Business News for July 10, 2020
As businesses continue to reopen their doors, measures that support public health remain top of mind. Today's message includes the following:

  • Dane County order requires masking as of Monday (July 13, 2020)
  • Wisconsin Supplier Network local source for PPE
  • Upcoming learning opportunities
  • UpStart Extras
  • Onboarding Right from the Start
  • Launch into Leadership - now online!
  • Funding Opportunities and Tax Credit Information
  • PPP deadline extended
  • $25,000 grants available for Black-owned restaurants
  • Applications open for Pressure Chamber pitch event
  • SBA hosting webinars to help business owners understand tax credits
Dane County Order Requires Masks Indoors
From June 27 to July 3, 2020, 780 individuals tested positive for COVID-19 (7-day average of 111), which was the highest of any 7-day period. COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets when a person with a COVID-19 infection coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Given these increased numbers - and to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the new Dane County order states that "Every individual, age 5 and older, in Dane County must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when:
  1. In any enclosed building where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, could be present.
  2. In line to enter any indoor space.
  3. Driving or riding on public transportation or in a paratransit vehicle, a taxi, a private car service vehicle, a ride-sharing vehicle, or any other for hire vehicle."

For more information, including industry-specific guidance and exceptions, view the Full Order here .

Looking for PPE for Your Business?
The Wisconsin Supplier Network is a Place to Start
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have experienced the challenges of an interrupted supply chain. The Wisconsin Supplier Network (WSN) works to alleviate this problem by offering an online directory platform designed to connect suppliers and service providers to new business growth opportunities.

Upcoming Learning Opportunities
UpStart Extras
Live, Virtual Four-Course Entrepreneurship Series for Women and Business Owners of Color, supported by WARF
UpStart Extras is a virtual four-part series of classes with timely and valuable topics to help entrepreneurs explore starting new ventures or re-imagine existing businesses as a result of these evolving times.

New Class for Fall 2020: Onboarding Right from the Start!
Live Virtual Course supported by funding from the CARES Act
During the last few months, it is estimated that video interviewing and virtual onboarding have nearly tripled (source: SHRM &  HireVue ). That is why we have created this course - to help you with virtual onboarding of employees, even if they are joining the team entirely online. Learn best practices and how effective onboarding can save you time and money.

Learn more about  Onboarding Right from the Start,
New! Launch into Leadership Available as Live Virtual Course!
Taking on new supervisory responsibilities is a great opportunity and challenge. Many in supervisory roles have learned either by trial and error or by following what was done by their predecessor. In most cases, this is not a very effective strategy. This one day workshop will get you going in the right direction with some fundamental skills and ideas for how to continue your growth as a supervisor and leader.

Funding Opportunities & Tax Credit Information
PPP Deadline Extended
The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM EDT in response to President signing the program's extension legislation. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020. 

Discover is Giving $25,000 Awards to Black-owned Restaurants
With Discover's new program, you can use social media to nominate the Black-owned restaurants that you think should get $25,000 each. Additional details about how to enter via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter are included on the program page.
Applications Open for GMCC's Pressure Chamber Pitch Event
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has just launched the application process for Pressure Chamber 2020 .  Finalists of this pitch competition get to pitch to a panel of out-of-state investors, business executives and virtual audience during Forward Fest.

The winning company receives a “golden suitcase, and reserved spot in the Chamber's startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this October.

Our very own SBDC client, Kyle LaFond was last year's Pressure Chamber winner; congratulations again to Kyle!

Applications must be received by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020
Webinars on Coronavirus Tax Relief for Business Owners
This webinar event, offered for employers and business owners, will cover more about the Employee Retention Credit, Paid Sick Leave, and Paid Child Care Leave with SBA, IRS and U.S. Department of Labor experts.

All sessions offered 2:00-3:30 pm. Register to attend.
July 16        July 23         July 30
The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the  Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship  in the  University of Wisconsin System . It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the  U.S. Small Business Administration.