COVID-19 Business News
Federal Tax Credits Available for COVID-related Leave

Small and midsize employers may claim refundable tax credits for the cost of providing COVID-related paid sick family leave, including leave taken by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. The credits are available to eligible employers for leave paid from April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021.

  • Available to employers having fewer than 500 employees and self-employed individuals.
  • Applies to leave taken by employees who are unable to work or telework for reasons related to COVID-19.
  • Credit for paid sick leave wages at 100 percent of the employee's regular pay, for up to two weeks (80 hours), limited to $511 per day and $5,110 in the aggregate. Credit for paid family leave wages covers 2/3 of the employee's regular pay for up to twelve weeks, limited to $200 per day and $12,000 in the aggregate.
  • Credits should be claimed on the employer’s Form 941.

Here’s a link to the IRS website with more details.  
Small Business Rent Relief Grants Available Soon

The Montgomery County Small Business Rental Assistance Program will provide grants to small businesses in qualifying industries to support rental costs, both current and arrears rent payments. The grant is intended to mitigate the injury experienced by Montgomery County businesses as a result of the pandemic, especially in light of the extended duration of the hardship.

The Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), that will administer the program, will begin accepting applications in the coming days. To receive emails from LEDC about the latest updates and information, please click here.

To be eligible, a business must:
 
  • Have its physical location in the County, or its County-based locations account for more than 50% of gross sales or have more than 50% of the business’s employees,
  • Have $500,000 or less in annual revenue prior to the pandemic,
  • Have a commercial lease in the County, and
  • Can demonstrate revenue loss due to the pandemic.
  • Be a retail or service-related business (See qualifying businesses here)
  • NOTE: Restaurants, food service businesses, medical practices, professional services, religious organizations, and daycare businesses are ineligible, per county guidelines. 
May Events
The GSSCC cordially invites Chamber members to join us for GSSCC 101: Virtual Member Orientation. This virtual event is for new members or new representatives of member companies with a maximum of two per business.

This is the perfect event to learn how to make the most of your membership investment, connect with your fellow Chamber members, and meet the GSSCC staff.
THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, May 5
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Are You Ready for In-Person GSSCC Events?

The Montgomery County Council recently approved a phased reopening strategy tied to the significant progress made in getting County residents vaccinated against COVID-19. The current phase of reopening increases gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

The GSSCC staff looks forward to resuming operations and getting our members together in-person considering this recent reopening development.

Please help the Chamber understand its members' comfort level with various options for in-person events by taking 3 minutes to complete: 


Your insight will help us ensure that the health and safety of our members and staff remain a top priority as we begin to plan for Chamber activities in the coming months.
Latest News
Welcome New GSSCC Member in April

GSSCC welcomes this organization that became a Chamber member during April. Check out the company's services.
CNSG-Converged Network Systems Group
Ali Naroo
9189 Newhall Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(202) 408-1560
Telecommunications
Companies Are Renewing Their Chamber Membership

Thanks to these organizations for continuing to support the Chamber by renewing their membership during the past month. We're pleased to link readers to these businesses and the products and services they provide.
*Join Improbable Comedy and the Silver Spring Town Center for a special edition of the MOTHER of All Comedy Shows on Sunday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. Read here for tickets and more information.

* Check out Bell Flowers for Mother's Day flowers here.

* All Set Restaurant & Bar is offering a $70 Mother’s Day Dinner for 2. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 5. For more information, read here.

* Downtown Silver Spring is celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 9, with a chance to win a $200 Matchbox gift card. Read here for more details.

* Check out Hoover-Fisher Florist for Mother's Day flowers here.


See your company's news here! Send us your news releases and news items by noon on Friday for publication in the following Monday's edition. Click here for guidelines on submitting Member News.
Upcoming Committee/Network Meetings

* Small Business Owners Network Virtual Meeting - 12 noon on Thursday, May 6. Topic: Getting things off your plate: outsourcing or delegating successfully. (Advance registration required here).

* Non-Profit Team Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11.

* Membership Development Committee Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25.

* Economic Development Committee Virtual Meeting - 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26.
OUR MISSION:
Working to enhance the economic prosperity of greater Silver Spring through robust promotion of 
our member businesses and unrelenting advocacy 
on their behalf.
Thank you to our 2019-2020 GSSCC Partners

Corporate Partners - Downtown Silver Spring; Lee Development Group; Montgomery College; Joseph W. McCartin Insurance;
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center

 Business Partners - Andalman & Flynn, AFI Silver Theatre; Apex Home 
Loans; Atlantech Online; Digital Industry; EagleBank; Holy Cross Hospital; The Fillmore Silver Spring; Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd.; United Therapeutics Corporation; Washington Property Company.

 Partners - Peak Performance Digital; Bell Flowers; EBA Ernest Bland Associates; Image360.
Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce
8601 Georgia Avenue Suite 203
301-565-3777
info@gsscc.org