CASPER, Wyo. – Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon discussed a program during a Friday briefing to assist small Wyoming businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gordon said $1.25 billion was allocated from federal funds to assist Wyoming small businesses through the Cares Act.
Gordon said the combination of the energy slump and health restrictions from COVID-19 caused damage to many of Wyoming’s small businesses.
“We must use this money valuably, but it must be used quickly because people are hurting today,” he said.
“So I’ve recommended that we not wait long, but that we pace ourselves so that we make the best and most valuable use of it.”
The money will be spent in three phases, he said.
In phase one, $575 million will go “emergency response,” including health preparedness, unemployment, evictions, and food banks. It will be available immediately.
Phase two is available for reimbursement of COVID-related expenses for counties, towns and cities and special districts.
Phase three comes later this year and is a continuation of the first programs if necessary plus programs the legislature develops over the next couple of sessions.
Gordon said it is important for the money to hit “main street.” The money would be targeted to the smallest employers and those left out of the SBAs PPA program. The money has to be granted by year’s end.
“We are starting to see our country come awake again, we want to make sure our businesses are ready to meet that challenge and move forward,” he said.
The governor touched quickly on other issues as well.
He said the Department of Workforce Services started accepting applications for self-employed people, such as independent contractors and gig economy workers.
He said the program is under the Cares Act and provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits.
He also said the SBA payroll protection program is still accepting applications and still has funding.
