Resource Page
COVID-19 Resources
The Middleton Chamber of Commerce staff and Board of Directors will continue to stay up-to-date on any resources and relief available to you and will stay on the front lines advocating for our business community by speaking with legislators and those in power to help ensure the future for all our members.
This page is a place you can come to find such information. In addition to this page, we will continue to communicate with you through phone calls, emails, social media posts and our newsletter.
- Main Street Bounceback Program - Tony Evers recently announced that an additional $25 million will be invested into the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program. The deadline to apply has been extended to December 31, 2022.
- Dane County Emergency Rental Assistance is designed to assist households struggling to pay for rent and other housing costs. This program can pay for many housing costs for eligible households, such as rent, utilities, and internet - but cannot pay for cable, phone bills, capital expenditures, or homeowner mortgage payments.
- Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERA) provides up to 15 months of assistance with current or overdue bills to help households that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic avoid eviction.
- Kiva Greater Madison is offering small business applicants expanded loan sizes.
- WWBIC - WWBIC is working with federal, state and local organizations, to support our many WWBIC borrowers, entrepreneurs and businesses in need of loan capital now.
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The White House News - Visit this site for the latest updates from the Biden Administration, including briefings and statements, Presidential actions, and news articles.
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Congress.gov - The official website for U.S. federal legislative information.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
- OSHA's Response to Workplace Safety and Coronavirus Exposure - how employers should protect their employees.
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US Department of Agriculture - Frequently asked questions on USDA Loans, service centers, food safety, trade and more.
- Travel Sentiment Study: March 2022 - 59% say that the current rise in gas prices will either impact (30%) or greatly impact (29%) their decision to travel in the next six months.
- DHS and DATCP Highlight COVID-19 Testing Integrity - The Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are informing Wisconsinites how to find trusted COVID-19 testing sites, and how to share concerns related to testing sites.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Get the latest information COVID-19 in the State of Wisconsin including tracking outbreaks.
- DHS updates COVID-19 hospital data webpage, now includes informative dashboards
- Department of Workforce Development -Visit the DWD site for some of the answers to frequently asked questions that relate to DWD’s services and information.
- Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce- Business Resource Center including the latest updates and guidance for employers.
- Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy - Tracks and analyzes the economic impact of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and around the world.
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is taking swift action to address complaints of price gouging. To report suspected price gouging, please download a complaint form.
We know COVID-19 has had a huge impact on your business. To track the impact on tourism, Longwoods International has the latest research and insights on American Travel trends. View the entire survey on our website here.
- Dane County Coronavirus Dashboard - provided by Public Health Madison & Dane County provides data on COVID-19 cases by Wisconsin County, total tests administered, total confirmed cases, confirmed cases by age, cumulative case count by date, and total deaths.
- Free Small Business Legal Assistance - The Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin has initiated a program to provide a free legal consultation on business matters to small businesses and their owners. Visit Small business assistance which outlines the program and the process.
- COVID-19 Consulting Services can be found on the Chamber's website by going to the Business Directory page and searching for COVID-19 Consulting Services.
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Navigating the New Normal COVID Response Guide - The goal of the guide is to lead you through a planning process in an orderly and efficient manner.
- This no-cost guide was written by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, who is able to offer it for free due to funding from the CARES Act.
- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation developed many business resources.
- Project Recovery is a community-based program designed to meet the emotional needs of the community.
- Wisconsin Digital Library - The Wisconsin's Digital Library offers something for everyone to read while staying home.
- Expressively You - Expressively You has released a few painting kits (for kids and adults) that will help add some expressive structure and fun.
- Virtual Field Trips - Visit this link for 30 virtual field trips.
- Kalsow Coaching & Consulting offers coaching and support.
Connect For Change
Over the past year systemic racism has been brought to the forefront of our country. There is much that can be done to address the racial inequities in our city and region. As business leaders we should recognize the opportunities that cultural diversity brings to Middleton and the surrounding region. Racism is a difficult and complex topic. Change will take focus, dedication, and commitment from businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Read the Chamber's full statement below.
Over the past year systemic racism has been brought to the forefront of our country. There is much that can be done to address the racial inequities in our city and region. As business leaders we should recognize the opportunities that cultural diversity brings to Middleton and the surrounding region. Racism is a difficult and complex topic. Change will take focus, dedication, and commitment from businesses, residents, and community leaders.
I have had conversations with several leaders in the Black and minority communities over the past few weeks. These discussions helped me realize that providing a few one-hour sessions about how to address systemic racism or how to create a culture of inclusion will not be enough. This approach would not provide our members and partners with the resources and tools to help with any long-term change.
We can, however, CONNECT. The Middleton Chamber of Commerce will facilitate CONNECTing our members with community organizations whose full-time focus and mission is to educate the community, challenge the way that we run our businesses, and provide the greatest resources to help you impact change and navigate this this complex issue.
We will provide tools and programs available to you in upcoming newsletters under the heading, “Connect for Change.” This section will showcase racial justice resources, seminars, diversity institutes, and information on how to create equitable organizations.
The Middleton Chamber of Commerce staff and Board of Directors support our business community, we support equality, and we want to help provide solutions in peaceful and constructive ways. We will continue to inspire, share, and learn from each other so that we are able to grow and contribute to our greater community.
The Middleton Chamber of Commerce looks forward to CONNECTING all of you! I think that it is fitting to share our organization’s, “Why?”
OUR WHY: To be a connected business community that inspires, shares and learns from each other - so that we're able to grow, succeed and contribute to our greater community.
Sincerely,
Kate Miller, Executive Director
- The Center For Black Excellence and Culture - The Center is a community-wide effort to bring together a collective Black brilliance to affirm, inspire and advance the Black community in Madison and beyond.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County - A leader in youth development programs, serving more than 6500 young people across the Madison area.
- Just Dane - Originally named Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM), this nonprofit was created as a social justice, social service organization.
- Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County - Their mission is to maximize economic development and job creation through advocacy and programs that generate success and value for our Latino and non-Latino business community.
- Madison Black Chamber of Commerce - Focused on building Black owned businesses in greater Madison for the betterment of our entire city and community.
- Urban League of Greater Madison - The mission of the Urban League of Greater Madison is to ensure that African Americans and other community members are educated, employed and empowered to live well, advance professionally and contribute to the common good in the 21st Century.
- YWCA - YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
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Madison Area Chinese Community Organization (MACCO) was organized to promote the communication of Chinese community to other organizations around the Madison area, and to develop cultural, educational, recreational programs to enhance the quality life of the Chinese community.
- BMO for Black and Latinx Businesses - A lending program to fuel growth for Black and Latinx businesses with better access to capital, educational resources and meaningful networking opportunities. Learn More Here
- BMO for Women in Business - Fueling growth and expanding possibilities for women business owners. The comprehensive program is designed to help you make real financial progress. Learn More Here
- BMO Welcome Home Grant - The program offers grants to eligible borrowers to help with down payment and closing costs, helping buyers in underserved communities access the credit they need and accelerate their dream of homeownership. Learn More Here
- Center For Black Excellence and Culture: For over 30 years, Rev. Dr. Alex Gee has sought meaningful Black solutions for his native city of Madison. The Center is his vision – and the community’s conduit – for challenging structures that impede diversity and sustained Black advancement. Learn more about their areas of focus by visiting their website and watching the video here.
- The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) announced the results of their 2021 Workplace Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Survey. This is the sixth year MadREP has partnered with the UW-River Falls Survey Research Center (SRC) to administer the project. Learn More Here
Thirty-six members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received a score of 100 and the distinction of being named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index compiled by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Middleton Chamber member businesses receiving a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index, and who are members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, include:
Click HERE to download a PDF of this information.
Professional Development
Professional development is vital to our community, and it’s a natural fit for the Chamber to take the lead in organizing opportunities for our members. If a professional isn’t growing then they are stagnating. When a professional grows, businesses grow and when businesses grow the community benefits. We believe every business and organization should be intentional in investing in its employees, and we hope to see participation in the curriculum we’re creating. In addition to our Calendar of Events, please use the resources below to further develop your skills.
- Start In Wisconsin is a platform to provide best fit referrals, build your network, and to showcase the story of entrepreneurship in our region.
- Networking: It's Your Superpower - Tune in to the Chamber's Business Boost Event featuring Kesha Kent.
- 10 Questions To Ask to Spark Stimulating Conversations - Read Article Here
- The accelerated shift to remote work will be one of the main legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more in this STUDY.