For more than 50 years, the US Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st-century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create nearly two out of every three new jobs in the US each year. Get more info about National Small Business Week.

Hear from Minnesota small business owners on how they pivoted and what you can do to build resiliency for the future. Click to register.

Take a look at other opportunities for training and inspiration during National Small Business Week.

Did you know that 43% of cyber attacks in America target small businesses and that since the onset of COVID-19, cyber crimes have increased by 300%? It’s more important than ever to protect your company's assets (such as hardware, systems, laptops, customer data, and intellectual property) from cyber attacks, analyze risks through an assessment, and help cover investigation, litigation and other expenses from a potential data breach. Speakers will share how to reduce your risk, protect your assets, and grow your business. Register here.

Check out this video to learn how the program works. Click here to apply.

A new project is underway to add new experiences along the trail that runs from the Holmes Street Bridge, through Downtown Shakopee, to The Landing. Your help is needed in determining what stories and amenities belong on the trail!

1) Take a brief, anoymous survey: https://www.scottcountyhistory.org/trail

2) Hit the trail on Saturday, September 25, at 6:00 PM. Meet at Huber Park ten minutes before start time. Be prepared to walk two miles on paved but uneven surfaces. Registration is not required but notice is appreciated. Email kmcgowan@scottcountyhistory.org for more information or to register.

To address the financial challenges continuing to impact Shakopee Public Schools, the School Board, during the July 19th school board business meeting, unanimously approved a special election to bring an operating levy before the voters on November 2. Shakopee is the only school district in the metro area without a voter-approved operating levy. Learn about the levy, ballot questions, and more by visiting ShakopeeLevy2021.org. Absentee voting begins September 17 at the Shakopee Public Schools District Office or by mail. And don't forget to register to vote!

If people are your greatest asset, don’t miss this powerhouse, post-pandemic event on September 23rd. Learn the strategies and techniques needed to unify your teams and strengthen your business during this critical transition phase! Presented by Think GREAT's Erik Therwanger - author, speaker, and coach. Click to register.

Community Action Partnership (CAP) Agency assists and empowers people to achieve social and economic well-being in partnership across our communities – Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. They create a strong and healthy community of connected individuals and families with accessible, high-quality education, safe and stable housing and energy support, and fulfilling employment for all. CAP Agency's dinner and celebration on October 9th will focus on building a better future by raising funds to support their programs for the diverse communities they serve. Click here for more information.

Let SVA know you are participating by sending photos to info@svamn.org or by taking a photo and tagging Southern Valley Alliance on Social Media. Don’t forget to use these hashtags: #SVAMN #DVAM

The Shakopee Chamber is looking for people who are interested in serving on our Public Policy Committee. Help shape the direction of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, work on election forums, and help research policy affecting our community. If interested, please contact Tim Zunker at tzunker@shakopee.org or 952-641-9043.

The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce has partnered again with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce our Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M will be managing the project, including advertising sales and layout/graphic design. They are extremely professional and produce a high-quality publication, and we ask that you give them a moment of your time.

E&M will be contacting all members about available advertising opportunities. The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure. If you have any questions or would like to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 8005 or advertising@emconsultinginc.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!

Leadership Academy is about going deeper into leadership development. It is a customized program built on investing in leaders with a curriculum rooted in application and results. Participants can expect to learn enhanced skills that are relevant in today's workplace and gain a deeper self-awareness of strengths and opportunities. Dr. Scott Morell, EdD - President and & Consultant with Rebar Leadership - will facilitate all sessions of the academy. The first session will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

The Shakopee Chamber Foundation is offering two $1,000 scholarships for Leadership Academy. Click here for information and guidelines.

Interested in donating? Every book you purchase will have a sticker recognizing you as the generous donor. Just pay the wholesale cost of $75 to purchase ten books to be donated! Click here to purchase.