COVID-19 Updates

North Iowa Small Business Recovery & Continuity Fund | COVID-19 Resources

The North Iowa Corridor is closely monitoring the developments of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our region and businesses. We know you’re probably being inundated with updates about the situation, so our priority is to ensure you know that we are available to serve you and assist in any way you may need during this time. We’re working closely with our local economic, community, and workforce development partners to provide pertinent information and resources for you, as well as to develop initiatives to help our local economy through this unprecedented situation.

How is your business being impacted?

How is your company adjusting – from company travel to remote working to potential job loss. What are your primary concerns at this time? Help us channel your business needs to local and state officials by filling out this survey. It should take only a few minutes to complete and will help us best direct our efforts. If you have immediate or specific needs, please reach out to us directly and we will work to get you to the right resources.

North Iowa Business Impact Survey

We appreciate the strong response to the state’s survey over the past week, as almost 250 businesses in Cerro Gordo County participated. That will help guide and direct resources form the state level. But now we would like to concentrate on the local level.

Where can I find business resources and programs?

The Iowa Economic Development Authority has created a comprehensive Coronavirus webpage with funding resources available from the state and federal level, workforce assistance, and continued updates about the situation.

They have also compiled most of the pertinent resources on related items on the page, so it is the best one-stop shop to find what you may be looking for. Please let us know if you need help finding anything specific.

North Iowa’s strategies and support

While it has been an incredibly difficult time, we are proud of all the ways our North Iowa community has come together to support one another and our businesses, from helping neighbors in need to the incredible support of the buy-local initiatives.

Strategies & Resources for Business Owners

The NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC provides business counseling and has established a series of webinars for Small Business Strategies during COVID-19. These webinars cover actionable financial and marketing strategies for small businesses during the pandemic.

Support Local

Now, more than ever, small businesses need your support. Our local organizations are rallying the community:

Want to Help Local Businesses?

You can make a tax deductible donation to the Small Business Recovery & Continuity Fund via United Way of North Central Iowa to help grow the fund and increase the impact for more of our businesses. Or continue to shop local and buy gift cards to support your favorite businesses as much as possible.

What’s next?

Unfortunately, the Coronavirus continues to spread, and it’s unclear how much longer shelter in place and other initiatives will remain in effect. Fortunately the State of Iowa has taken steps to provide help to businesses, and now it appears we’ll see significant business assistance coming as a deal was reached on the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES Act” (S. 3548). Congressional leaders are working to pass both chambers by the end of the week. Those details should be forthcoming, and will continue to be updated within the IEDA link above.

Locally, we are working on programs and assistance that we can provide more quickly. We are finalizing those details, but encourage you to contact us if you or businesses you are aware of are at risk. We will work with you to get through this time, maintaining our existing businesses is our number 1 priority.

We hope you, your family, and your employees are and remain well, and look forward to working together to pull our communities through this, and come back stronger than ever on the other side of it.

-Chad Schreck
President & CEO