New North: Statewide COVID-19 business impact survey measuring for 2nd time

NEW NORTH, May 7, 2020 – The second observation period of a statewide survey, measuring the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin businesses, is underway. The survey is open – for both past participants and new participants – until May 14.

The survey is a partnership between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s nine regional economic development organizations, including New North, and the UW Oshkosh Center for Customized Research & Services (CCRS) to collect data on the level of economic hardship being experienced by Wisconsin business due to the pandemic.

Those businesses who took part in the initial observation period should go to http://uwo.sh/covid-19-econ-may to share their current situation. Interested businesses who previously did not participate are encouraged to do so at http://uwosh.edu/ccrs/covid-19-survey.

“Our goal is to measure and assess recovery ability. Because this survey will inform state and federal support efforts, we cannot stress enough the importance of participation by Wisconsin businesses,” says CCRS Director Jeffrey Sachse. “We also have translated surveys available to assist participants.”

Survey results from the initial sampling period (April 1-10, 2020) showed that 8,795 jobs were lost and that 35 percent of Wisconsin businesses said they may be forced to close if current conditions persisted for more than three months. The findings were based upon responses from 2,538 businesses statewide. The results are available at https://uwosh.edu/ccrs/covid-19-survey/.

The survey is available to businesses in all 72 counties of Wisconsin.