SHARE:  
Join Our Email List
May 21, 2020
Members and Supporters,

Late last Friday, the U.S. Small Business Administration rolled out a PPP Forgiveness Application. Now is the time to make sure you are fully prepared to meet the guidelines of the application to maximize your forgiveness amount. We have included resources below to assist borrowers. Key takeaway – be prepared!

More information below as well as resources for reopening Texas and more are included.

It’s a challenging time but We Are All In This TOGETHER . If you need anything please call the Chamber Office at 832-510-3002 or email info@houstonlgbtchamber.com . We are here for you.
Tammi Wallace
Co-Founder & Board Chair
New PPP Forgiveness Application
Last Friday, the Small Business Administration (SBA) released an PPP Forgiveness Application that you must use to determine how much of your loan can be forgiven by your lender. Here are some informative resources to help business owners navigate this new application.

The application and instructions include information about how to use an “alternative payroll covered period,” and the addition of a new exemption for borrowers who have made a good-faith, written offer to rehire workers that was declined to name a few examples.

First, join an upcoming PPP Loan Forgiveness Webinar being held daily by the SBA Houston District Office. The webinars are now focused on helping business owners navigate the new PPP Forgiveness Application. Check the Chamber Event Calendar for details and registration information.

Check out this great article from Forbes Magazine – “ SBA Releases Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application: A Deep Dive ”

Eight weeks will fly by! Borrowers will be required to submit a PPP Forgiveness Application to their lender and the best way to maximize your forgiveness amount is to be prepared .
Reopening Texas - Resources
The Partnership Small Biz Insider recently interviewed Alli Jarrett with Chamber Member, Harold’s about what steps she is taking through reopening. Listen here .

Earlier this week, Governor Abbott announced Phase 2 of reopening Texas. This means that on Friday, May 22, businesses including bars and recreational establishments can reopen based on certain restrictions. The update also allows for expanded operations of restaurants, which can now operate at 50% capacity among other relaxed restrictions.

Helpful Resources:

• Governor’s Report – Report to Open Texas (initially released on April 27)
• Full List of Open Texas checklists 
• Greater Houston Partnership’s Work Safe page
• Baylor College of Medicine – Reopen Houston Report
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Check the events calendar for our upcoming webinars and events:

All events are held via Zoom, and attendees must pre-register to receive the Zoom information via email.  

Check the Events Calendar frequently for more webinars. Do you have an idea for a webinar you would like to see? Email info@houstonlgbtchamber.com to share your thoughts. Would you like to present a webinar? Complete the Program Proposal Form .

We know that during this time our members need us now more than ever. We will continue programming through video-conference to provide opportunities for new resources, skills and leads.
Will you help our Healthcare Workers & First Responders? 
Support their heroic work through ChamberCares!  ChamberCares is a great way to support Chamber Members! Check out our participating members below.
COVID Resource Page
Check out the recent updates about Reopening Texas added to the Chamber's COVID-19 Resource page here . We continue to update the COVID Resource Page with information to help our members navigate this challenging time.
Member Facebook Group
The Facebook Member Group continues to grow! If you are a member, please request access via Facebook Member Group . We are sharing out COVID-19 updates as well as lighter topics such as food pics, etc. Come join in and CONNECT with fellow Chamber Members, tell us more about you and your business. We love hearing from our members.  
GOLD CORPORATE PARTNERS
SILVER CORPORATE PARTNERS
BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS
FOUNDING MEMBERS
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE MEMBERS
Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce | 832-510-3002 | info@houstonlgbtchamber.com | houstonlgbtchamber.com