COVID-19 Updates from the Duluth Area Chamber March 25, 2020

Health Care Emergency Funds - Application deadline TODAY ! Health care organizations can apply NOW for emergency funds. The Minnesota legislature approved $200 million for health care grants to support costs related to planning for, preparing for, or responding to an outbreak of COVID–19. Eligible applicants include ambulance services, health care clinics, pharmacies, health care facilities and long-term care facilities, and health systems.  The application deadline is today - Wednesday, March 25, at midnight.

Enhanced Security Our Chamber and the Duluth Police Department understand the added concern area businesses have above and beyond having to close their doors. A video recorded by the Chief of Police Mike Tusken will be soon distributed to discuss the precautions DPD is taking during the COVID-19 crisis.

Webinar - Small Business Economic Recovery Small businesses are seeking critical resources – including financial resources – to help them stay “open for business” throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The Minnesota Chamber recorded a webinar  moderated by MN Chamber president Doug Loon featuring experts on small business economic recovery. These experts presented a variety of financing solutions, including SBA disaster loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, state and federal aid, private lending options, and best practices to strengthen your balance sheet during economic uncertainty. Webinar - Marketing in Uncertain Times Hosted by the Duluth Media Group, this free webinar will cover advice on what people want to hear from the business community. Learn valuable tips on how to communicate and connect with customers and non-customers, advice on what to say, and how to craft creative and appropriate marketing messages. The 45-minute webinar will feature local and regional experts. 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th - learn more . --- We recognize that your email is completely flooded by business inquiries, information sharing, and resources. Our Chamber is working extremely hard to provide you timely updates that are relevant to you. You may be feeling anxious and struggling to predict long-term effects. This week our staff is conducting outreach to every one of our 1,050 members to ensure your questions can be answered and your concerns addressed on an individual basis, as well.

Please let us know how we can be of support to you. Continue to ask questions. We are listening. Chris Johnson Director of Marketing and Communication cjohnson@duluthchamber.com

Martha Bremer Director of Fuse & Leadership Duluth Email Aubrey Hagen Membership Coordinator Email Bailey Olson Office Manager Email Kathleen Privette Director of Events Email David Ross President Email

Business Resources New information is published to our Business Resource page as we learn more.

Resources

Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Small Business Relief Fund Local contacts for business support Unemployment Insurance Financial Counseling Health Insurance Counseling Nonprofit Aid COVID-19 information Equipping your office Supporting staff Ensuring business operations

Support Local Businesses Please check back to this page to learn of our local business operations. These businesses continue to think creatively and provide updates along the way.

Local Business Updates

Help us distribute these messages. Support one another. Frequent these businesses. Share their story. If your organization is not listed, please complete this survey . We will update our list as often as we can. We understand needs can change daily. Please submit an updated survey should your request require updating. If you have any questions please email cjohnson@duluthchamber.com .