April 19, 2021

What Restaurants Need To Know About Revitalization Fund

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Click here for everything you need to know about the RRF, including how to prepare and when to apply.

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.
Waste Wise Recycling Education

Wednesday, April 21
5:30 PM

Happy Earth Week! Waste Wise Sustainability Specialists are offering up their expertise regarding recycling and composting best practices. They will highlight the importance of sustainable waste management practices, detail the process that your waste takes to its "end of life" destination, and provide tips to help you recycle correctly and frequently. Click here to register.
How Has Remote Work Changed Office Space Going Forward?

Friday, April 23
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

With many companies now planning their return to the office, the workplace will look different than it did pre-pandemic. How has remote work changed office space going forward? Hear from different companies on their plans to return to the office, juggling employee expectations and safety, vaccines, and physical office space. Representatives of the commercial real estate industry will also share trends and observations. Click here to register.
Creating A Diverse & Inclusive Workforce Through Employment-Based Training

Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline Half-Day Webinar Event
Wednesday, May 12
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This online training event will show you how to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce through employment-based training. Tawanna Black, founder and CEO of the Center for Economic Inclusion, will address the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for company culture, recruitment, and retention. Allison Liuzzi, research manager at Wilder Foundation, will present data about workforce and education trends. Malissa Adams, COO of Stanton-Adams, LLC, and a DEI expert, will share how to assess and improve your company's DEI efforts. Jonathan Stuart, Fulbright scholar and business consultant, will share how to create successful on-the-job-training efforts that can enhance your organization's DEI efforts. Click here to register.
2021 Employers of Excellence Virtual Awards Event

Thursday, May 13
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

You're invited! The event will feature:

• Erik Therwanger, “Leading Through Chaos”!
• Presentation of awards!
• Best practices networking session!


Meeting ID: 817 5535 1972
Passcode: 752748

Sponsored By: Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board, Dakota County Community Development Agency, Scott County Community Development Agency, Inver Hills Community College, and Dakota County Technical College.
Get To Know MRCI!

Since 1953, our mission at MRCI is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for people with disabilities or disadvantages at home, at work, and in the community. COVID-19 challenged our efforts to fulfill that mission but MRCI has pivoted with exciting new programming based entirely in the community.

We are purchasing a fleet of vans that will take those we serve into their communities each day for meaningful experiences right alongside their able-bodied neighbors and friends. The move to community-based programming takes a lot of partnerships and community support. Our groups will spend time volunteering with other organizations, and in turn we are looking for community members to volunteer to share their talents with us.

This new programming joins other programming running strong for MRCI. As an employment-first organization, MRCI is proud of the many individuals that served as essential workers during the pandemic and the numerous others who are now showcasing their talents as new hires across our communities. Click here to learn about the many ways you can get involved with MRCI!
Work Opportunity Tax Credit

Are you currently hiring? Consider a candidate who may qualify you for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The WOTC is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. WOTC joins other workforce programs that incentivize workplace diversity and facilitate access to good jobs for American workers. Click here to learn more.
Join The Team At QDOBA!

Are you or someone you know looking for a new opportunity? Join the team at QDOBA! We offer competitive pay, benefits, PTO, and free employee meals with family discounts! Talk to a manager in-store or click here to apply online.
Join Us For First Member Luncheon Of 2021!

Our first membership luncheon of the year will feature guest speaker Eric Harkins, author of “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck.” Eric is the president and Founder of GKG Search & Consulting, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that helps organizations Get talent, Keep talent & Grow talent. His goal is simple: Help every company he works with make sure Monday morning doesn’t suck for their employees.
Stonebrooke is offering an opportunity to golf 9-holes after the event for $29. Click here to book your tee time.
Leadership Shakopee 2021 Registration Now Open

Leadership Shakopee is a seven-month development program which gives emerging and existing leaders a backstage pass to our community. Its focus is to inform and inspire leaders and challenge them to make a difference through personal commitment and involvement. During the seven sessions, the class will participate in a series of educational and hands-on opportunities designed to inform and inspire. Cohort members get a behind-the-scenes look at numerous industries in Shakopee focusing on culture and history, tourism, local government and workforce development, the economy, and law and justice.
The cost for the seven-month program is $1125 per attendee. The Shakopee Chamber Foundation is providing two $500 scholarships. Click here for the application and guidelines.
In-Person Networking Is Back With Four-Part Series, "A Great New Business Era"!

May 12, June 9, July 14, & August 10
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast & Networking
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Presentation
Canterbury Park

As we transition from the challenges of the worldwide pandemic, we are not entering a “New Norm.” We are boldly going into the GREAT New Era in Business. Unlike any year before it, 2021 will open new opportunities for businesses that have prepared their people for success. This powerful 4-part series will help you forge a pathway to success for you and your people. Author, speaker, and business coach, Erik Therwanger, will share the game-enhancing strategies needed to transform your people and magnify your results.

The cost to attend all four events of the series in-person is just $80.
(There is also an option to attend the event virtually.)
Thank You, Book Donors!

Local businesses have the opportunity to purchase ten "Good Night Shakopee" books to be donated to E-3 classrooms at Shakopee schools. The book, written and illustrated by Shakopee's own Christopher Straub, is an engaging story of Shakopee and its familiar attractions and landmarks.

Is your business interested in donating? Every book you purchase will have a sticker recognizing you as the generous donor. Just pay the wholesale cost of $75 to purchase ten books to be donated! Click here to purchase.
Vendors Needed For Downtown Shakopee Farmers Market

The Downtown Shakopee Farmers Market is back for 2021! When a community hosts a farmers market, farmers receive more of our food dollars, shoppers receive the freshest and most flavorful food in their area, and local economies prosper. Past vendors at the Downtown Shakopee Farmers Market have sold fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, flowers, root beer, baked goods, handcrafted gifts, plus so much more. Interested in being a vendor? Click here for the application or email Ashley Grotewold, Main Street Director.
2021 Rhythm On The Rails Sponsorship Opportunities

Rhythm on the Rails is an outdoor concert series that will take place five consecutive Wednesday nights this summer, from July 14 through August 11. ROTR provides a vibrant festival atmosphere that brings together the entire community to enjoy live music, food, drinks, shopping, and activities for kids.

This event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get involved and promote your business! Please email Ashley Grotewold or give her a call at 952-641-9044 with any questions or to secure your sponsorship.