May 12 ● June 9 ● July 14 ● August 10

SBA is prioritizing the continued advancement of opportunities for women-owned businesses through a variety of programs. Click here to learn about the many resources SBA has to help you start, grow, expand or recover your business.

Take a look at training opportunities and business resources available through the SBA's Minnesota District Office and their partners.

The Fast-Track Business Challenge is for first-stage businesses and businesses with new product or service ideas, currently located in (or willing to locate to) Scott County. The goal is to assist entrepreneurs and put their business ideas on the fast-track to success, resulting in job creation and economic development in Scott County. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2021; click here for the application.

As eligibilty expands for the COVID-19 vaccine, there is a new employer toolkit to help businesses navigate vaccinations. This is a one-stop-shop for resources to share with your workers and to let MDH know if you are interested in hosting a vaccine site for your employees. The toolkit will be updated regularly as more groups become eligible for the vaccine. And don't forget to remind your employees to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector.

This game-enhancing series introduces the SIS: Sales Impact System and teaches the Four Steps for Sales Excellence – at all levels. Open new possibilities for your leaders and discover solutions for enhancing the performance of your teams. This series is for everyone involved in sales, which is everyone on your team. The series is completely interactive due to Webinar Q&A, chat, and additional software which allows 100% attendee participation of thoughts, insights, and concerns directly into the presentation. The four-part series begins March 24; click here for more information and to register.

* Use Shakopee Chamber Discount Code SCC935 to receive $100 off registration!

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and SouthWest Transit (SWT) are doing a 5-year (2022-2026) systemwide study to provide a comprehensive review of current services operated by MVTA and SWT, to examine unmet needs, and to identify opportunities for additional routes or services that retain and capture new transit riders. To share feedback about how you use transit and any challenges you face using the MVTA and SWT transit systems, you are invited to attend a virtual focus group session on Thursday, March 25; please email Emma Pickett for information on how to join.

If you are unable to attend the virtual focus group session, please comlete the brief online questionaire. Check out the project overview for more information.

You’re invited to Business Class LIVE, an immersive virtual experience where you’ll connect with creative business owners, learn from acclaimed entrepreneurs, and engage with some of the most celebrated business minds of our generation. The event takes place on April 22; click here to register.

Child Care Business Services, a branch of WomenVenture, is working to meet a mission: critical need for quality child care including the recruitment of new providers to fill an already existing gap. With training classes, one-on-one consulting, and access to capital, it can help transform child care services into profitable and sustainable small businesses. Click here to request consulting services.

Leadership 2.0 is a customized program built on investing in leaders with a curriculum rooted in application and results. We all know the stronger our leaders in times of plenty and in times of want, the stronger our businesses and organizations. This program promises to equip leaders in a meaningful way. Click here to register. All sessions will be facilitated by Scott Morell, EdD – President and & Consultant with Rebar Leadership.

The Shakopee Chamber Foundation is providing two $1,000 scholarship opportunities for Leadership 2.0. CLICK HERE for information and guidelines.

The Downtown Shakopee Farmers Market is back for 2021! When a community hosts a farmers market, farmers receive more of our food dollars and shoppers receive the freshest and most flavorful food in their area - and local economies prosper. Past vendors at the Downtown Shakopee Farmers Market have included fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, flowers, root beer, baked goods, handcrafted gifts, plus so much more. Interested in being a vendor? Click here for the application or email Ashley Grotewold, Main Street Director.

Rhythm on the Rails is an outdoor concert series that will take place five consecutive Wednesday nights this summer, from July 14 through August 11. ROTR provides a vibrant festival atmosphere that brings together the entire community to enjoy live music, food, drinks, shopping, and activities for kids. This annual event is a collaborative effort led by Downtown Shakopee.

This event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get involved and promote your business! Please email Ashley Grotewold or give her a call at 952-641-9044 with any questions or to secure your sponsorship.

Did you know that Chamber members can purchase Good Night Shakopee books wholesale to sell at your business for the retail price? And when you purchase 50 or more books, author and illustrator Christopher Straub will do a booksigning event at your business! Your book purchase will support the Chamber PLUS generate more business for you. Email the Chamber or give us a call at 952-445-1660 if you would like to purchase books.