#coronachronicles & #smallbusiness

Well this week has been crazy. My kids are home from school... I just became a teacher. Two years ago I "homeschooled" (I use that term loosely because she had teachers online) my oldest daughter and well, let's just say that she went back to school the year after because I discovered that it was not for me when I was also trying to run a business and take care of babies. 

Anyways, this week they came home and although they have teachers, I still need to help, monitor, supervise and assist and that has rocked my world. Juggling four kids, a business with four employees and a shared household is tricky... BUT I'm getting back to mental normalcy. This season is starting to and continuing to prove to be an ever changing pile of unknowns. Which in the world of being a business owner, it can be intimidating, not foreign but definitely way more than what we could possibly imagine. That being said, I've been almost tirelessly working to try and find as much as I can on how to help and where I can point people to so we can navigate through this season and still get through "Alive" 

Here is what I've pulled together so far. Expect there to be additional information as the days continue because that is also changing every single day. As always, feel free to reach out and as a question or offer your own suggestions. We are here to help! 

• I just got word that WI got approved, or what have you, as a disaster location with the SBA. It will be listed on the SBA website and open for application in the next day or so. Start gathering your information now! (see below link for more info) https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/disasterloans/?fbclid=IwAR0gotQ-46JxZAkVJsgZ7NQXiB0ZajJBlTZNTFRH0mztEU693nsiySsOwl0
• It was also recommended that people that are current clients of WWBIC call their SBCs as there are some additional options available specifically to you.
• SBA loans are also being deferred up to 6 months so those with loans should contact their lenders. Many are doing a 2 month deferment with a revisit at that time.
• Unemployment is available to those who would normally be eligible for it, they removed the one week wait. If you are the owner and your business is shut down but you have been getting a paycheck with payroll taxes being paid you should be able to also collect unemployment but you may need to call or push (per an owner I spoke with)
• A new FMLA extended law was passed which would impact employees and employers of businesses with 25-499 employees. It indicates that employers may be required to provide paid leave after 10 days and up to 12 weeks at 2/3 the current pay rate. More information is available if you need it
• WEDC is offering assistance up to $20,000 for businesses that already have a loan with a CDFI - It would be for the costs of payroll and rent for 2 months up to the 20k mark. I have additional information regarding this if you need it. Please let me know if you do.

Keep pushing and be blessed. We will get through this season and will be all the stronger for it. Try to enjoy your families, rest and tackle that honey-do list in your down time.