7 SBA Programs Every Small Business Should Know About
Since 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has focused on providing assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs in various forms. On top of providing guidance to small businesses, this federal agency also offers programs to business owners in order to help them receive loans, grants, mentoring, and federal contracting opportunities.
Here are seven programs run by or affiliated with the SBA that small business owners should know.
8(a) Business Development program
One of the most important SBA offerings small business owners should know about is 8(a) Business Development. The 8(a) program connects “socially and economically disadvantaged” businesses with opportunities to compete for federal contracts, get assistance with navigating federal contracting, create joint ventures with mentor companies and receive training and development help.
To qualify for 8(a), your business must be “51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged” and meet a few other qualifiers, such as having a personal net worth of less than $250,000. The federal government has a goal of awarding at least 5% of contracting dollars for businesses with the 8(a) designation, so if there’s any chance your business qualifies, it’s good to seek out certification.
All Small Mentor-Protégé Program
A unique offering created by the SBA is the All Small Mentor-Protégé Program. This program can help small businesses by letting them team up with established “mentor companies” in bidding for federal contracts reserved for small businesses. The All Small program is not a matchmaking program, so protégé and mentor companies should already be tightly connected when they apply to the program. The benefits of the program are two-fold:
- Small businesses that may not have the resources, capital or training to win a large contract have a better chance to do so with the help of an experienced mentor, and
- Large businesses can aid less experienced businesses while also getting a chance to bid on potentially lucrative contracts.
HUBZone Program
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program has been designed by the SBA to give more contracting opportunities to small businesses located in HUBZones, which are typically areas with above-average economic development needs. To qualify, your company’s principal office must be located in a HUBZone, at least 35% of employees must live in a HUBZone, and the company must be “at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe.” Federal agencies attempt to award 3% of their contracts to certified-HUBZone small businesses each year. Read about four more programs in CO
The Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce is Partnering with Network Health
The Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce is Partnering with Network Health to Offer a Health Insurance Benefit for Chamber Members at a Discounted Rate!
Whether you are a business shopping for affordable health insurance for you and your employees; or an insurance agent, please join us for a free Zoom event on July 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to learn about this new benefit for Chamber members. Network Health representatives will provide a summary of the benefits and be available to answer your questions.
Register here (FREE)
Paducah Chamber to Host July PIP Virtually and Feature a Salute to Local Non-Profits
The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce is starting back with hosting their monthly Power in Partnership breakfasts beginning on July 9 with a virtual broadcast. “While this is certainly a different approach for our monthly event, we have had so much encouragement to begin these again even in a different format, that we are excited about this opportunity” said Sandra Wilson, Paducah Chamber President. Peel & Holland is the sponsor.
“Every July our breakfast features a salute to some of our non-profit organizations,” Wilson added. “We did not want to pass up this opportunity. We will be featuring our local non-profit health and human service organizations.”
The virtual breakfast will be held on July 9 at 7:30 a.m. and carried live via a social media platform. Details about how to join the call will be released closer to the event date. The live broadcast will originate from the Commerce Center in the Paducah Bank Community Room.
In addition, there will be a featured speaker, Alexia Savage with United Way Worldwide, who is the Southeast Region of the United States Engagement Director. She supports 275 United Ways in nine states. She will discuss the ever-changing role of non-profit organizations during these challenging times and the importance of continuing to support them. Savage has 18 years of nonprofit experience in both the arts and health and human services sectors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, both from Florida Atlantic University. She lives in Lake Worth, Florida with her husband and son.
Below are the details of the breakfast:
When: Thursday, July 9, 7:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual Breakfast Broadcast live from the Commerce Center Paducah Bank Community Room
Speaker: Alexia Savage, United Way Worldwide
Special Recognition: Salute to Non-Profit Health and Human Service Organizations
Lake Zurich Chamber - Wauconda Chamber: Lake County Grant Program
Small Business Assistance Grant Available to Help Lake County Companies
Lake County just launched an important new small business assistance grant fund to help local businesses impacted by COVID-19 reopen and adjust to the new operating environment. The intent of the grant is to cover occupancy and some operating costs for up to four months.
The grants cover 4.5-times average monthly rent, capped at $30,000, and can be used for payroll, business rent/mortgage, utilities, inventory, and incremental COVID-19 related business expenses.
A business must be located in Lake County, have less than $2.5 million in annual revenue and be incorporated - LLC, LLP, S Corporation, Sole Proprietor, etc. Currently, independent contractors are not eligible.
The application window will be open from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020. For more information go to www.lakecountyil.gov/forward
West Michigan chambers of commerce ask Congress for more K-12 funding in wake of pandemic
Park Ridge Chamber Announces New Executive Director Effective August 2020
"It is with great optimism for the future of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the greater Park Ridge business community that I announce the appointment of Jacqueline K. Mathews as Executive Director of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce effective August 3, 2020. Upon notification of the impending retirement of Gail Haller from the position, following twelve years of dedicated and excellent service, the Board of Directors was entrusted with the responsibility to select someone for the role who was best suited to lead the Chamber during these unprecedented times and into the future. The Board of Directors and the Search Committee are in full agreement that this person is Jackie Mathews!
Jackie is a proven community, business, and government network relationship specialist. She has an extensive results-driven and process-oriented background which includes successes in leading revenue generation, fundraising, and related development initiatives, enhancing organizational image equity, and launching strategic enterprises. Anyone who knows Jackie knows that she is highly collaborative and service-oriented and that she possesses exemplary communication skills and superior relationship management competencies.
For the better part of the past two decades, Jackie has held professional and volunteer leadership roles within the Park Ridge community. Jackie has had transformational impact on two of our local flagship healthcare organizations. Most recently she served as the Major Gifts Officer for Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Charitable Foundation where she led the hospital’s annual signature special event, the ‘Gala’, as well as the Men and Women’s Association Golf Outing, the South Asian Cardiovascular Center’s ‘A Red Sari Evening’ and the grand opening celebrations for both the hospital’s new Emergency Department and the Heart Institute. In addition, she designed and executed a major gift strategy that resulted in a $1.25 Million donation for an endowed Emergency Department Chair. Jackie was recruited to Lutheran General Hospital by then President, Tony Armada, from Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, where she provided leadership direction for major gifts and special events, including three highly successful public art exhibitions that significantly elevated the organization’s mission and reputation within the community. Jackie serves on the Taste of Park Ridge Committee, the Park Ridge Holiday Lights Commission and Co-Chairs Park Ridge Restaurant Week with Mayor Marty Maloney. Earlier in Jackie’s career, she held professional roles with the United States Senate in Washington D.C., Chicago’s City Hall, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.
Jackie has a strong history with the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce having served as a Board Member, President-Elect, President, and Past President. As Past President she was invited to serve as Chairperson of the Community Star Awards Committee and she continues to serve in that role. Jackie’s loyalty to the Chamber exemplifies a commitment to the greater Park Ridge business community and is reflective of the pride she feels in calling Park Ridge home. The Board of Directors believes that her background, her reputation in the community and her vision for the future of the Chamber uniquely position her for the role of Executive Director and will elevate the Chamber’s impact and future success."
Marko Ratic
President, Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Owner, North Shore Motor Works
Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory
The Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Profile & Membership Directory is available at the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Niki Foster and Pam Riffle and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
West Michigan chambers of commerce ask Congress for more K-12 funding in wake of pandemic
Several organizations representing the West Michigan business community are calling for more federal support for schools in the wake of $3 billion in shortfalls between the general and school aid funds.
In addition to providing additional funding for schools, the organizations say Congress should loosen restrictions on already provided funds through the CARES Act.
“Without additional financial support from the federal government, schools will be required to make significant cuts,” said Jane Clark, president of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. “These cuts will have a negative impact on the safety of students and the support they need to be successful.”
The billions of dollars in shortfalls translates into a $650 per student reduction, the organizations said in a news release.
That could mean forced staff layoffs, increased class sizes, reduced student support services and possibly even school closures, the release said.
Schools last faced such drastic cuts during the Great Recession in 2008. At that time, Congress passes multiple stimulus packages, including one in 2010 that directed more than $1.5 billion toward Michigan’s K-12 system.
Some economists say the coronavirus pandemic will hit the economy twice as hard.
Michigan’s chambers of commerce say schools may need an addition $3-5 billion over the next three fiscal years.
“As we all work through this pandemic, we will continue to have a need for skilled graduates,” said Cindy Larsen, president of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. “Funding cuts would be devastating to our schools' efforts to educate children and create a foundation for a strong economic return.”
Organizations calling for federal action include the Grand Rapids Chamber, Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce along with The Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. Read more: Fox 17
$14.66 million for New Economic Resilience and Recovery Program in Virginia
Governor Ralph Northam today announced more than $14.66 million for a new Economic Resilience and Recovery Program to respond to the unprecedented economic conditions facing Virginia and address the near and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This initiative was created through a restructuring of Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) funding.
The program will focus resources on economic resilience and recovery while staying true to the GO Virginia mission of creating higher-paying jobs that strengthen and diversify regional economies.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our economy, and we must use every asset we have to assist businesses and communities as we rebuild,” said Governor Northam. “GO Virginia will be a key partner as we work to spearhead an economic recovery and drive new economic development. Through the Economic Resilience and Recovery program, GO Virginia has been able to pivot and help support these important initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.”
The GO Virginia Board has approved a policy to implement the Economic Resilience and Recovery Program with up to $14.66 million in GO Virginia funds.
Each GO Virginia regional council may apply for up to $1 million to support strategic initiatives in response to the economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the GO Virginia Board approved flexible policy changes to accelerate the deployment of funding.
Applications will be accepted through the nine GO Virginia Regional Councils. For more information on the regional councils, click here. Read more: WVVA
Plymouth Chamber: We need you to #MaskUpHoosiers
Indiana is slowly reopening for business, but the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. Wearing a face mask is one of the simplest, most effective ways to slow the spread of the virus, but we need everyone to do their part to keep our state safe. That’s why we are asking all Hoosiers to mask up — and speak up about how wearing your mask can save lives. Read more: IN.gov
Warren County opts to outsource tourism
The Warren County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday decided to outsource tourism to a private entity.
This comes after months of tourism-related discussions that were commenced in February when the town’s Director of Community Development and Tourism Felicia Hart was fired and Interim Town Manager Matt Tederick announced that the town would no longer fund the salaries of Visitors Center’s employees beginning in July.
While the town has funded the Visitors Center’s salaries and tourism-related matters for the town and county since 1993, state code mandates that 3% of the county’s lodging tax be directed toward tourism purposes.
Supervisor Delores Oates noted that the town’s tourism budget for the upcoming fiscal year is $225,000 while the county’s is $200,000.
In 2017, the town and county created a joint tourism advisory committee, according to the supervisors’ Tuesday agenda, “to advise, assist, support, and advocate for tourism policies, programs, and activities to market and promote” the town and county. This fulfills a state code requirement that the county consults with a tourism organization regarding how its lodging tax revenue will be used to generate visitors. Recently, two members of both the Town Council and Board of Supervisors were added to the joint tourism committee.
Other representatives include several business owners, Chamber of Commerce Director Niki Foster and Logan.
The committee was recently asked to compile options regarding how tourism would be handled. The committee reached a consensus to recommend the option in which a private contractor would be sought to market the town and county. Read more: Northern Virginia Daily
Letters for June 19: Three chambers of commerce stand for change, diversity
The Hampton Roads Chamber, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Williamsburg Business Council stand united to promote economic development, diversity, equity and inclusion. We are three chambers of commerce ready to confront the issues facing our region and to do our part to put an end to racial inequity in Hampton Roads.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left businesses struggling. Now racial tension, protests and, in some extreme cases, violence are threatening to shut down newly reopened businesses. This adversely impacts all of us.
We stand firmly with those who want and deserve equity, diversity and inclusion. We believe the time for change in our nation is now. We most strongly endorse the message of the peaceful protesters.
All men are created equal. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The chambers are connecting with leaders throughout the community to listen, drive change, and lead our economy into a bright and inclusive future. We will build each other up as we rebuild the 757. We are 757 Strong.
By Bryan K. Stephens, president & CEO, Hampton Roads Chamber; Robert McKenna, president & CEO, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Terry Banez, CEO, Greater Williamsburg Business Council
#BestChamber practice: La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) weekly newsletter
A LEAP Member Spotlight: Larson-Danielson Construction
As our world evolves, it is vital for companies in any industry to evolve with it. The ability to adapt with the times and the introduction of new technology is essential to the success of a company. Innovation has been written into Larson-Danielson Construction’s working philosophy since the start. What makes the La Porte-based company stand out, however, is that they pioneered some of the industry-standard processes in use today. From design/build to a cohesive project management plan—the state’s only construction company to offer this service—innovation and adaptability to customers’ needs are written into its values and daily operations.
Founded in 1908 by the Larson brothers, Charles and Frank, and their cousin, Emil Danielson, Larson-Danielson Construction quickly cemented itself as a trustworthy and reliable construction company in La Porte, Indiana.
Arlington Chamber: Virginia to Enter Phase Three on Wednesday, July 1
Governor Northam announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia will begin Phase Three of the Forward Virginia reopening plan on Wednesday, July 1. Phase Three further relaxes some of the restrictions currently in force in Phase Two. Many of the numerical caps are removed, but many of the space-based rules remain to promote social distancing.
The Phase Three Guidelines include guidance to all sectors on best practices for physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, and enhanced workplace safety. As with the Phase One and Two guidelines, they also include many industry-specific requirements and best practices.
Please consult the full Phase Three Guideline document for all requirements that apply to your sector and to all businesses. Highlights of the changes are in this slide presentation.
The Chamber is here to support our members through the reopening process. Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for more reopening resources, and please reach out to us at chamber@arlingtonchamber.org if there is anything we can do to help you
Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce - Peninsula SHRM Future of Working: 07-13-20 - 07-17-20
Agility. Analytics. Artificial Intelligence
One Week of Interactive Sessions on the Future of Work and the HR Profession
Pending 9 SHRM & HRCI Recertification Credits
KEYNOTE:
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP
President & CEO of SHRM
TICKETS:
PenSHRM Member -- $0
Non-Member (Guest) -- $40
2020 Sponsor Package - PenSHRM Virtual Conference -- $125
DOCUMENTS:
Natchez Bicycle Classic will be Ride not Race
It’s a Ride not a Race!
The Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals and Leadership Natchez are delighted to announce the rebirth of the Natchez Bicycle Classic on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020.
Though we initially scheduled it for May, the Young Professionals Executive Committee could not have predicted that we would undergo a global pandemic. This ride will be compliant with COVID-19 guidelines and, thankfully, this event is held entirely outdoors, and cyclists can be spaced easily.
For the past four years, this collaboration has held the Color Natchez 5K. Since this committee felt that this event has “run its course”, it was decided to go a different “route.” The Color Natchez 5K primarily catered to the local market/participants and we are venturing to think bigger.
Debbie Hudson, President and CEO of the Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce, was reading about a similar ride in Greenwood, Mississippi that occurs in August. Their most recent ride brought over 1,100 riders to their area (in August). So, our group once again met and figured out how to make this happen in Natchez. Our focus has been on the potential economic impact it could bring to our area and planned it on an open weekend in Natchez and an open weekend on the Mississippi-Louisiana Bicycling Association Calendar. Lucky for us, it is Memorial Day weekend. Read more: Natchez Democrat
You’re invited to help promote and attend a special event for Essential Workers on Friday, June 12, 2020 from 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM at Markus Smith State Farm Agency Parking Lot, located at 5535 N. 2nd Street in Loves Park, Illinois.
Markus Smith State Farm is purchasing food truck meals for the first 250 Essential Workers who register in advance and bring their badge or wear their uniform to the event. There are many "behind the scene" workers who have worked hard to keep things functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Markus Smith State Farm appreciates all they do for our community.
Please see the Media Advisory attached for more information or contact Markus Smith at markus@markusismyagent.com and Rose Smith at rose.n.smith@charter.net.
TONYA LAMIA
THE PARKS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
815.633.3999
Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!
Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications
Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal
or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Assistance Requested. Thank you!
