MadREP Report | May 13, 2020
In response to the strain placed on small businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, WEDC has funded an initiative to support minority, women and veteran-owned business. This initiative will award grants of $2,000 per company to qualified businesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees (including the owner) in the retail, service or hospitality sectors that have not received assistance through the Small Business 20/20 Program or the federal CARES Act and/or Paycheck Protection Program.

This one-time, temporary initiative will accept applications from May 18-24, 2020. Companies that meet the program criteria can apply through one of Wisconsin’s Collective Ethnic and Diverse Organizations during the application window. If the applications received exceed the funds available, companies will be selected at random from the pool of pre-qualified applicants that meet all program criteria.

For more information about business funding sources, be sure to check the MadREP website often as we navigate reopening Wisconsin.
MadREP & Regional Partners Relaunch Statewide COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
The second observation period of a statewide survey, measuring the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin businesses, is underway. MadREP and its partners, with support from UW-Oshkosh, are distributing the survey to businesses through Saturday, May 16, 2020.

Must Reads for This Week
Wisconsin retailers allowed to reopen

Wisconsin retailers that aren't considered essential businesses can open their doors a crack under new COVID-19 restrictions Gov. Tony Evers issued Monday that allow up to five customers at a time. The relaxed restrictions, which officials say...

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madison.com
Free community COVID testing at Alliant Center

Free community testing for COVID-19 started Monday at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, giving anyone who wants to be tested for the coronavirus a chance to do so. Testing at the drive-thru community site is strongly recommended for people...

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madison.com
Tourism secretary: Large COVID-19 impact on Baraboo, Dells

Local and state tourism officials acknowledged "significant losses" in Baraboo, Portage and Wisconsin Dells brought by the coronavirus pandemic but said they're hoping residents will rally for local businesses until regional travel can begin to...

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www.wiscnews.com
Friday deadline for business emergency loans

Sun Prairie small business owners have until Friday, May 15 to get their share of $155,000 in funds to remain afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees need to apply for the Sun Prairie Business Emergency Loan...

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www.hngnews.com
Wisconsin DWD: More than $940M in unemployment benefits...

Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on Monday, May 11 released new information regarding unemployment insurance data amid the coronavirus pandemic -- including that more than $940 in benefits was paid out...

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fox6now.com
Join this webinar on lessons learned from Wisconsin CEOs on how they are managing the COVID crisis. Hear how government, healthcare and businesses are working together for a Smart Restart on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 11:00 am CT. Register Here
Quarterly global GDP index

The Conference Board® Global Economic Outlook shows that toward the end of Q2-2020, the global economy is expected to begin a slow recovery from the COVID-19 shock. However, a full recovery in global GDP could take a long time.

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conference-board.org
For every person not counted, your county stands to lose $18,000 per decade ($1,800 per year) in government funding. Fill out your Census forms!
Other Resources
SBA: COVID-19

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.

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www.sba.gov
Greater Madison Chamber Slido

Join the Conversation. Please ask questions related to COVID-19 and business here.

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app.sli.do
WEDC Focus Forward Reopen Guidelines - Working Together...

Wisconsin businesses look forward to a future when they can return to providing products and services to their customers. That future will require the gradual adoption of new business practices that reflect the evolving reality of the COVID-19...

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wedc.org
Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information

Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 Coronavirus and State of Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits.

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dwd.wisconsin.gov