SBA provides loans for small businesses
SHERIDAN — Gov. Mark Gordon applied on behalf of the state of Wyoming for access to Small Business Administration federal disaster loans in response to COVID-19 on an economic front. While the state awaits approval, small businesses throughout Wyoming can prepare to apply for a loan by setting up accounts online. Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce CEO Dixie Johnson said she had heard of one food truck closing business and anticipates more brick-and-mortar stores to do the same in the near future.
“The impacts are going to be substantial throughout the community,” Johnson said.
Johnson said while many businesses and community members are reaching out to the Chamber for information, it is difficult because she doesn’t have any answers. She referenced the quote, “You don’t know what you don’t know;” there is no playbook, no past experience or even historical means with which to help make decisions. Johnson and her staff remain committed to helping in any way they can through normal means of Chamber business — serving community members and guests with resources and finding answers to their questions to the best of their ability.
Businesses remain in the information gathering and decision-making stages of closures and working with employees on the economic and personal impacts. Johnson said in speaking with employers, working with and deciding the futures of employees is the most difficult at this point. Some businesses have implemented best practices in working from home if possible, but some businesses cannot allow that — like government agencies — that have special systems or classified information that can only be acquired through systems at the physical building.
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