Local leaders needed to complete First Business survey
First Business Financial Services Inc. is seeking the opinions of area CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and other leaders as it compiles the company’s 18th annual economic survey.
Banking & Finance
Fitchburg loan program deadline approaching
Forward Fitchburg Biz Boost, a loan program to help local businesses reopen after complying with COVID-19 closures, is taking applications through Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. for the latest round of loans.
More state grants to aid vulnerable businesses amid new pandemic restrictions
With positive COVID-19 test results on the rise in Wisconsin and federal stimulus negotiations stalled, the state of Wisconsin has announced more than $100 million in grants to small businesses in the Badger State.
SBA announces $429K in STEP Awards
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Award will boost export opportunities for small businesses in Wisconsin.
WEDC announces $3 million contest for COVID-19 innovation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. will award a total of $3 million to companies with innovations that address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WEDC accepting applications for entrepreneurial grants
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is now accepting applications from nonprofit and community-based organizations for the Entrepreneurship Support Program, a grant program designed to advance the statewide climate for entrepreneurship.
East side bank location adds cafe tenant to lobby
The Atwood Avenue location for Monona Bank has reinvented its lobby rotunda space and added a new cafe.
City to apply for federal grant for public market
Madison will apply for a $3 million federal grant to help fund the public market project.
Merger results in name change for banks
McFarland State Bank and Oregon Community Bank have merged and changed the name of the company to One Community Bank.
Lands' End secures $275 million in new term loan
Lands' End Inc. announced it has secured a new term loan of $275 million in order to extend debt duration and shore up its liquidity position.
Associated Bank to close 14 branches, 3 in Madison
Green Bay-based Associated Bank plans to close or consolidate 14 branches in Wisconsin in response to an increasing number of customers moving to digital banking.
Grant program opens for organizations serving veterans
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is now accepting applications for two grants available to Wisconsin organizations that serve veterans and their families.
Local tax preparer to serve prison time for false returns
Madison-based tax preparer Yvonne Spencer has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for filing false tax returns.
Local credit union to cover member fees for food delivery
UW Credit Union will be providing Eat Street food delivery fees as a membership benefit for the remainder of 2020.
Wisconsin state-chartered banks report strength
Wisconsin’s state-chartered banks continue to report strong financial performance through the second quarter of 2020.
WWBIC receives $1M for low-interest, small business loans
Charter Communications Inc. announced the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund has invested $1 million in the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC).
Lending increases due to growth in commercial loans
Recent national FDIC numbers provided by the Wisconsin Bankers Association show that overall lending increased by 10.1% due to a 41.4% increase in commercial loans attributed to Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Freddie/Fannie add steep fee for refinancing
Homeowners who take advantage of low mortgage rates by refinancing could be in for a surprise.
The Fed is changing its approach to interest rates, inflation
The Federal Reserve plans to keep rates near zero even after inflation has exceeded its 2% target level, a significant change to the Fed’s previous approach.
Fed explains coin shortage
The closures of businesses and banks around the country due the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly disrupted the supply chain and circulation patterns for U.S. coins.
