Accelerate Magazine July 2020

“From day one of the pandemic, the Center for Growth and Business Alliance worked together to gather the most accurate information on the various financing and other assistance programs that became available to businesses,” said Tim Casey, the Center for Growth’s economic development director. “We worked together to post that information on our websites and pushed it out to businesses, municipalities and other partners.” When Governor Tony Evers’ Administration issued the initial Safer at Home order, the Alliance and Center for Growth fielded numerous calls and emails from businesses trying to understand the “essential” versus “non-essential” designation that determined whether they could remain open or had to shut their doors. The organizations also helped essential businesses in finding much needed personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and disinfecting supplies. Over the last four months, the Alliance and Center for Growth, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, have provided assistance to more than 500 businesses. Support included helping companies adapt their business plans in response to the shutdown and apply for local, state and federal funding. Many businesses needed help sorting through the federal CARES Act opportunities such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, the Paycheck Protection Program and Main Street Program, as well as state assistance such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s “We’re All In” grants for $2,500 for companies with five or fewer employees. As we hopefully move into a reopening and recovery phase, what does the future hold? “Most economists are predicting a return to modest growth even in the third quarter and ramping up from there,” Casey said. “Small businesses, which have been the focus for us and all of our partners, were hardest hit. Some percentage of businesses will not be able to continue. Many more are reopening and starting to rebuild their businesses. “Many people will want to stay closer to home to dine, to shop, to spend leisure time. Small businesses in the community that demonstrate a commitment to good hygiene and safety practices will likely be trusted. There will be ongoing assistance available to businesses to help them alter their business plans, rework their projections, prepare for the next normal and begin to grow again.” The Center for Growth and Alliance are now partnering to support the county’s reopening and recovery phase. Efforts have included weekly Reopening & Recovery webinars with local municipalities including the cities of Waukesha, Brookfield and Oconomowoc, and villages of Pewaukee, Mukwonago and Sussex. In addition, the organizations are working together to promote Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow’s “Stay Safe to Stay Open” campaign. Casey remains optimistic about the Waukesha County’s economy: “The partnerships between the Center for Growth and the Business Alliance and those with our businesses, local and state partners, nonprofits and other stakeholders will allow us to respond well and lead the economic recovery of Waukesha County and the region.” • JULY 2020 MAGAZINE 25 Over the last four months, the Alliance and Center for Growth, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, have provided assistance to more than 500 businesses. Collaborative. Efficient. Effective. spancrete.com 855-900-SPAN Precast Building Solutions