Business News for December 15, 2020
Today's message includes the following news, best practices, and online courses:

News and Best Practices:
  • Public Health Madison & Dane County Issues Order #11
  • DBA: Doing Business As...
  • Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest
Upcoming Learning Opportunities:
  • Biz Smart Sprint
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Webinars
Business News & Best Practices
Public Health Madison & Dane County Issues Order #11
New order reduces restrictions on gatherings
Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued Emergency Order #11. The order goes into effect December 16, at 12:01am and will be in effect for 28 days.

This order re-institutes many of the regulations from the previous Order #9 - most notably allowing indoor gatherings of up to 10 people (with physical distancing and face coverings) and outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, with physical distancing.

When Order #10 was issued on November 17, the seven-day case average was 487, and 158 people were hospitalized with COVID-19. Today, the seven-day case average is 171, and there are 135 people hospitalized with COVID-19.

For more information
DBA: Doing Business As...
from the ASBDC blog
If you've ever hear the term DBA - or, "doing business as" - you may have wondered why a business would choose to use a DBA name, whether that name is considered a legal entity, or whether a business would need to register the DBA name with the state. Learn more about all of these topics in the full ASBDC post.
Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest
Accepting Applications through January 31, 2021
The mission of the contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. Participants compete for cash and in-kind prizes and can receive constructive feedback on their business plans.

Who is eligible to participate?
Individuals, teams or companies are eligible if they:
  • Are Wisconsin residents 18 years old or older, and who have a business plan that employs or leverages technology. Examples of technology include an eCommerce platform for a traditional business, a mobile application, a life sciences innovation or an advanced manufacturing process or system.
  • Are based in Wisconsin and/or plan to locate a business in Wisconsin.
  • Have not received private equity funding for an idea in its current form.
Upcoming Virtual Learning Opportunities
Biz Smart Sprint Can Help You Work Toward Your Business Goals!
Starts February 11, 2021
Biz Smart Sprint, a 6-week live virtual course that you can complete outside of your workday, will help you explore the basics and build on your business with actionable topics:

  • Learning how to think about your business holistically using the Business Model Canvas
  • Identifying your key customers and market
  • Building awareness of legal and operational considerations to help your business build a successful foundation from the start
  • Developing financial literacy by understanding the building blocks

Whether you are starting a brand-new business or looking to bring structure to the work you have already completed, Biz Smart Sprint is a great resource to set you on the right track. In addition, you will receive client access to GrowthWheel, which provides additional tools and worksheets to capture your thoughts in one place.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Webinars
More borrowers have used their PPP loan proceeds and are now eligible to submit their PPP forgiveness applications to their lenders. Walk through the PPP loan forgiveness process and find SBA partners who can assist you. 

Webinars are free and require advance registration.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the UW-Madison SBDC office at sbdc@bus.wisc.edu or 608-263-2221 to request accommodations.

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.