Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,
Summary: In this message, I highlight: COVID-19 resources; this Thursday’s Virtual Happy Hour; funding opportunities; health care options, job opportunities; offers from Members and info you can use to make better business decisions. Please share this weekly message with 10 people who will benefit.
First, my hope is that you are staying safe and healthy. It’s been almost 30 days since we first started seeing the economic effects here in Maryland and I know it has been tough. The Government and other organizations have created loans, grants and resources that are designed to help. But, it may be a while before we see those funds hit accounts. Unemployment has jumped and many of our customers are no longer in a financial position to buy. Meanwhile, customers who have money are hesitant to buy anything besides essentials.
Sadly, we expect the COVID-19 death toll to continue to rise and for unemployment numbers to grow over the next few months. Yet, we must take steps to make it through! If you haven’t already, please learn all you can about the unemployment assistance, loans, grants, jobs, contracts and resources that are available. Please apply early! Click here to view COVID-19 resources.
Second, to keep you connected, we will have our April Business After Dark via VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR this Thursday, April 9th at 6pm. We invite you to log on, wear your logo, share your elevator pitch, post your website links and bring a beverage for the virtual toast. Registration is free and open to all. Click here to register!
Third, we held our April General Membership Virtual Meeting last Thursday, April 2nd. It was a great success with over 50 participants! We shared info on resources, answered questions and had a presentation on recommendations for marketing during the recession. Until we’re able to meet in person, we will meet virtually so that you can stay informed and connected to each other.
Fourth, I hope to use this weekly message to connect you to Opportunities, Events and Information. So, here you go:
OPPORTUNITIES
Jobs
Jobs at the Small Business Administration
The SBA has a variety of temporary jobs to assist with the COVID-19 response. Click here to learn more.
Jobs in Baltimore
The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development has compiled job openings in the area. Click here to learn more.
Health
Feeling stressed, burnt-out or unsure? Need someone to talk to?
Click here to schedule a free phone consultation with K. Rattray, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Need Health Care?
Chamber Member, Dr. Shawn Dhillon offers concierge medical care for $99 per month. Have a dedicated physician for less than you would pay for medical insurance. Learn more at https://www.anytimedrs.com.
Loans and Grants
Department of Treasury
Read more about the process for getting loans and grants and all the Federal programs.
State of Maryland COVID-19 Grants
Click here to learn more.
State of Maryland COVID-19 Loans
Click here to learn more.
SBA Disaster Loans
The SBA has emergency funding for businesses affected by COVID-19. Click here to learn more.
KIVA Loans
KIVA has funding options for businesses. Click here to learn more.
Short term loans for invoices and purchase orders…
If you have submitted an invoice for services or have a purchase order to fill but need funding now, learn more about WHC’s programs that can help.
Programs
Free Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program
Applications are now open for the last cohort of 2020. Are you a Business Owner who has been in business at least 2 years? Do you have at least 2 employees? Learn more about this free training program that has helped over 60% of its scholars increase revenue within 6 months of graduation at https://www.10ksbapply.com/Baltimore
If you are an active Baltimore City Chamber Member and you have a special offer for our Members, schedule a call with Will Holmes at https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber
INVITATIONS
4/9/20 at 6pm- April Business After Dark via Virtual Happy Hour! Open to all. Wear your logo and be ready to mingle and network. Click here to register.
INFORMATION
MDOT Certification– Ever consider doing business with the State of Maryland? If you have plans to grow, the certification process could open up new opportunities for new revenue. Click here to learn more.
Baltimore Demographics- Ever wonder where to find info on demographics in Baltimore? Click here to see this summary by the Census Bureau.
Maryland Wealth- Interested in seeing stats on Maryland’s wealth and its tax revenue for each city and county? Click here to view the report from the Department of Legislative Services Office of Policy Analysis.
Connect with City Leadership- Want to attend a Board of Estimates meeting or Baltimore City Council meeting to hear from our elected officials? Check out the schedule at: http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/complete-calendar
U.S. Economy- Interested in how the U.S. economy is doing? Here is the most current information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: https://www.bea.gov/news/glance
Talk to you next week!
Sincerely,
Will Holmes
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce
Schedule a call with me: https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber
Web: http://www.baltimorecitychamber.org