Are non-profits eligible to apply?

Yes, non-profits who meet the eligibility criteria for all other businesses are eligible to apply for this program.

What information is required to apply?

Applicants must provide their name, taxpayer ID number (either EIN or SSN), physical and mailing address information, contact information, and several specific inputs from their business records either A) from December 2019 (preferred), OR B) from the most-recent month for which business records are available. Those inputs include:

• Estimated Average Liquor Costs: Also known as a “pour cost,” this figure represents the total cost to the business of all malt beverage, wine and/or liquor sold between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. (or the business’ customary closing time, whichever is earlier).

What is the “Actual Reimbursement Claim?”

The Actual Reimbursement Claim is the final amount for which you are applying. It is calculated by multiplying the Loss Reimbursement Base by 0.68 to pro-rate monthly losses according to the December 9 to December 30 covered loss window. Applicants using the Calculation Worksheet will discover the form calculates this number automatically.

What constitutes a “full time employee?”

A full-time employee is any employee who works at least thirty (30) hours each week. Applicants must have had at least one full-time employee as of December 1, 2020 to be eligible. The full-time employee count may include the business owner.

Will these funds have to be paid back?

No, these are grants that will not have to be paid back. However, this is considered taxable income and you will be required to report it on your 2020 tax return.

Who can I contact for help?

Various partners are available to assist you in completing your application:

• Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild - Michelle Foster, (310) 720-3769, michelle@wyocraftbrewersguild.com

Are government entities eligible?

No. Eligible businesses must be independently owned and operated. Non-profits are eligible to apply subject to other eligibility criteria.

Can I apply multiple times?

No. Each business may apply only one time and the maximum award is $50,000. Applicants who are suspected of utilizing multiple EINs or SSNs to receive funding for which they are not eligible will have all applications rejected.

I received funding from previous Business Relief Program funds (Interruption, Relief, Mitigation, Endurance or Agriculture). Am I also eligible for this program?

Yes, provided you meet the other program eligibility requirements. You do not need to report any BRP funds received on your Hospitality Loss Relief Program application or Calculation Worksheet.

How do I apply?

Applications must be completed and submitted online using the Google Form availalbe on this website or at this link. A calculation worksheet and video tutorial also are available to help you with your fund calcuations and application submission.

How do I know my application was submitted?

The application form will display a confirmation on your screen after you complete all fields and click “submit” at the bottom of page 3 of the application. You may save or print this screen for your records.

If my application is approved, when and how will I receive my funds?

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted or until the program closes on December 16, whichever occurs first. The WBC will transmit payment information to the State Auditor’s Office by close of business on Friday, December 18. Most applicants will receive payment in 7-10 days after receipt by the State Auditor. Payments will either be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for any business in the state's vendor management system or a paper check sent via mail.

If my application is rejected, is there any opportunity for appeal?

No. Due to the very tight timelines of the program and the CARES Act funds, applications which are rejected or denied are not eligible for appeal. The accept or decline/reject determination of the Wyoming Business Council is considered final.

Will I be audited if I receive funding?

All applicants are subject to auditing at the discretion of the Wyoming Business Council. In accepting funds, awardees specifically agree to fully cooperate in any such audits.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of full-time employees required to apply for the Hospitality Loss Relief Program?

Eligible businesses must have had at least one full-time employee as of December 1, 2020. A full-time employee is any employee who works at least thirty (30) hours per week, and may include the owner/proprietor only where this business is their primary source of income.

What CARES Act funds do I need to include in my application?

Other CARES Act funds received do not need to be reported on this application; however, applicants must not apply for losses already compensated under a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and/or Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance or any other forgivable loan issued by the Small Business Administration.

How will I hear from the State of Wyoming about my application?

Determinations on funding will be announced by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18. Applicants will be notified by email on the approval or denial of their application. Denied applications are considered final and are not eligible for appeal.

What businesses are eligible to apply?

Eligible businesses include bars, taverns, restaurants or hotels that derive their primary revenues between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. from the sale for on-site consumption of malt beverage, wine, and/or liquor. Eligible businesses must have been established on or before December 1, 2020, must be independently owned and operated, must have their principal place of business in Wyoming and be a licensee in good standing of the Wyoming Department of Revenue Liquor Division, and must have had at least one (1) full-time employee as of December 1, 2020. Brew pubs, breweries, distilleries, and vineyards are eligible to apply subject to the criteria above, but may claim only those losses associated with sales for on-site consumption of malt beverage, wine and/or liquor in their own bars or tasting rooms, whether on- or off-site.

What is the “Loss Reimbursement Base?”

The Loss Reimbursement Base is a calculation of total anticipated losses for an entire month. It is calculated by adding Sales Revenue, Special Event Revenue, and Estimated Tips, and subtracting Estimated Average Liquor Costs. Applicants using the Calculation Worksheet will discover the form calculates this number automatically.

When do these funds need to be spent, what can they be spent on and will reporting be required?

These funds may be used only to compensate for certain revenue losses and estimated tips of Eligible Businesses associated with the early closure provisions of the Eighteenth Continuation and Modification of Public Health Order #1 effective December 9, 2020.

In accepting these funds, businesses specifically agree to continue to employ and pay their employees who would otherwise be working during curfew hours, inclusive of estimated tips.

Are these grant awards considered taxable income?

Yes, any funds received through the State of Wyoming's allocation from the CARES Act are considered taxable income and will need to be claimed on your 2020 tax return. The State Auditor’s Office will issue all fund recipients a 1099 Form for “Miscellaneous Income“.

Is the information in my application a matter of public record?

Per the Wyoming Attorney General, all data entered into a Hospitality Loss Relief Program application is subject to disclosure under the Wyoming Public Records Act with the sole exception of a Social Security Number. A disclosure about the Wyoming Public Records Act appears within the certifications language when each applicant completes their application. Additionally, all businesses receiving funding under the Hospitality Loss Relief Program will be listed on the State Auditor's Office's transparency website at wyopen.gov

Why is the deadline December 30 instead of December 31, or even January 8 like the health orders?

The December 30 deadline is imposed by the federal CARES Act which is the source of program funds, and does not permit reimbursement of losses or expenditures beyond that date.

Must I continue to pay my employees during curfew hours?

Yes. By accepting funds under this program, applicants agree to continue paying wages/salaries and estimated tips to all employees who would otherwise have been working during curfew hours.

Can I include other revenue in my application, such as regular food and beverage, room nights, or rental revenue?

No. The only revenue losses which may be claimed under this program are lost revenues associated specifically with the sale for on-site consumption of malt beverage, wine and/or liquor.