Businesses throughout Minnesota provide meaningful employment and contribute to Minnesota’s high quality of life. Policymakers should focus on policies to spur Minnesota’s economic recovery, not slow it down. Contact your legislators and urge them to oppose additional tax increases. Click here for Governor Walz's budget.

Last week, President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, which extends the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and also provides an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending. Click here to learn more.

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

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.

Shakopee Community Ed’s Celebration of Children Run/Walk, presented by Veil & Wild Orthodontics, is going hybrid this year! Choose either the in-person 5K race or the virtual 5K or 10K race. Register by May 23 to receive a shirt! Proceeds fund financial assistance for Shakopee residents to participate in classes that promote academic, social, and personal growth. 

Amid the ongoing challenges of recruiting blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, local nonprofit Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is facing a shortage of blood and platelet donations. The need for blood is constant, but due to the pandemic, many drives have been canceled or postponed. To replenish supplies for the Northland’s hospitals, trauma centers, and air ambulance bases, more healthy donors are needed at blood drives and donor centers in the coming weeks. Appointments can be made online at MBC.org or by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253).

Registration is now open for the virtual 4-part series The LEADERSHIP Connection! Think GREAT is developing dynamic thinking that empowers individuals and business leaders to set and accomplish their goals, no matter what circumstances they face. Join Erik Therwanger - author, speaker, and leadership and business coach - as he leads you and your team through this Game Enhancing Series. Price is $595 per person. Click here to register.

* Use Shakopee Chamber Discount Code SCC935 to receive $100 off registration!

Good Night Shakopee, written and illustrated by Shakopee's own Christopher Straub, is an engaging story of Shakopee and its familiar attractions and landmarks. Purchase 10 of the books to be donated to K-3 classrooms in our local schools. Every book you purchase will have a sticker recognizing you or your business as the generous donor. Just $75 for 10 books! Click here to purchase.

Want to donate more books? Want to donate to a specific school or classroom? Want to donate in honor or memory of someone? Email the Chamber!

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.

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.