June 8, 2020
Can Your Business Lend A Helping Hand?

The recent business devastation in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as the continued struggles related to COVID-19, have pushed many Minnesota businesses to the brink. Thankfully, the Minnesota business community is one that helps those in need.
 
In response to the damage and loss of businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul and COVID-19, the MN Chamber is working to create a network of expertise, services, and volunteer time to help businesses who need it most. The MN Chamber is creating a database of member companies willing to donate their products and services, free of charge, to help struggling businesses get back on their feet. Examples include:

  • Law firms donating pro bono law services.
  • Construction companies donating materials or volunteer hours.
  • IT businesses offering tech support.
  • And much more.

With a database of member businesses willing to lend a helping hand, the MN Chamber will work with local chambers and trade associations to spread this resource to businesses impacted by the unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul or COVID-19. If your business is willing to donate your expertise or time, the MN Chamber would love to list you as a resource for businesses in need. Click here if your company would like to offer in-kind support.
Governor Walz Announces Phase III Of "Stay Safe MN" Order Will Begin June 10

Last Friday, Governor Walz announced the lifting of more of the restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and will allow for limited indoor dining, indoor entertainment at movie theaters and other venues, fitness club usage, and outdoor entertainment of up to 250 people. 

Phase III of the Stay Safe Order turns the dial further to open: 

  • Restaurants and bars for indoor service at 50% capacity, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space, with reservations required.
  • Personal services like salons, tattoo parlors and barbershops at 50% capacity, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space, with appointments required.
  • Gyms, personal fitness, and yoga studios for both indoor and outdoor use at 25% capacity.
  • Seated indoor entertainment like movies, concert halls, bowling, arcades, museums, and theaters at 25% capacity, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space.
  • Pools at 50% capacity and maintain social distancing.
  • Outdoor event and entertainments settings, like sporting events, concerts, and theaters, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space, and must continue to follow social distancing guidelines, maintain social distancing, and strongly recommend masks be worn.

All workers who are still able to work from home must continue doing so. All businesses that have been allowed to reopen under previous Executive Orders, including Critical Sector businesses, non-Critical Sector industrial and office-based businesses, and retail establishments can continue operations as previously allowed.   Visit   Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan  for more information, including details about what is open and what restrictions exist. 
Chamber Ribbon Cutting At Caravel Autism Health

Thursday, June 25
10:00 AM
4201 Dean Lakes Boulevard, Shakopee

Please join us in welcoming Caravel Autism Health to Shakopee! This socially-distanced ribbon cutting will also be broadcast on Facebook Live.

At Caravel Autism Health, their mission is to change lives. Caravel Autism Health’s team of autism health professionals is dedicated to working with children with autism and related developmental disabilities and their families to develop skills, create connections and instill confidence. 
Webinar: Coronavirus Tax Relief for Employers and Business Owners 

Friday, June 12
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join the Minnesota SBA District Office, the US Department of Labor, and the IRS to discuss coronavirus tax relief for employers and business owners. During this webinar, you’ll learn about the Employee Retention Credit, Paid Sick Leave, and Paid Child Care Leave. These programs offer a credit on employment taxes to business owners who participate. Find out:

• Who is eligible to participate?
• Who must provide paid leave, and for whom is it optional?
• How does the credit on employment taxes work?
• What are some pitfalls to avoid?
• Where can you learn more?
Office Of Advocacy Releases 2020 Small Business Profiles

The SBA Office of Advocacy’s Small Business Profiles are an annual portrait of each state’s small businesses. Included in each are snapshots into each state’s small business health and economic activity.
This year’s profiles report on state economic growth and employment. The data included in each profile answers the following questions:

  • How many small businesses are in my state?
  • How many jobs do they create?
  • Which industries have the most small businesses and small business jobs?
  • How many establishments opened and closed?
  • How many exports are small businesses responsible for?
  • Which counties in my state have the most small businesses?
Keep Shakopee Strong

The Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of helpful resources to use during this period of pandemic recovery. You can find this list on our website, www.shakopee.org .