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.

Congresswoman Angie Craig wants to hear from you, the small business owners of the Second Congressional District, about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your business. Take the survey.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established through the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act to provide over $16 billion in economic relief to target industries. Click here to access the portal when it opens and submit your application.

On March 30, prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host an informational webinar to highlight the application process; click here to register.

SBA To Increase Lending Limit For EIDL Program

The SBA is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, the SBA will raise the loan limit for the EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000, to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. Read the press release in its entirety.

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

There are over 14,000 active resumes on www.minnesotaworks.net! Use this site to search minnesota's largest online resume database, post your job openings for free, use job match technology to find top candidates, save candidates' resumes to review and recruit later, and receive emails when resumes match your job criteria.

The South of the River Virtual Hiring Event will offer a highly interactive experience to allow attendees to interact with over 25 participating employers through chat and video interviewing. Click to register.

MN Cup is a competition that reaches emerging entrepreneurs from across the state and connects them with education, mentorship, and support to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures. The competition is free to enter and participants have until Friday, April 16, to submit their application. Click here for more information. Click here to access the application.

Minnesota: 2030, the first major economic report from the MN Chamber Foundation, outlines the state’s position in the national and global economy and makes recommendations to help shape and foster stronger economic performance for Minnesota in the coming decade. The effort, launched in mid-2019, set out to answer two fundamental questions: How is the economy poised to change and grow over the next decade, based on the current regional and industry-specific performance? How can we maximize the opportunities to advance Minnesota’s economy in the coming decade? Minnesota: 2030 provides a significant and comprehensive look at the state’s economy. Register for the event.

The FAST-TRACK Challenge is a business competition open to Scott County residents with a business idea - as well as to businesses that have incorporated within the past three years or have a new product - who wish to pitch their product idea to a panel of judges with the hope to fast track their business! This year’s event will be held on October 21. Because businesses in the formative stages are in need of professional services to assist them with start-up, including but not limited to taxes and accounting, marketing, web design, etc., Program Partners are needed to donate services. To donate your professional services, email Jo Faust, Business Development Specialist, One Stop Shop.

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 annual event is a collaborative effort led by Downtown Shakopee.

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.

Did you know that Chamber members can purchase Good Night Shakopee books wholesale to sell at your business for the retail price? And when you purchase 50 or more books, author and illustrator Christopher Straub will do a booksigning event at your business! Your book purchase will support the Chamber PLUS generate more business for you. Email the Chamber or give us a call at 952-445-1660 if you would like to purchase books.