PPP Funds Capped - Apply ASAP!
The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber urges all small businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program , which is part of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act recently passed by the Federal government. 

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals who are self-employed or independent contractors, are eligible if they meet program size standards.  

Note, "Independent Contractors" and "Self-Employed" can apply Friday, April 10 th .  
 
Funding is capped - so apply ASAP . Contact the bank you do business with to start the process immediately. If you do not have a relationship with a local bank, here is a list of Chamber member banks/credit unions available to assist you:
 
 
Under this program:
  • Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
  • Loan payments will be deferred for six months.
  • If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination. It's important to mention that even when used for the eligible expenses, you will need to actually apply for that forgiveness, and the bank you got the loan from will be the ones deciding which amounts will be forgiven. Keep meticulous records regarding where this money is spent.
 
Please refer all questions to your banking institution as they are the most equipped to answer these for you. For a listing of other COVID-19 resources, please check out the COVID-19 Resources page on the SLR Chamber website.
Tele-Town Hall With Congressman Jared Golden
Congressman Jared Golden is holding two listening sessions by phone for Maine small businesses. The congressman wants to hear from small businesses about their challenges during the Coronavirus crisis and what resources they will need going forward.
 
SBA Administrator Amy Bassett, Maine Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors , and representatives of the state's credit unions and banks will be joining Congressman Golden to answer questions and offer guidance about the programs and resources available to help small businesses stay afloat during this crisis.
 
The listening sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9.

If you would like to participate, please register online at golden.house.gov/live and call 855-962-1151 when the event starts.
Two Creative Ways to Help Your Business
SWIPEBY Curbside Pick-up Platform

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is partnering with SWIPEBY to offer a turnkey curbside pickup platform that provides restaurants and other small shops the ability to offer easy mobile ordering and free, stay-in-your-car, curbside service.

No sign up costs.
No revenue shares.
The platform is free.

Click HERE to find out more.

Interested in speaking directly to a SWIPEBY representative, click HERE .

Use Facebook to sell Gift Cards

People are looking for ways to support the businesses they love in their communities, like purchasing gift cards to those businesses.

Facebook built a way for people to easily discover local gift cards. Set up a digital gift card through one of their partners and Facebook will show your gift card to people in your area.
People can then purchase your gift card through the partner website immediately. Learn more and find out how to set up your own gift card to get started.

This program was brought to us by a Chamber member. The SLRCC is not partnering with Facebook and we cannot verify how well the program works. Please research the option thoroughly before using the program.