Your April 2020 Chamber News
A letter Mandi Tanner...

TO OUR CHAMBER MEMBERS –
 
Today, and every day, we thank you for your membership. We love seeing you at ribbon cuttings and events, and right now while those activities can't happen, please have confidence that: Our Monticello-Jasper County Chamber team is here for you in all seasons of business. We know this pandemic has impacted you in major ways and we are here to help.
 
Below is an infographic explaining, in simple terms and format, the two available loan options available through the CARES Act. Our goal is provide you with key information that enables you to understand the possibilities, make decisions, and most importantly, get back to your business!

 
Thursday, you will also see this information in The Monticello Newspaper. Please accept the challenge to share this information (either in print or digitally) with a fellow business owner in your circle, so that when this passes, our community is stronger and more connected than ever. 
 
With Gratitude & Certainty For Better Days Ahead,

Mandi Tanner
Executive Director
 
Facebook Announcement...
Facebook has announced that small businesses in Jasper County will receive a share of $100,000 designated to support 25 small businesses locally.

Overall, Georgians will be awarded more than $225,000 to help more than 56 small businesses affected by COVID-19. Worldwide, Facebook is offering $100 million, but it breaks down like this: $125,000 for 31 small businesses in metro Atlanta, and $100,000 to be divided among 25 small businesses in Walton, Morgan, Jasper, and Newton counties (the money is going to communities where Facebook operates).

This is a critical injection to help local small businesses who need it most, so they can keep the lights on and help pay their employees. Applications will open in the next week or so.

Folks can find more detail about eligibility criteria and more at Facebook.com/grantsforbusiness.


Other Facebook tools:

  • Digital Gift Cards - Facebook is also introducing a place for people to discover digital gift cards and create person fundraisers for their favorite local restaurants and businesses. Businesses who are interested in creating digital gift cards can visit this link to learn how to sign up with one of our partners.
  • Fundraising Tools - Using Facebook Fundraising tools business owners can now create fundraisers for their business and ask their customers for support during this critical time.
  • Business Changes - We are also making it easier to help businesses who have been impacted to COVID-19 communicate service changes to their customers through their Facebook Page including Online Services, Delivery, Pickup and Other Changes. 

As of last week, 96% of US small business owners were already feeling the impact of coronavirus, and as this pandemic continues in the weeks ahead, and many states extending shelter-in-place orders, it is important to get support to small businesses quickly. Fifty percent of small businesses in the US have less than 27 days cash buffer on hand and Facebook is hoping these tools and grants can help small businesses who need it the most. 

This announcement is part of Facebook’s commitment to help small businesses around the world including with the creation of the Business Resource Hub to help businesses cope with disruptions and keep their customers connected. 

You can stay updated on all Facebook COVID-19 updates here . 
Georgia Small Business Assistance
DCA is partnering with  University of Georgia Small Business Development Center  and the  Georgia Department of Economic Development  to host 12 regional webinars providing small businesses with pertinent information and assistance.
Community Easter Sunrise Service
Due to COVID-19, we will not be able to worship in person for the Easter Sunrise Service.

We will however have a link provided here where you can watch it. It will also be on Facebook Live at 7:00 am.


April Business Window Display
One of our feature window displays for April is Jasper Health Service. They are a vital part of our community! They are spot lighting getting Heart Healthy. There are flyers located outside the Visitors' Center with information.
Crazy Daisy's Floral Shop is a window feature for April. Crazy Daisy's is located at 546 Venture Court in Monticello. They offer curbside pick up and delivery for all occasions. Call them today to place your floral order. 706-468-7775


Please continue to support all of our local businesses to the best of your ability. They need us now more than ever.
The Jasper County Food Bank will be open to all Jasper County Residents on April 16th from 1:30pm-4pm.
2020 Cornerstone Members To Date...