The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting candidate debates. Click here to access the livestream of the debates via Facebook or YouTube. The debates will also be available on those platforms after the event.

You can also livestream the debates (or watch a recording after the event) on the Chamber's website at Shakopee.org/resources/elections.

It's not too late to register - click here.

Don't miss a single podcast - a new one drops each Thursday! You can listen to all of our podcasts by going to Shakopee.org/podcasts or you can subscribe to our podcast at:

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3mwGFGk

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/396py7F

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2ZFVLQp

iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/2DPMGvH

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/39i36sF

Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2CKCft4

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3haNrhe

Quarterly Platinum sponsorships are available, as well as 30-second commercials (both audio and visual). Podcast videos will be hosted and boosted on Facebook with a reach of approximately 10,000 weekly. Click the links below for more info. Email the Chamber or call 952-445-1660 to secure your promotional opportunity!

·    Limits party size in dining rooms to 10 people.

·    Limits party size in bar areas to 4 persons.

·    Requires patrons in all areas to be seated.

The change to parties of 10 or fewer, while continuing to social distance at least six feet between tables, will allow restaurants more flexibility to optimize space as they serve customers. We know based on your feedback that with the weather getting colder and the holiday season approaching, this change will provide some new revenue opportunities for restaurants. Click to learn more.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Click here for more information.

Shakopee is looking for local businesses to host our students for an 8-week internship, February 1 – March 26. Interns can work in person, remotely, or a hybrid; we work with the business to determine the best fit. Students intern for a couple hours each day. Students apply for internships, and businesses interview and select their intern. Interested companies should commit by the end of October. Interested in learning more? Email Zach Eidelbes, Shakopee CAPS Coordinator.

Minnesota’s economic disparities have been known for decades, with some of the largest gaps in the nation on outcome measures by race and socioeconomic status. Join the MN Chamber to learn more about the challenges before us and how we can work to better reflect the changing demographics of the state’s business community. Click here to register.

Are you unemployed, underemployed, or worried about a future lay-off? This series is for you! Job hunting is hard but Scott County is here for you. They’ve partnered with Cat Breet to bring this special offer to Scott County residents:

Series begins October 14 and runs weekly through November 18. Pick just one webinar or take them all. Click here to learn more and save your spot!

From leading entrepreneurs to industry experts, this year’s Summit for Success will inspire you and give you the tools to help your business grow through live and recorded sessions. Start your day off right with the keynote session featuring Shaquille O’Neal and Venus Williams who will share their business growth stories and reflect on what being resilient in today’s business environment means. Click here to see the full agenda and to register.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) aims to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. This year's theme - Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart - encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. Click here for more information, including tip sheets, sample social media posts and graphics, plus additional resources.

Want to help your team drive your sales results to new levels? Then sign up for this series which features a weekly session for a month, totaling 12 hours of interactive sales excellence education, instruction, exercises, and follow-up. Facilitated by author, speaker, and business coach, Erik Therwanger. Click here to register.

Virtually every sector of the American economy is reeling from the continued fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Scott County, the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), and CAP Agency know that people throughout our community are financially hurting. People shouldn't have to choose between food and a place to sleep, between critical medication and a roof over their heads. To help ease these financial burdens, the Scott County Board of Commissioners has allocated $2.95 million in federal CARES Act dollars for mortgage and rental support to Scott County residents who have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 to prevent foreclosures and evictions.

The deadline to apply for both the rental assistance program and the mortgage assistance program is November 15, but eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early, as program funding is limited and may be subject to a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to access the application.