As small businesses across the country are hit hard from the impact of COVID-19, several government agencies and other organizations are working to help ease the burden. We’ll continue to update this list as more opportunities become available.

Payroll Protection Program Loans
Employers with fewer than 500 employees and those that are under the applicable Small Business Administration size standards (1,000 for newspaper publishers) may now apply for Payroll Protection Program loans under the CARES Act.

While the application period is expected to remain open through June 30, 2020, WNA members who qualify for the loans and plan to apply are encouraged to do so as soon as practicable, as the funds allocated to the program are expected to only meet approximately 30% of the demand. Read more. 

SBA Disaster Relief Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is making disaster relief loans available to help alleviate substantial economic injury resulting from the pandemic. Small businesses in Wisconsin can apply for loans of up to $2 million of working capital to pay current expenses like debt, payroll, accounts payable and other bills. Businesses will need to show that the loans will be used for overhead expenses, and those with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. Read more. 

WEDC 20/20 program
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has announced a $5 million grant program that will help small businesses that suffer losses related to the coronavirus outbreak. The Small Business 20/20 program aims to provide grants of up to $20,000 to businesses with 20 employees or fewer to cover rent and meet payroll expenses, including paid leave. The grants will be deployed by partnering with the state’s 23 community development financial institutions, and businesses are expected to be able to apply in the coming weeks.

Lender Assistance Programs
Many banks have offered deferment and forbearance to business loan customers having trouble making payments as coronavirus continues to impact communities across the country. Search for your bank in Forbes’ list of banks offering relief or the American Bankers Association’s ongoing A-Z list of coronavirus response programs.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook will provide up to 30,000 small businesses $100 million in cash grants and Facebook advertising credits. Information is limited, but sign up to get more details from the company when they’re available. Read more.

Coronavirus News Collaboration Challenge
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting is seeking proposals that develop innovative approaches to reporting on the coronavirus crisis using collaboration among journalists and newsrooms across state lines or national borders. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, rolling basis.

Local News Fund
The Local Media Association has launched an initiative to help channel tax-deductible donations to local news organizations through its 501(c)(3) foundation. LMA will essentially set up fundraising campaigns for local news organizations. Attend an informational webinar or watch an archived version of the webinar here to find out how to get started. LMA also has compiled FAQs about the Fund. 

COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists
The National Geographic Society has created a fund to distribute support ranging from $1,000–8,000 for local, evidence-based reporting on the preparation, response, and impact of this global pandemic. Beyond reporting on medical and physical health related to COVID-19, the Society  encourages reporting that covers social, emotional, economic, and equity issues. Narratives around the pandemic necessarily include facts and numbers, but ultimately, must also go deeper — telling the stories of inequities that COVID-19 has brought to light.

Internews Rapid Response Fund
Internews has dedicated $100,000 in initial funds and is calling on global donors to increase the amount to $1 million to help support media outlets, organizations and individuals who are working to provide local language journalism and other forms of public information related to the coronavirus pandemic.

A 30-day “Safer at Home” order issued on March 24, by Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm at the direction of Gov. Tony Evers maintains that media organizations are essential businesses and may continue to operate while adhering to certain precautions. 

The order, which classifies “newspapers, television, radio and other media services” as essential, directs all Wisconsin residents to stay at home and exercise social distancing when performing essential duties or activities, such as obtaining medical supplies or groceries. It instructs all essential businesses to work remotely when possible and to maintain at least 6 feet between all individuals when reasonable.

No. However, the WNA has provided a template letter to law enforcement that can be personalized and carried by journalists working in the field and other employees who will need to leave their homes to complete newspaper-related duties.

Employees are not required to carry such a letter, but it is being provided as a suggested best practice during these uniquely challenging times. Additionally, if you do not have photo ID cards and would like to order some, you can place an order here.

According to guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the likelihood of spread from mailed products or packages is low. Read more here.

While a change in publication usually requires a change in permit, the U.S. Postal Service has announced that periodicals permits will not be revoked if a newspaper has to suspend a print issue during coronavirus quarantine. Read more here. 

Yes. WNA members can access the Legal Hotline by calling (608) 284-4000.