Paycheck Protection Round 2 Opens

The Small Business Administration (SBA) started accepting new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program on April 27. If you have not yet applied for the Paycheck Protection Program Loan, you’re strongly encouraged to apply through your local SBA lender. It’s anticipated that the funds will be allocated very quickly, so it’s critical to apply as soon as possible.

J-1 Workers Delayed Till At Least June 15

Phil Berndt, membership director of Destination Door County (formerly the Door County Visitor Bureau), said the latest guidance he’s received regarding J-1 student workers will not be coming until after June 15. That date may be delayed again and is subject to national travel restrictions. Door County businesses brought more than 500 seasonal workers to the county last year through the J-1 visa program. The Alpine Resort has announced it will not open this summer because of the J-1 worker delays and future uncertainty. 

Evers Lifts Some Business Restrictions

Gov. Tony Evers lifted some business restrictions April 27, allowing nonessential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. The order allows businesses such as dog groomers, small-engine repair shops, upholstery businesses and others to safely open. 

The order also applies to outdoor recreational rentals such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs and other similar recreational vehicles; and to automatic and self-service car washes. Such businesses must be able to operate free of customer contact by providing payment options online or by phone, enact proper disinfecting practices, and be able to perform operations with one staff member.

Golf courses have also opened. Construction and landscaping businesses may do aesthetic or optional work if it is performed by a single person. Public libraries may provide curbside pickup of books and other materials; and arts-and-crafts stores may offer expanded curbside pickup of face-mask-making materials.

WDOR Launches “We’re Open” Segment

WDOR has launched a “Yes, We’re Open” segment that will air on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until the governor’s Safer at Home order is lifted. Each segment will feature three local businesses that have had to alter their services under the order, but are indeed still open. 

If you would like your business to be featured, contact WDOR at [email protected] or 920.743.4411. The station will record a 15-second message over the phone. It’s free, quick and easy, and it helps to share positive news.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff are ready to help Wisconsin farmers obtain credit for spring farm-operating needs, service loans or sign up for programs, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2020. 

Producers need to enroll in the ARC or PLC program – their 2019 crop year program election applies to 2020 – by the June 30 deadline. Producers who do not enroll will be ineligible to receive a payment for the 2020 crop year, should one trigger.

Call to receive the ARC/PLC contract for a signature by mail or email, depending on your preference. Find the phone number for your local FSA county office at farmers.gov/service-center-locator.