COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF PROGRAM
In May 2020, the Wyoming Legislature created three programs to distribute $325 million in federal CARES Act funding to Wyoming businesses and nonprofits that experienced hardship related to the COVID-19 crisis. The Wyoming Business Council is distributing these dollars through the COVID-19 Business Relief Program, which consists of five funds: the Interruption, Relief, Mitigation, Agriculture, and Endurance funds, all of which are now closed.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
The latest COVID-19 relief package has been approved by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The majority of the $1.9 trillion in relief will come in the form of direct payments and other relief to American families but additional assistance will be available through the Small Business Administration and other entities to help targeted businesses, local communities, and organizations affected by the ongoing pandemic.
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury has launched a new website with resources on COVID-19 relief programs, including for state and local governments, small business, industry, and families and workers. Click here for more info.
Governor Gordon also recently announced the creation of a stakeholder group to develop a blueprint for the use of the more than $1.1 billion that will be distributed to the State of Wyoming and local governments later this year. Much is still unknown as far as specifics but as details are provided, the Wyoming Business Council will update this website and send out information via our newsletter. Sign up for those updates here.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND
A $28.6 billion restaurant and bar grant program will be made available soon. Members of the Independent Restaurant Coalition partnered with members of Congress to craft the legislation. While the Small Business Administration (SBA) prepares to stand up the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, businesses should take steps to organize the materials necessary to submit an application once it is available. Click the link below for resources to learn more about the program and what businesses can do to prepare for the application. Please note that applicants no longer need to sign up for a SAM.gov account or have a DUNS number.
THRIVE > SURVIVE CAMPAIGN
With 2020 in the rearview mirror, the Wyoming Business Council has launched a new campaign for the new year: Thrive > Survive. We are focusing on Wyoming stories where innovation, lots of elbow grease and working together have helped communities and businesses weather the pandemic, sometimes even growing stronger.
COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF PROGRAM RECAP 2020
INTERRUPTION FUND
June 8 - July 2, 2020
3,978 applicants paid
$98.5 million paid
RELIEF FUND
Aug. 4 - Sept. 15, 2020
2,416 applicants paid
$177.6 million paid
MITIGATION FUND
Aug. 4 - Sept. 15, 2020
687 applicants paid
$25.6 million paid
AGRICULTURE FUND
Nov. 2 - Nov. 18, 2020
514 applicants paid
$35.1 million paid
ENDURANCE FUND
Nov. 2 - Nov. 18, 2020
981 applicants paid
$83 million paid
BRP AUDIT PROCESS
With guidance from independent auditing firm, McGee Hearne & Paiz, LLP (MHP), a sampling of COVID-19 Business Relief Program recipients has been audited. Entities chosen for the audit pool were notified via email with instructions and MHP conducted the audits at the business level, not application or program levels.
RELIEF FUND FUTURE EXTRAORDINARY EXPENDITURES PLAN
IMPORTANT EXPENDITURE PLAN INFORMATION: If you included future extraordinary expenditures in your Relief Fund application, you must report on how those funds were spent by Dec. 15, 2020. Applicants not reporting on their expenditures will be required to repay their expenditure plan amounts.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR CONSULTANTS
Reach out to a regional director with specific questions and for more information.
AMY QUICK
Northwest Regional Director (Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties)
307.421.0140
HEATHER TUPPER
Southeast Regional Director (Albany, Carbon, Goshen and Laramie counties)
307.777.2804
ELAINA ZEMPEL
Western Regional Director (Fremont, Sublette and Teton counties)
Also currently covering Lincoln, Sweetwater and Uinta
307.877.2203
BRANDI HARLOW
Northeast Regional Director (Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties)
307.689.1320
KIM RIGHTMER
East Central Regional Director (Converse, Natrona, Niobrara and Platte counties)
307.577.6012
PARTNERS
Special thanks to these partner agencies who provide valuable assistance and support to Wyoming businesses in the good times and the tough times.
BUSINESS RELIEF PROGRAM 2020 TAX INFORMATION
As businesses close out their previous year and file tax documents, the Wyoming Business Council reminds all CARES Act funding recipients that any money received through the COVID-19 Business Relief Program (BRP) is considered taxable income and should be included in tax filings. The State Auditor's Office has issued all applicable 2020 1099 forms and CARES grant recipients should have received a 1099-G for their awards. If you have any questions, please contact the State Auditor's Office at saowolfshelpdesk@wyo.gov.
Please Note: The State Auditor's Office and the Wyoming Business Council cannot provide any tax-related advice. BRP grant recipients with questions related to filing, claims, etc., should contact a tax professional.