Paycheck Protection Program and WEDC’s We’re All In

CCEDC would like to share valuable information on two new developments that have been shared with our organization regarding the Paycheck Protection Program and WEDC's We're All In Grant Program. Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were signed into law.  The changes add flexibility to use the funds.  Changes to the PPP include: Small businesses can use the funding for up to 24 weeks, instead of the original eight weeks Instead of requiring 75% of the funds to be used for payroll costs, that amount is dropped to 60% Initially employees needed to be rehired by June 30, that is now extended to December 31 If the loan is not forgiven entirely, businesses have up to five years to pay it back, instead of just two years Repayments are deferred until the [...]

Paycheck Protection Program and WEDC’s We’re All In2020-06-08T14:20:38-05:00

WEDC’s We’re All In $2,500.00 Grant Program

CCEDC has learned more on WEDC’s We’re All In $2,500.00 Grant Program and we will continue to assist local businesses as we learn more. At this time CCEDC would like to provide you with what we know about this Grant Program. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be accepting applications online from 8:00 AM on Monday, June 15 to 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 21. The general application process is as followed: There are around 95,000 companies in Wisconsin with 20 or less employees and only 30,000 grants available. Because of this, some eligible businesses that apply may not receive a grant. Here is the process of determining who is going to receive the grant. The grant will not be first come, first serve. WEDC will take applications throughout the application period [...]

WEDC’s We’re All In $2,500.00 Grant Program2020-06-05T09:24:47-05:00

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers

CCEDC would like to share with you valuable information at this time regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans may receive funding under USDA Business & Industry (B&I) CARES Act Program provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. USDA intends to consider applications in the order they are received. However, the Department may assign priority points to projects if the demand for funds exceeds availability. Lenders and applicants may contact Justin Kirking, Acting Business Programs Director, at 715-345-7639 or Justin.Kirking@usda.gov. In addition to expanding eligibility to certain agricultural producers, these changes allow USDA [...]

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers2020-05-28T11:34:48-05:00

Gov. Evers Announces $75 Million We’re All In Grant Program and Initiative to Spur Wisconsin’s Economic Recovery, Promote Safe Business Practices

Gov. Tony Evers announced a $75 million in assistance for small businesses as part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In initiative, a comprehensive effort to celebrate and help Wisconsin’s small businesses get back on their feet and support best practices to keep businesses, consumers, employees and communities safe. Funded largely by federal dollars received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this initiative will provide direct assistance to small businesses most impacted by the duration and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. These $2,500 cash grants will assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. Businesses will be able to apply for grant assistance in early June. Wisconsin small businesses have stepped up during this pandemic to [...]

Gov. Evers Announces $75 Million We’re All In Grant Program and Initiative to Spur Wisconsin’s Economic Recovery, Promote Safe Business Practices2020-05-18T12:42:57-05:00

WEDC announces targeted grants to small businesses suffering losses due to COVID-19 emergency  

CCEDC hopes that you and your families are safe and healthy in this incredibly challenging time.  Our hearts go out to all those who are being impacted by this crisis around the United States, and particularly our business partners, communities, and neighbors in the Chippewa Valley. We are  working in close partnership with many others in our state economic development and business community, to advocate for resources to be put to work in response to this COVID-19 health emergency. CCEDC wants you to be aware of some of the latest programs that have just been announced:  WEDC announces targeted grants to small businesses suffering losses due to COVID-19 emergency $5 million grant program to assist “smallest of the small” businesses around state MADISON, WI. March 18, 2020 – In another step toward assisting [...]

WEDC announces targeted grants to small businesses suffering losses due to COVID-19 emergency  2020-03-18T16:11:04-05:00

Discovering Export Opportunities in Central Europe

The potential exists to increase local companies’ sales through exporting. CCEDC hosted a round table discussion where over a dozen Chippewa Valley companies asked questions about the advantages of exporting their products to Central Europe. Paul Smerda, the Senior Manager at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) European Trade Representative Firm in Berlin, Germany lead a discussion and answered questions concerning the upcoming WEDC trade venture to Germany in June 2020, market trends, and recommended pro-active sales strategies for doing business in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Scandinavia. Wisconsin has a history of strong German immigration and shares many similarities such as a strong manufacturing base, an emphasis on quality, and instilling a strong work ethic. In 2018 Germany was Wisconsin’s 4th largest trading partner exporting $814 million worth of goods and [...]

Discovering Export Opportunities in Central Europe2020-01-31T15:34:27-06:00

WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes meets with CCEDC

Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) visited Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) to receive an update on the organization’s Business Retention, Entrepreneurial Development and Workforce Strategies that are currently being deployed. Mayor Greg Hoffman of the City of Chippewa Falls updated Missy Hughes on the critical partnership that the City has with CCEDC. “One of the reasons our economic development program is successful is because we have built a great team that works together and always looks for ways to improve it,” stated Mayor Hoffman. The group discussed ways in which the two organizations can better work together to help grow the regional economy, while strengthening our talent pipeline in the Chippewa Valley. “WEDC is appreciative of the partnership we have with CCEDC and we look [...]

WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes meets with CCEDC2019-11-12T16:39:34-06:00

Organic Valley’s Melissa Hughes appointed to head WEDC

Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) would like to congratulate Governor Evers on his pick of Melissa Hughes who will replace and take over for former WEDC Secretary Mark Hogan. Hogan, who was appointed in 2015 by former Gov. Scott Walker, officially resigned Tuesday. Hughes will begin on October 1st and will become the first woman to lead the organization.Melissa Hughes, who has spent the last 15-plus years as general counsel with Organic Valley/CROPP cooperative. Hughes joined La Farge-based Organic Valley in 2003 as chief mission office and general counsel. The cooperative of organic livestock, dairy and vegetable farmers was created in 1988. “With her background helping small businesses and family farms, coupled with her experience navigating complex governmental, regulatory, trade, and business matters, Missy Hughes will be an incredible asset to our [...]

Organic Valley’s Melissa Hughes appointed to head WEDC2019-09-05T16:11:03-05:00
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