One More Turn of the Dial for Wisconsin Retailers

Limited Retail & Drive-In Operations Can Reopen

Badger Bounce Back is a collaboration among Governor Tony Evers' office, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and the Department of Health Services to safely reopen businesses in Wisconsin. Today - May 11, 2020 - Governor Evers announced Emergency Order #36 , which goes into effect immediately. This order allows limited operations to resume for retailers and drive-in theaters.

The latest Emergency Order expands the opportunity for in-person retailers and drive-ins. We have also included a link to industry-focused best practices, created by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with a variety of experts.

In-Person Retail

For in-person retailers:

Stores must have outside entrances. Any entrances through a mall or connected passage must remain closed to the public.
Face coverings are strongly recommended for all staff and customers.
Stores must observe Social Distancing Requirements as defined in the Safer at Home order by:
Limiting its occupancy to less than five customers
Establishing lines outside the store to regulate entry with markings indicating where customers should stand to remain six feet apart from one another while waiting to enter.
Creating alternatives to lines, including allowing customers to wait in their cars for a text message or phone call and scheduling pickups or entries to the store.

Drive-In Movie Theaters

Drive-in movie theaters may open, with the following restrictions:

No outdoor seating.
Patrons may leave their vehicles to purchase or pick up food or drink from the theater or to use the restroom. Patrons must remain in their vehicles at all other times.
Food or drink sales must comply with Section 13.d. and 13.e. of the Safer at Home Order. Drive-in theaters may deliver food to patrons waiting in their vehicles.
Reservations and payments should be made in advance online or over the phone, as possible.

WEDC Offers Safety Guidelines for Reopening

As Wisconsin moves toward reopening businesses, safety will remain a top priority for employees and customers alike. As noted in today's emergency order, " all essential and nonessential businesses must review and consider the Wisconsin Department of Economic Development guidelines on safe business practices."

These industry-specific guidelines - established with input from national and state health and industry experts and in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services , the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection , the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and our regional economic development partners , are designed to help maximize safety while businesses go back to work.

In addition to general guidelines, the site provides specific suggestions for:

Agriculture
Construction
Entertainment/Amusement
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Hair & Nail Salons
Hospitality/Lodging
Manufacturing
Outdoor Gatherings
Outdoor Recreation
Professional Services
Public Facilities
Restaurants
Retail
Transportation
Warehouse/Wholesale Trade

Additionally, Target has provided a safety considerations guide that provides an additional perspective on safety in the retail environment.

Wisconsin Supplier Network Helps Establish WI-Based Supply Chain

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have experienced the challenges of an interrupted supply chain. The Wisconsin Supplier Network (WSN) works to alleviate this problem by offering an online directory platform designed to connect suppliers and service providers to new business growth opportunities.

In addition, WSN is a communication platform that provides regular newsletters and alerts to promote new business opportunities, supplier development resources and industry networking initiatives.

Wisconsin Supplier Network

WEDC Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant

The Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant Initiative is focused on supporting ethnically diverse micro-businesses that are being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. This emergency fund will provide a one-time grant of $2,000 per company for ethnic minority-owned micro-businesses operating in the retail, hospitality and service industries. Applications will be accepted from May 18-24, 2020.

More Information About the Grant

The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the University of Wisconsin System . It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.