“So, there is no inventory out there. Not to say that there aren’t homes still selling, but the supply is certainly low,” said Shay Senter, president of Senter Realtors. 

Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This new $28.6 billion grant program targets hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost gross revenue between 2019 and 2020. 

Shuttered Venue Operators grant program. This program hasn’t launched yet, but it’s expected to deliver $15 billion in aid to live venues, including movie theaters, concert spaces, and museums. Owners and operators eligible for the SVO grants can also apply for PPP funds. Find the guide on how to apply for these funds here.

Employee Retention Tax Credit extended. The ERTC has been extended for the third and fourth quarters of 2021. “That’s up to $7,000 per employee per quarter for four quarters,” said Bradley. “So if your business remains off, it hasn't recovered at the level it was in 2019, and you’re paying your employees, this is a really important tool.” More information on this program here.

Your Chamber will continue to update members with more information as it becomes available.

In early February, your Chamber leadership responded to a request from Governor Abbott's office to offer free COVID-19 tests to businesses.

Tests are still available for free should your business need them until early May.

Hear how the program helped our local small businesses and nonprofits from our partners at West Texas Rehab Center:

It’s no secret Abilene will soon be home to the B-21 Raider and we want to ensure YOU are prepared to work and secure contracts with Government. To arm you with the best proposal writing techniques, pricing methods and more, join us at our Government Contracting Training!

 

DATE: April 13, 2021

TIME: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

LOCATION: Community Foundation of Abilene

COST: $25 MAC Member (use promo code MAC Member)

          $30 Chamber members

          $60 Non-Chamber members

Leading the training session is Sandra Burns, CEO, and Greg Hansen, CFO, of Project Solutions, Inc. (PSI). PSI has managed over 700 projects in the US and internationally and provides technical assistance for the Small Business Administration. PSI is uniquely qualified to perform all facets of architectural and engineering, facility, business, and administrative services.

Attendance is limited for this full day workshop so register today HERE.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD The New Business of the Year Award is to recognize a new business Chamber member operating for more than one year and less than three years that has gained an expanding positive reputation. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Judging for this award will be based on potential community impact, use of innovation and technology as well as business growth.

SMALL BUSINESS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Chamber member, business owner who has owned their business for more than one year, under the age of 40 who has taken risks in business – started a new venture; expanded into a new area; taken on a difficult project; someone whose thinking is “outside the box”; an astute businessperson with a vision for the future.

THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AWARD is to recognize a local Chamber member business with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, for its outstanding community service contributions such as special programs, partnerships, in-kind support of goods and services, employee volunteerism or other activities that have resulted in a positive impact on our community and citizens. Judges will consider all nominees for their impact, creativity, commitment and employee participation.

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD This award honors a family-owned and operated business with less than 25 full-time employees. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least 10 years. They must demonstrate increased employment opportunities for family members and non-family members.

Nominate here | List of Previous Recipients

Reserve this space here.

Reserve this space here.

MARCH 17 BUSINESS EDGE: Remote Work: Infrastructure Needs

Most companies in the last year were thrust into the decision to have more flexibility when it came to remote vs office work. In this month’s Business Edge, we’ll explore the infrastructure needs businesses need to be successful with our partners from Datroo Technologies. Register here.

MARCH 18 BUSINESS BEFORE AFTER HOURS SPONSORED BY TOLAR SYSTEMS, INC. Monthly evening social business networking event. Open to sponsor employees and guests, Chamber members and prospective members. Features a short presentation and update on Chamber activities. Register here.

MARCH 24 SECURITY AWARENESS Did you know your team is your first line of defense when it comes to your business’s cybersecurity? Learn how to boost your defenses by training your team on Security Awareness. This virtual webinar is free and open to the public. Register here.

MARCH 25 & 26, APRIL 1 & 2 ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL PHILANTHROPY VIRTUAL TRAINING SERIES The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission are leading this series on development training suited for large and small organizations from any discipline with limited development staff. They will highlight the best practices while facilitating dynamic group interactions to help attendees build and strengthen their fundraising "tool-kit" so they can more effectively and sustainably achieve their mission. Click Here to learn more and Click Here to Register Now.

APRIL 13 GOVERNMENT CONTRACT TRAINING Have interest in working with the government? Want to learn more about proposal writing techniques and pricing methods? Join us for this full day workshop on April 13 8:00 am - 4:00 pm featuring Sandra Burns, CEO, and Greg Hansen, CFO, of Project Solutions, Inc (PSI). Register here.