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State to provide support in dealing with the coronavirus disease outbreak. Learn More.