Wisconsin experienced its warmest winter on record, but many of your neighbors and their businesses suffered. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office confirmed in March that last winter, spanning December 2023 to February 2024 was nearly 10 degrees warmer than its normal 18.5 degrees and two degrees warmer than the previous record in 2001-2002. While the lack of snow and ice may have been good news, businesses relying on winter activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling missed important revenues. Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program through the Small Business Administration is a way many businesses can make up the gap lost during the unseasonable winter.

Lawrie is thankful that state leaders fought for Door County's disaster declaration along with other communities in Wisconsin. Other Current disaster declarations by the SBA include droughts in Michigan, severe storms in Georgia, and flooding in Illinois. Lawrie advises business owners to call the DCEDC for assistance on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program application.