Join the MN Chamber of Commerce virtually to discuss education in Minnesota and whether or not students are “future-ready". Explore how Minnesota stacks up nationally, what the data tell us, and why it matters to the business community. Did COVID-19 change things for the better or for the worse? What changes can put students’ long-term success at the forefront of education policy? Click here to register.

The MN Chamber is conducting a survey of manufacturing businesses across the state. Their goal is to better understand the workforce challenges you face as well as the education, recruiting programs, and practices that have served your company well. The survey is confidential and only the aggregate information that is collected will be shared. While the MN Chamber recognizes that many manufacturers face worker shortages even in today’s economy, they also know the outlook for manufacturing talent is even more challenging in the months and years ahead. That is why your participation in this survey is a critical part of this initiative. The survey will close on January 31, 2021.

The Better Business Bureau is currently accepting applications for their highest honor: the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, which celebrate and recognize local companies that demonstrate integrity and a strong commitment to ethics in all that they do. The deadline is approaching soon on February 11, but the application process is fairly simple, especially compared to past years. Click here for more information and the application link.

PPP provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering First Draw PPP loans (for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020) and Second Draw PPP loans (for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less that previously received a First Draw PPP loan). The Paycheck Protection Program remains open for First and Second Draw PPP loans until March 31, 2021, or until Congressionally-appropriated funding is exhausted. Click here to learn more.

During this webinar, they will discuss the PPP first and second draw options. This webinar is intended to help small businesses, non-profits, and others understand their options. A Q&A session will follow the presentation along with answers to frequently asked questions about PPP. Click here to register. This webinar is being offered multiple times over the next several weeks; please only sign up for one option so that they can help as many people as possible. 

The SBA is currently accepting applications for Emerging Leaders, a free executive-level, mini-MBA style training program in the Twin Cities areas. Small to mid-sized business owners and CEOs are encouraged to apply now. The seven-month intensive, entrepreneurship education series is for small, poised-for-growth companies with potential for job creation. The program will expand opportunities for small business owners with access to experienced mentors, workshops, and connections with their peers, city leaders, and financial communities. Click here for more information and to register your interest in the program.

Take a look at training opportunities and business resources available through the SBA's Minnesota District Office and their partners.

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

Podcast videos will be hosted and boosted on Facebook with a reach of approximately 2,000 per podcast, making a sponsorship a great way to increase awareness and visibility of your business! Click the link below for more information. Email the Chamber or call 952-445-1660 to secure your sponsorship.

Leadership 2.0 is a customized program built on investing in leaders with a leadership curriculum rooted in application and results. We all know the stronger our leaders in times of plenty and in times of want, the stronger our businesses and organizations. This program promises to equip leaders in a meaningful way. Click here to register. All sessions will be facilitated by Scott Morell, EdD – President and & Consultant with Rebar Leadership.

Share your job, workplace, or industry with students at Shakopee High School in an easy 3-minute video. Videos collected will be part of our Virtual Career Expo, to be used by students in many curriculum-related activities during April and May as well as in future years. We’ve added a new option to make it easier for you! Videos can be made in a Q & A format, led by students. Contact Jenny if you have any questions or to set up an appointment to create a video. Click here for video tips, examples, and the upload portal.

As businesses nationwide report that they are cautiously reopening, symptoms of team distancing are emerging and taking their toll. Symptoms include poor communication, ineffective delegation, disconnection, resentment, frustration, and fatigue, just to name a few. The effects from social distancing are real and that’s why we are taking steps to ensure that you have the right resources to support your people. Think GREAT, a leadership development organization, is offering “The Cure for Social Distancing”. Bringing together three "doses" or programs - cohesion, connection, and communication - is their prescription for unification. Click here for more information or email Rhonda Kalal to learn more about The Cure and other Think GREAT resources.

Discount Cards are now just $10 each, feature over $100 in savings, and can be used over and over again - through 5/31/21!