Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) began last Friday. This morning, about an hour ago, the SBA began accepting applications via the application portal. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the entire SBA press release from last week here.

For those applying, you can review the sample application, program guide and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 options. Sign up for today's webinar about the topic as well. It takes place today, May 3rd, at 2 p.m.

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create nearly two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. Please support our small businesses during this critical pandemic recovery time. Head over to the Chamber's Facebook page for our suggestions. Today happens to be "Mention Monday" - mention and tag your favorite small businesses on a social media post. Scroll down to see the entire week we mapped out, or check our post on Facebook.

Here is a link to watch the video recorded on Friday, April 30 by Mayor Schielke. In it, he talked about streets currently under construction, which could adversely affect traffic flow. These include Island Avenue in downtown and south Batavia Avenue.

We continually update our home page, bataviachamber.org when new resources and information comes out. Also, check our calendar for new events from us and the community.

As always, we are now, and will be in the future, here for you.

Please support our local small businesses who are the backbone of our community. Here are our suggestions! Let us know on Facebook how you are celebrating.

Downhome Customs is a retail offshoot of Henry Tree Co. Craftsmen use trees that are removed to fashion custom furniture and accessories. A variety of other artisans showcase and sell their creations at Downhome Customs. The store is located at 239 W. Wilson Street and open 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesdays - Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Chamber is thrilled to announce that Jennifer Zack is our April 2021 Ambassador of the Month! Jennifer is the engaging owner of Welcome Home Batavia & North Aurora. Her welcoming attitude is evidenced as she interacts with fellow attendees at the many Chamber events she attends. You’ll find her supporting new businesses and members at Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies or at Net-Working It events. Beyond her Chamber affiliation, she supports many area nonprofits as a faithful volunteer. Jenny is in her seventh year as being an Ambassador and we are thankful that she continues to bolster our members.

As the owner of a greeting service, she welcomes new residents of Batavia and North Aurora, introducing them to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, our community and area businesses. She is proud to call this area home and presents partner businesses to these newcomers with a smile. Give her a call to learn how she can present your organization to those looking to make Batavia and North Aurora their home. With the current hot housing market, we predict she will have a busy summer welcoming all of these newcomers to Batavia!

Jenny’s continual effort is valued and deeply appreciated by our members, the Board of Directors, and Chamber staff. Thank you for all you do to support the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and the community.

Register Now for Our Signature Event of the Year!

We are excited to celebrate all of our award honorees on Thursday, May 20. Sponsorships are available and selling fast; please contact Patti Anselme, Special Events Coordinator, for more details. She can be reached by calling (630) 879-7134, Ext. 3; or via email patti@bataviachamber.org.

Ribbon Cutting: Miscella Real Estate, 150 First St. Suite A, Batavia on Tuesday, May 25 at 4:30 p.m.

Today! Sign up now and we will get you a link to join us for this information session.

Fox Valley Chambers of Commerce have once again pooled our resources and talent to launch another fantastic educational series. Please register for one or all of the remaining Business Builder series. These events are virtual, taking place on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 1:30 p.m. These sessions are a member benefit, so take advantage of this opportunity!

Email patti@bataviachamber.org for more information.

We update our list of participating merchants as we receive new merchants. Do you want to add your business? Call (630) 879-7134.

Nine area high school students have received financial assistance for higher education in the form of scholarships from Covenant Living at the Holmstad’s Resident Association Scholarship Committee. A total of $8,600 has been awarded to the students—all of whom are employees at the senior living community located in Batavia. Read the entire press release.

Click here to download a printable version of the map and activity listings.

Cheers to 10 Years of Bulldog Plumbing