Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) Small businesses forced to shut down or limit services during the Safer at Home order are experiencing the economic impact of COVID-19.
A total of 52 local businesses in Marshfield were selected for grants through the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program, which provides grants up to $2,000 for expenses such as rent, utilities, and e-commerce or website development.
Criteria for the grants included having 15 or fewer full-time employees and having a physical location outside the home within the city limits. For business which are determined to have received funding through any other COVID-19 program prior to April 29, the grant is considered a loan to be paid back by the end of the year.
Over a quarter of the businesses selected for funding were hair salons. On March 20, Governor Tony Evers ordered the closures of hair and nail salons, day spas, tattoo parlors, and tanning facilities.
[Related: City of Marshfield Awards COVID-19 Emergency Grants to Over 50 Small Businesses]
Due to restrictions over gatherings and social distancing measures, Escape Room Marshfield, which celebrated its opening just last August, has remained closed since mid-March. While unable to host small groups, the emergency grant from the City will help cover the costs of rent and utilities for its downtown location.
Despite the current challenges, the business remains optimistic and appreciative of its many repeat customers who have enjoyed its specially designed rooms, which participants “escape” by solving puzzles and riddles in one hour.
“We had a great first year of business, and minus this COVID-19 situation, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to our journey,” the team said. “Our customers have loved our rooms! Experienced escape room players have applauded us for our creativity, uniqueness, and attention to detail. Many new players have stated that they were a little hesitant to try our rooms at first, but were so excited they did once they experienced it. ”
Escape Room Marshfield is selling gift vouchers through its website while closed and hopes to start construction of a third room once able to reopen, with a goal of having it ready toward the end of summer.
“We are excited to get back to work and provide families and friends a great place to have a fun night out, something most of us are very much looking forward to!” the team said.
Businesses selected for the COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program:
A-Z Massage
Bluhmer’s Groomers, LLC
Color Me Crazy By Mackenzie
Endless Designs, LLC
Frayed Knot LLC
GinaZ
Goodfellas Pub
Hair By Joey
Hawaiian Tanning Studio
High Street Salon and Travel LTD
Indigo Bloom Skin Spa
Luxe Lashes
Merle Norman & The Day Spa Boutique
Mr. G’s Saloon
Nails by Kelly KB
Off The Wall Custom Framing
Out of the Blue Tattoo, LLC
Reis Martial Arts Academy, LLC
Shear Magic
Sunrise Restaurant & Bar
The Hair Shoppe
The Neighborhood Bar
The Swamp Bar
Two Sparrows Photography LLC
V & Company with Jody LLC
Victoria’s by Brenda
What Goes Around Comes Around Consignments
Wiggles N Wags Pet Grooming
Cheveux Salon
Escape Room Marshfield
Evolve Salon LLC
Five-O-One Sports Bar and Grill
Fresh Nails & Spa
Fringe Studio
Hair by Tonja
Jack’s Bar
Nail Artistry
Salon Central
Southway Pub & Grub
Split Ends Hair Salon
Thimbleberry Books
Trendz Hair Studio
4th Street Station
Circle The Date
Events Etc.
First Impressions Salon
Gypsie Hollow
Massage by KT LLC
Senior Craft Shoppe
Soothing Hands Reflexology LLC
The Hair Gallery
Vapors Vision LLC
Author: News Desk
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