JANUARY 18, 2021

Paycheck Protection Program Updates

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, the US Small Business Administration, in consultation with the US Treasury Department, will fully open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to the SBA. PPP applications must go through participating PPP lenders, who then route them to the SBA for approval.

In general, a First Draw PPP loan is for eligible borrowers who did not receive a PPP loan before the program closed in August 2020. A Second Draw PPP loan is for certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan, generally have 300 employees or less, and have suffered a 25% reduction in gross receipts.

Scott County Executive Order 20-99 Relief Programs

In recent state action, Scott County was awarded $2.9 million in COVID-19 related relief funds to allocate to local private and non-profit businesses impacted by the State of Minnesota Executive Order 20-99 (EO 20-99), which went into effect November 20, 2020. The relief program has two parts:

1. $2.5M assistance for businesses impacted by Executive Order 20-99:
An emergency grant program to support and assist local businesses specifically impacted by EO 20-99.

2. $350k in landlord and rental property owner assistance:
An emergency grant program to support and assist local landlords and rental property owners with one-time assistance to cover unpaid December and January rent and fees.

Applications will be processed and awarded by the fund administrator, NextStage, on a rolling basis weekly until all funds are disbursed or until March 8, 2021, at 5:00 PM. Click here to apply.
Webinar: Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

In case you missed last week's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant webinar, it's been recorded and is currently available on the SBA's YouTube channel. Watch the webinar for a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act.
New Online Learning Platform For Women

SBA has introduced Ascent, an interactive digital platform packed with resources to help women business owners set and achieve their business goals. Ascent is designed for the “missing middle”: growth-oriented women entrepreneurs who are beyond the start-up phase and already generating revenue yet looking to grow and scale. Within Ascent, you can examine both internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) that may have arisen because of COVID-19 to help you set up a comprehensive recovery strategy. And Ascent is a resource you can turn to again and again as your business grows and your needs change. Click here to find out more and start learning.
SBA Training Opportunities & Business Resources

Take a look at training opportunities and business resources available through the SBA's Minnesota District Office and their partners.
2021 Shakopee Chamber Annual Meeting

Thursday, January 28
11:00 AM

We will be hosting our meeting virtually for 2021. We look forward to providing a recap of 2020 and sharing all our initiatives for 2021. Click here to register.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Register Now For Leadership 2.0

Leadership 2.0 is a customized program built on investing in leaders with a leadership 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.
Welcome, New Members!
 
The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce our newest members. Please welcome them by sending an email, stopping by their business to introduce yourself, or striking up a conversation at one of our events. We strive to connect our members to one another and to the community. Click on the logos below to learn more about our new members.
Renewing Chamber Members

Thank you to the following businesses for your continued support of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce. With your support, we can continue our mission of growing Shakopee's business community through advocacy, membership programming, and economic development.

Amazon Fulfillment
Baymont By Wyndham Shakopee
CenterPoint Energy
CommScope
Digital Impact Solutions
Floors To Go
Foresight MSP
Goldsmith Eye Care
Hazeltine National Golf Club
Hosanna Church
Jurewicz Financial
KWG Advisors
Lions Tap
Metropolitan Dance Alliance
My Brothers' Keeper
Posers Photography
RIC, Inc.
Shakopee Gravel
Shakopee Veterinary Clinic
South Metro Federal Credit Union
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Vayda & McMahon Orthodontics
Veteran Shredding
Weber Johnson Public Affairs
Create A Video About Your Business For The Virtual Career Expo!

Provide students with a glimpse into your job, workplace, or industry by creating an easy 3-minute video for our Virtual Career Expo! This expo is not a single day event but will consist of many curriculum-related activities during April and May.  Videos will be integrated into much of our coursework this spring, including all freshman English classes. The videos will also be used as resources in many of our future courses. Submission deadline is January 29. Click here for video tips, examples, and upload portal. Questions or need help? Contact Jenny.
Cater To Your Office, Family, And Friends

We have an amazing catering menu and our boxed lunches are always a delicious and safe option. Plus salads, pasta, and breakfast boxes, too! Click here to view the catering menu. Enjoy 20% off your catering order through January 31, 2021! Use discount code 555-168-140 at online checkout.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance

With small businesses, the top things employers get sued for are employee related claims such as wrongful termination and employment discrimination. This is not covered under your business owner insurance policy, it is covered under your Employment Practices Liability Insurance. COVID-19 has caused more employees to be fired, laid off, have their hours reduced hours, etc., so naturally we are seeing lawsuits surge for employment-related practices. What State Farm is doing to protect businesses is not just providing coverage for this but our policy comes with the following:

-Unlimited Free HR consulting (usually $300 an hour or $100K to hire an HR rep)
-Free state compliant employee handbook
-Free training videos for manager and owners
-A link to all required federal and state mandated posters at a discounted price
-Templates for annual reviews, hiring, and termination

And so much more. All that is required is to fill out an application and we will give you a quote in 2-3 business days. Please email Cassaundra Henderson.
Boxed Lunches For Events, Parties, & Meetings

Get all the flavor you love while keeping your distance with Boxed Lunches from QDOBA! Call 888.778.2234 or go to qdobamn.com to order online.
Makes A Great Gift All Year Long - Order Yours Now!

Good Night Shakopee, a nod to the iconic children's book Goodnight Moon, highlights the best of Shakopee. Children of all ages (and their grownups) will delight in this tour of Shakopee and saying good night to familiar attractions and landmarks. This book makes a perfect birthday gift, baby gift, or “just because” gift for EVERYONE who has a connection to our great community. Books are $15. Written and illustrated by Shakopee's own Christopher Straub.

WHOLESALE OPPORTUNITY - There is an opportunity for your company to purchase the book at the wholesale price and sell at your business. Click the link below for details.
The Shakopee Chamber Discount Card Is Now Only $10!
 
The Shakopee Chamber Discount Card gets you great deals at local restaurants, stores, and establishments while supporting our community businesses as they continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19.

Discount Cards are now just $10 each, feature over $100 in savings, and can be used over and over again - through 5/31/21!

Buy your card online and have it mailed to you. Click the button below for a list of participating businesses and the deals they are offering.