Saturday, November 27 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Please support your local small business by shopping at a small business.

The highly successful team of SBA, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and American Express will be kicking off the 2021 holiday season by encouraging consumers to support our nation’s nearly 32 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for the 'COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)' program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available.

Since its inception, the 'COVID EIDL' program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels, has approved nearly $300 billion in relief aid.

Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busy during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period, which runs from Friday, November 19, through Sunday, November 28, and the agency is prepared to handle the increase in passenger volume for the holiday. TSA expects to screen about 20 million passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The best way to ensure a smooth trip through the security screening process is to arrive early and be prepared. Travelers are encouraged to allow time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, and get their boarding passes before heading to the security checkpoint. TSA recommends travelers get to the terminal with plenty of time before their scheduled flight.

Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? We created a list of some local dining options!

Make a reservation for dinner or order for pickup at one of these Menlo Park restaurants this year for the Thanksgiving Holidays.

Bon Marché Farmers Market will run tomorrow Wednesday, November 24 from 3 to 7 pm at the 600-700 blocks of Santa Cruz Avenue, adjacent to Bistro Vida.

County health officials are urging all eligible adults to receive a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible. The County offers a free booster clinic at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo.

For those who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, first (and second) doses are available at the Event Center. Appointments are preferred but not required for either the booster clinic or for first or second doses. Walk-ins are accepted.

A new batch of appointment slots are now available for children ages 5 to 11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the “Playland”-themed clinic at the San Mateo County Event Center.

Operated by the County of San Mateo, the clinic offers the COVID-19 vaccine in a kid-friendly setting that invokes 'Candy Land' and other amusements along with superheroes and more for entertainment. Appointments are required through the state’s MyTurn system.

On Saturday, December 4, and Sunday, December 5, the Holiday Train returns to bring good tidings and cheer to families from San Francisco to the South Bay as part of its annual toy drive.

This cherished tradition offers an opportunity to donate new toys or books to local children whose families are struggling to make ends meet. Caltrain is proud to once again partner with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and The Salvation Army to help make the season brighter for everyone.

The Holiday Train, which had taken a brief hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, is decorated with more than 75,000 glittering lights. This special train will visit nine Caltrain stations in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties over the weekend. The Holiday Train will come to Menlo Park on Sunday, December 5 from 7:25 to 7:45 pm.

This class is great for new business owners or seasoned entrepreneurs. It will teach you how to use the elevator pitch as a tool for creating interest and attention around your business by describing it with clarity.

The class will not only be instructive but also interactive.

A requirement to even register for the class is to submit a 3-5 paragraph initial version of your Elevator Pitch. The context of the write-up should be: "Why should I care about what you are doing? Convince me!!"

Send your pitch to [email protected] and [email protected] by November 24.

Virtual Event: Register Online