Couleecap News Releases and Media Alerts

​5.19.2020 Launch La Crosse Small Business Recovery Fund Created for Small Businesses in La Crosse County

(La Crosse, WI) Several economic development organizations have partnered to create a new fund for small businesses with storefronts in commercial districts of La Crosse County.  The fund is intended to help businesses that are struggling with closures or reduced operational capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Couleecap, Inc., Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. (DMI), La Crosse County, La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO), and North La Crosse Business Association (NLBA) announced the Launch La Crosse Small Business Recovery Fund, which will provide grants up to $5000 to small, locally owned retail, restaurant, or personal service storefront businesses with 1‐20 employees located in central commercial districts within La Crosse County. Click Here for the Full News Release.

​4.8.2020 Couleecap Expands Financial Assistance Program for Residents Unemployed Due to COVID-19; Crawford and Monroe Counties Added to Program Previously Launched in La Crosse and Vernon Counties 

(Westby, WI) Couleecap is now offering the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program to Crawford and Monroe Counties.  The program was launched in La Crosse and Vernon Counties in late March.

The program helps low-to-moderate wage workers whose employment has been ended or reduced due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Small business owners may also apply for assistance for their personal expenses.  Funding is provided by the Crawford County Community Fund, the Great Rivers United Way, and an Anonymous Donor, and can be used for critical expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, car payments, medical or prescription bills, utility bills, and more. Click Here for the Full News Release.

​3.30.2020 Couleecap Offering Revolving Loan Funds to Rural Business in Response to COVID-19 

​(La Crosse, WI) Couleecap is making USDA revolving loan funds available to businesses in rural parts of its service area for businesses who have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses who have suffered severe economic injury as a result of being forced to close or operate at an extremely reduced capacity due to preventative measures put in place by Governor Evers’ recent “Safer at Home Order” or previous directives will be given precedence. These funds can be used to finance, payroll (including paid sick time for employees), fixed expenses, or provide equity to businesses leveraging other relief resources. Businesses who have been forced to close and/or lay off or reduce the salary of employees will have options to take advantage of zero interest and deferred payments. Click Here for the Full News Release.

​3.27.2020 Couleecap Launches New Program for Vernon County Residents Unemployed Due to COVID-19 

Westby, WI - Couleecap is launching the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program for low-to-moderate wage workers whose employment has been ended or reduced due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  The program, which is funded by the Viroqua Area Foundation and an Anonymous Donor, will provide limited financial assistance for critical expenses, emergency budgeting help, and referrals to programs available to people in need. Click Here for the Full News Release.