Chamber Members & Community Members,
(Thank you to Senator John Jasinski and Representative John Petersburg for joining on the video above!)
What’s new today locally and for business:
- State Emergency Loan program was just announced. It’s a loan for $2,500-$35,000 at 0% over 5years. Businesses who are on the Governor’s Closure list are eligible. You need to have been turned down by a bank and must submit for SBA loan before eligible.
- Essential Business List-we sent a survey link to our members yesterday-if you feel your business is eligible to be on the essential business list in the situation of a Shelter in Place, give us that information and we will make sure it gets to the Governors office.
- Federal Govenrment-still waiting on their stimulus plan.
- Today is the Great American Take Out-join people from across the nation in supporting restaurants today. As a bonus, the chamber is giving away 6-$25 Chamber bucks in honor of this-just post a photo of your take out and we will draw 6 winners-lunch or dinner will be on us! Details on facebook page. Our list of restaurants and their new hours/delivery is on our website.
- We just pushed out this item it’s a support local-every industry. 24 creative ideas to support religious to healthcare to arts and retail. Also wanted to show you where to find it. All on our Owatonna.org
- The newest add to the page is a list of the ‘good’ business is doing where we’ll highlight your help supporting in this challenging time. For example the donation yesterday of N95 masks, JA is offering free online learning, Kleckers Kreations is doing a buy/sell page for downtown businesses, anything.
Our top priority at the chamber is working to keep our businesses functioning and those who have forced closures-solvent during this period of time.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Talk to your financial institution now about cash flow challenges and ways they can assist so that you can reopen-call them before things get bad.
- UI Shared work program allows you to reduce hours and your employee can apply for coverage on the lost hours. Keeps people working and reduces your burden.
- We are hearing from staffing agencies they are hiring even if its temporary situation.
- Consider the Chamber an extension of your team
On a personal note, please keep in mind local businesses and organizations, government leaders, healthcare workers, and those infected by with this virus.
