Serving the Cragin, Hermosa, Montclare,
Humboldt Park & N. Austin Communities
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12/29/2020:
IN THIS ISSUE: New COVID Relief Package - Future Proof Your Business Series - Sweet Deal - ComEd Training Collaboration - SBIFs On Deck -
Yelp About It - ADU Ordinance Explained - Join NWCC, Get $25 Discount
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As we wipe the slate clean of 2020, we gain
365 opportunities to chalk up a new, improved year. On behalf of the NW Connection's Board
of Directors, I'm extending wishes that 2021 holds good health, hope, happiness and success
in all pursuits and endeavors.
Pete Schmugge, NWCC Executive Director
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Second Round of Relief Funding
Holds Several Improvements, Changes
The recently signed $900 billion COVID relief package includes an additional $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses, created under the CARES Act in March.
This new package provides additional funding for companies that didn't receive PPP money in the first round - especially Minority and Women-owned businesses. Additionally, it allows businesses a second chance at PPP money if loss of revenue in 2020 is 25% or greater than 2019 revenue. The bill also addresses a major issue with PPP: the deductibility of expenses paid for
with the forgivable loan.
Highlights of the new bill provide...
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Funds for businesses that received the first round of PPP funds can qualify for the second if they show significant losses in 2020 over 2019.
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Funds earmarked for non-profits and news outlets that weren't eligible in the first round
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$15 billion for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions
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$20 billion for targeted grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program through the Small Business Administration (SBA)
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Tax deductions for business meal expenses
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Funds earmarked for other businesses obtaining loans through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (DDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). This includes $9 billion in U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and
- MDIs and $3 billion for the CDFI Fund to support low income and underserved communities.
Click to read more in "New Relief Package Provides Next Round of PPP Funding for Small Businesses" - Neil Hare, AllBusiness 12/2020
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SBIF - 2021 Style
In its 21st year, SBIF is one of the longest-running and most successful city of Chicago programs, helping to retain and expand small businesses in nearly every neighborhood. SBIF grants use local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to reimburse companies for qualifying repairs and upgrades.
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The TIF Districts below are on deck for 2021. Applications will NOT be accepted until 9 AM, Monday, January 4, 2021. Click on district name for map & info'.
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January 7th, 2021 at 1 PM, DPD and SomerCor are
hosting a webinar to review program requirements
and the application process for SBIF districts.
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January to March, 2021
Future Proof Your Business Series - Covid19 brought home a hard truth - small businesses will only be truly viable if they prepare for future growth AND possible future crisis. The Series is designed to help companies plan for a sustainable and viable future even in the toughest times.
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2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
The City of Chicago's 2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program opens on January 11, 2021, from
6 AM to 10 PM. The Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify to receive a 50% discount.
or the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple, or Android.
If you need assistance iwith the application, call Pete Schmugge
at the Northwest Connection Chamber of Commerce - 773/558-8743
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A SWEET DEAL
Join the NW Connection Chamber of Commerce before December 31st, get $25 off dues and included in a drawing for a $25 Dunkin' Donuts gift card
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The NW Connection Business & Shopping Guide
is just about ready to distribute.....Reserve your
complimentary copy NOW!
To get your copy of the Guide or to Join the
NW Connection Chamber of Commerce
Call or email Executive Director Pete Schmugge
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What You Need to Know
About the ADU Ordinance
The Chicago City Council has re-legalized ADU's - accessory dwelling units, AKA coach houses, basement and attic apartments, and granny flats. Allowed in 5 pilot areas - North, Northwest, West, South, Southeast - the ordinance includes all R zones, except RS-1. For more specific information, click here
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CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy
ComEd's Career Training Collaborative
CONSTRUCT is a ten-week training program powered by ComEd and an alliance of companies, social service agencies, and labor unions, providing a path to good-paying, entry-level jobs in construction-related fields. Simultaneously, because construction crews should reflect the diversity of the communities where they work, the goal also increases the pool of qualified minority candidates for construction jobs in Illinois.
The agencies, using experienced trainers, run the classes at their facilities, provide individual job counseling and guidance, and work with students on job placement opportunities. Entry-level job opportunities can include meter reading, truck drivers, transporter, foreman, customer service representative, lineman, designer, electric apprentice, and more.
Eligible candidates should be at least 18 years old; have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; a minimum 8th-grade reading and math score upon enrollment; valid driver's license; pass a drug test, background check, and admissions interview.
Through Pandemic" - Graduates 79 Candidates
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For Additional Information contact one of the agencies below;
click on name to go to their websites.
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Claim Your Free Business Listing on Yelp
Yelp is one of the first sites people go to to check out a business' reputation - be it a product, service, or good food. The best recommendation is often a review from a satisfied customer or client. Conversely, checking reviews is also a way to avoid disappointment.
If you're proud of what you make or offer customers, Yelp makes it easy to capitalize on their loyalty and satisfaction. The basic listing is free, and all you have to do when you get a Thank you or compliment is ask them to put it on Yelp. It doesn't have to be an essay; a sentence will do.
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NWCC's Commercial Real Estate Inventory
The NW Connection Chamber maintains an inventory of commercial and industrial properties for sale and lease. Agents, brokers, and owners are invited to send their listings for inclusion.
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up-to-date info' about programs, resources, events and
webinars. Click HERE to Check out our website
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The NW Connection Chamber of Commerce, a delegate agency of the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs, is funded to provide assistance to the
Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and North Austin Communities.
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