Plant Layoffs: Community Assistance 

There are a number of tools and financial resources available to help your community recover from plant closings and layoffs.

There are a number of tools and financial resources available to help your community recover from plant closings and layoffs.

• The Wisconsin Department of Commerce has programs designed to assist both distressed communities and struggling businesses. One program that can assist communities of under 50,000 in population in recovery planning activities is the Community Development Block Grant - Planning Program. On the business side, Commerce also has resources available to assist with spin-off business opportunities, employee buyouts, business restructuring and entrepreneurial initiatives. Contact your Area Development Manager to discuss your specific situation.

• Forward Wisconsin, a unique public-private state marketing and business recruitment organization has developed a new website to market vacant sites and buildings throughout the state. If the plant closing or layoff will result in a vacant or underutilized building, this site is a no-cost way to actively market a valuable resource.

• The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), was established to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically-distressed areas of the United States. EDA financial assistance is available to rural and urban areas experiencing high unemployment, low income, and other severe economic distress. EDA helps distressed communities address problems associated with long-term economic distress as well as sudden and severe economic dislocations. Funding is available to assist in planning, technical assistance and capital improvement initiatives designed to improve the local economy (Back to Layoffs Menu).