COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF PROGRAMS
In 2020, the Wyoming Legislature created multiple programs to distribute federal CARES Act funding to Wyoming businesses and nonprofits that experienced hardship related to the COVID-19 crisis. The Wyoming Business Council distributed those dollars through the COVID-19 Business Relief Program, which consisted of five funds: the Interruption, Relief, Mitigation, Agriculture, and Endurance funds, all of which are now closed. Businesses throughout the state continue to face challenges due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the State of Wyoming is focused on maximizing additional federal dollars to support our citizens for the long haul.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
The latest COVID-19 relief package became law on March 11, 2021. 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. Wyoming was allocated about $1.2 billion. In addition, hundreds of millions of other dollars will be distributed to citizens via other programs, tax rebates, and to local governments and other entities directly from the federal government.
Much is still unknown as far as specifics but the Wyoming Business Council is working closely with Governor Gordon and other state agencies to plan for this funding and the opportunities it presents.
We will continue to update this website and send out information via our newsletter. Sign up for those updates here.
For more information on what's in the American Rescue Plan, check out this fact sheet. See Governor Mark Gordon’s statement on the American Rescue Plan here.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND
Attention restaurant owners! The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened applications on Monday, May 3, at 10 a.m. MDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. For more information and to register, click the link below.
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Do you rent in Wyoming and have been unable to make rent, internet, or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic? You may be eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which opened on April 29.
Wyoming received $200 million in federal funding for the program, a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Under the new federal guidelines, $180 million is available for direct financial assistance for rent, utility, and internet payments and housing stability services, while $20 million is available for application assistance and administrative costs. The new guidelines have extended the program through December 31, 2021. Find out more and apply at the link below.
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.
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
POSITION NOW OPEN
Northwest Regional Director (Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties)
307.421.0140
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
All CARES Act funding recipients that received any money through the COVID-19 Business Relief Program (BRP) in 2020 are reminded those funds are 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, 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.