CHEYENNE — The Department of Workforce Services began accepting unemployment applications for self-employed indivduals today, according to Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

Gordon addressed the media this afternoon on a number of topics including unemployment benefits. He said independent contractors, gig economy workers, and those who have exhausted their regular and extended benefits can apply for unemployment through DWS.

“The program is part of the CARES Act and provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for these workers,” Gordon said.

Gordon also said the Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program is still accepting applications and that “funds from that program have not been exhausted.”

“I spoke with Auditor (Kristi) Racines last night and I can tell you that the program is still going strong,” he said.

Loans can be up for two months of a businesses average monthly payroll costs from last year, plus an additional 25% of that amount up to $10 million, according to the governor.

Gordon added that many banks and credit unions across Wyoming have received loan approval from SBA for nearly all of the PPP loan applications that they’ve had in their pipelines. These institutions continue to accept applications while these funds are still available.

“If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies, it’s not too late to speak to a lender,” Gordon said.