WI Businesses Can Get Federal Aid Amid Wimpy Winter

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin businesses may be eligible for a federal disaster loan program if they have suffered losses due to this year’s extremely mild, mostly snowless winter.

Gov. Tony Evers and Sen. Tammy Baldwin confirmed that the federal Small Business Administration will consider businesses that suffered financial losses from recent low snowfalls over the winter months.

The lack of snow has impacted travel and recreation businesses that depend on it for activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

"The lack of snow we’ve experienced so far this winter has had serious economic impacts on folks and businesses, especially in our Northern counties, who rely on snow and winter weather to attract customers and be successful," Evers said in a statement.

"In partnership with Sen. Baldwin, my administration has been working with the federal Small Business Administration to ensure businesses in impacted counties are eligible for relief, and I’m glad to announce that our efforts have been successful. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply for these loans as soon as possible."

In the meantime, Evers encouraged Wisconsinites to plan a trip, visit local businesses, "and find other exciting ways to enjoy winter in Wisconsin in our beautiful Northern and Central communities."

"In Wisconsin, our snowy winters are not just another season, but also a huge economic driver, particularly in the Northern part of the state. This year’s low snowfall has hit many Wisconsin businesses hard, and we need to do more to ensure they get some relief," said Baldwin.

"I was happy to partner with Governor Evers to successfully push the Biden administration to ensure Northern Wisconsin businesses impacted by this year's low snowfall can get the support and help they need."

The National Weather Service reports that snowfall statewide has been around 30 inches below normal this winter, and in the Lake Superior "snowbelt," snowfall is around 70 inches below normal.

Businesses may submit applications and find additional disaster assistance information here.