DECEMBER 28, 2020
Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans

What Small Businesses Need To Know About The New Pandemic Relief Package

President Donald Trump has signed a $2 trillion-plus COVID-19 and annual federal spending package, providing relief for millions of Americans. As part of the pandemic relief package, Congress has passed several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and created a “Second Draw” PPP for small businesses who have exhausted their initial loan. Other changes impact eligibility for initial PPP loans, the loan forgiveness process, and the tax treatment of PPP loans.

Congress has also made changes to other programs – including Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL Program), the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a Venue Grant program, and SBA loan programs – that will benefit small businesses. Click here for everything small business owners need to know now

New Minnesota Minimum Wage Starting January 1st

Minnesota minimum-wage rates are increasing; the following are Minnesota's minimum-wage rates as of January 1, 2021:

  • Large employers must pay at least $10.08 an hour when the employer's annual gross revenues are $500,000 or more.
  • Small employers must pay at least $8.21 an hour when the employer's annual gross revenues are less than $500,000.
  • The training wage rate, $8.21 an hour, may be paid to employees younger than 20 years of age for the first 90 consecutive days of employment.
  • The youth wage rate, $8.21 an hour, may be paid to employees younger than 18 years of age.

Employers can print or order a free copy of the required minimum wage poster by visiting the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's website.
Annual Meeting - Save The Date

Save the date for the 2021 Shakopee Chamber and Visitor Bureau Annual Meeting. We will be hosting our meeting virtually for 2021. More information and registration will be provided soon. We look forward to providing a recap of 2020 and sharing all our initiatives for 2021.
 
Program sponsorship opportunities are available. If interested, please contact Tim Zunker at 952-641-9043 or tzunker@shakopee.org.
2021 Session Priorities: Leading Minnesota’s Economic Recovery

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Session Priorities in a new virtual format. Executive orders and social distancing regulations do not allow them to hold an event at the magnitude that attendees have become accustomed to; however, they are still able to provide high-caliber, prestigious content to kick-off the legislative session. This year’s event will include influential connections to:

  • Governor Tim Walz
  • Legislative Leaders Senator Paul Gazelka, Senator Susan Kent, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, and Representative Kurt Daudt
  • 33 new freshmen legislators
  • Reveal of the Minnesota Chamber’s Blueprint for Economic Recovery

The cost is $25 per person and includes one complimentary registration for Chamber Week at the Capitol in March. (See below for more information about Chamber Week.) Registration and invoicing for Session Priorities will be processed through the Shakopee Chamber office. Click here to register.
Chamber Week At The Capitol:
Session Priorities In Action

March 1-5, 2021
Various Times

Continue sharing priorities for economic recovery during the first week of March with Chamber Week at the Capitol: Session Priorities in Action. This will be an all-virtual, week-long lobbying effort continuing to push the 2021 business priorities through the legislature. Timely information sessions with issue experts and key leaders along with Zoom group appointments will be scheduled throughout the week. Rally your government affairs committee or leadership group together to participate.  The more local chambers reaching out to St. Paul that week, the stronger the business voice! Registrants will receive event specifics at a later date.
Register Now For Leadership 2.0

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. All sessions will be facilitated by Scott Morell, EdD – President and & Consultant with Rebar Leadership.
The Academies Of Shakopee Virtual Career Expo

The Academies of Shakopee Virtual Expo 2021 is not a single day event, but will consist of many curriculum-related activities during April and May 2021. They're creating a repository of 3-minute recorded videos from our business community. Local professionals can share critical skills necessary for the workplace of today and tomorrow, and students will gain valuable career advice and career opportunities from industry experts.

These videos will be integrated into coursework this spring, including all freshman English classes. They will also be resources in the future for many of our courses. It's as easy as 1-2-3 for local professionals to create a video and share valuable career advice and provide a glimpse into a job, workplace, or industry.
Business Trends For 2021

For small businesses across America, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in history. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, small business owners have been resilient, pivoting and adapting their business models to navigate continually changing conditions. With the new year on the horizon, there are potential new opportunities to take advantage of and ways to adapt to challenges you may face. The SBA shares a few business trends that are likely to dominate in 2021, along with tips on how to position your business for growth.
Makes A Great Gift All Year Long!

Good Night Shakopee, a nod to the iconic children's book Goodnight Moon, highlights the best of Shakopee. Children of all ages (and their grownups) will delight in this tour of Shakopee & saying good night to familiar attractions and landmarks. Good Night Shakopee makes a perfect book for the end of the day & is sure to become a favorite that is read over and over again!

ORDER YOURS NOW—They make perfect birthday gifts, baby gifts, or “just because” gifts for EVERYONE who has a connection to our great community. Books are $15. Written and illustrated by Shakopee's own Christopher Straub.

WHOLESALE OPPORTUNITY - There is also an opportunity for your company to purchase the book at the wholesale price and sell at your business. Click the link below for details.
Shakopee Chamber Discount Card Now Available At A Reduced Price!
 
The Shakopee Chamber Discount Card gets you great deals at local restaurants, stores, and establishments while supporting our community businesses as they continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19.

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

Buy your card online and have it mailed to you. Click the button below for a list of participating businesses and the deals they are offering.