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Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur?
Do you have dreams about owning your own business or becoming part of the gig economy? Making your own hours? Working from wherever you want? Then you’re not alone. There are an estimated 582 million entrepreneurs (about 775,000 of them in the US) already working for themselves. And that number is growing. According to Guidant Financial, 27% of people polled in 2020 wanted to start their own entrepreneurial enterprises because they were disenchanted/dissatisfied with corporate America. And a lot of people
Tuesday, June 15, 2021Distance Learning June 2021
Distance Learning June 2021 BWC provides at least two webinars on different safety and health topics each month. Subject matter experts share their knowledge and provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions. These lessons engage students with a variety of interactive methodologies, including whiteboard activities, polling, and chat discussions. To obtain BWC program credit, participants must complete a short knowledge assessment within the BWC Learning Management System after the webinar and
Friday, May 28, 2021Community Navigator Pilot Program
SBA Launches $100M Community Navigator Pilot Program $100 million competitive grant program to strengthen outreach to businesses in underserved communities enacted through the American Rescue PlanMay 25, 2021 | Release Number 21-43Contact Charles Abell at Charles.Abell@sba.gov or 202-205-7576 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it is accepting applications for its new Community Navigator Pilot Program. This new initiative, established by the American Rescue Plan,
Tuesday, May 25, 2021TechCred Application Process Opens June 1, 2021
May 24, 2021 Next TechCred Round Launches June 1st The next round of TechCred opens on June 1st and closes on June 30th at 3:00 p.m. Ohio businesses can visit TechCred.Ohio.gov to apply and help their employees earn a short-term, technology-focused credential at no cost. Not only can businesses upskill their current employees, but they can upskill those they plan to hire as long as they are on the payroll at the time of reimbursement. More than 1,100 Ohio businesses have used
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Simplified Statement on Health Orders 5/17/21
Simplified Statement on Health OrdersAs of 5/17/21, the following health orders are in effect: (paraphrased for simplicity) from https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/rev-2nd-final-amended-do-soc-dist-remove-face-cover-21.pdf *When indoors, vaccinated persons may remove masks as the risk of COVID-19 infection is minimal for fully vaccinated people.However, unvaccinated persons are instructed to continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing when indoors until June 2, and they are
Tuesday, May 18, 2021Ohio Vax-A-Million
Ohio Vax-A-MillionOfficial RulesFAQ'sNews ReleaseDirector's Order
Wednesday, April 28, 2021At Home Test Kits Available
COVID-19 At Home Test Kits Available The local Health Departments have at home test kits available. These are 15 minute at home test kits and can be requested from your local Health Department; City of Hamilton: contact by email Kay Farrar at kay.farrar@hamilton-oh.gov Butler County: contact by e-mail Jennifer Bailer at BailerJ@butlercountyohio.org
Thursday, April 22, 2021Letter to the Administrator of the SBA concerning the growing backlog of PPP loan forgiveness applications
Letter concerning the growing backlog of PPP loan forgiveness applicationsLetter from Congressman Warren Davidson to the Administrator of the SBARead more......
Thursday, April 22, 2021JobsOhio Inclusion Grant Renewed
JobsOhio Inclusion Grant RenewedWe are excited to share that the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant has been renewed for 2021! In 2020, 16 companies in Southwest Ohio were able to secure funding commitments via this program (with several dozen more throughout Ohio). With the new round of funding open, REDI Cincinnati wanted to educate you on a few small changes that have been implemented compared to the program’s first phase in 2020: Dollar Allocation:The annual budget for the program (beginning in the 2021-2022
Thursday, April 08, 2021Director's Order for Social Distancing, Facial Coverings and Non-Congregating
Ohio Department of Health - Director's Order Director's Order for Social Distancing, Facial Coverings and Non-CongregatingClick here for details
Tuesday, April 06, 2021Economic Injury Disaster Loan Updates
Small Business Administration (SBA)Economic Injury Disaster Loan Updates Columbus District Office Economic Injury Disaster Loan Updates Economic Injury Disaster Loan UpdatesSBA Increases Lending Limit For COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Applicants can now receive a maximum loan amount of $500,000. The lending limit increased
Monday, April 05, 2021PPP Application Deadline Extended in New Law
PPP Application Deadline Extended in New Law On March 30, 2021, President Biden signed legislation to extend the application period of the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through May 31, 2021. This followed a bipartisan 92-7 vote in the U.S. Senate to pass the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act of 2021. PPP History The CARES Act established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last year. It permits the Small Business Administration to provide loans to qualified businesses affected
Monday, April 05, 2021News Release: 4/5/2021
DOL Suspends Changes to Trump-Era Labor RegulationsThe U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently taken action on the criteria for determining independent contractor status, rescinding regulations that were enacted as recently as two weeks prior to President Biden's inauguration in the last days of the Trump administration. That means what's old is new — the regulations in force now are left over from previous administrations. However, the DOL is taking public comments on its action until April 12. It's
Saturday, April 03, 2021Explore Hamilton App Launch April 2021
‘Explore Hamilton’ launches today App highlights dining, drinking, recreation and other options available for visitors, residents.By Mike Rutledge Staff WriterHAMILTON The Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce intentionally picked “countdown day” — 4-3- 21 — to launch its new “Explore Hamilton” app that will let visitors and residents see the dining, drinking, recreation and other options that can be found locally. As of 9 a.m. today, the new tool for finding food and fun will be announced, with users
Wednesday, March 31, 2021PPP Extension Act
As President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law today, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said: “Today, President Biden sent another strong message to America’s more than 30 million small business owners negatively impacted by the pandemic:
Wednesday, March 24, 2021Shuttered Venue Operators Grants - FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) programThe Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program is Section 324 of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act) signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.
Thursday, March 18, 2021Portman Calls For Strengthening America’s Manufacturing Competitiveness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Lloyd | 202-224-5190 http://bit.ly/3bUZLCy At Finance Hearing, Portman Calls For Strengthening America’s Manufacturing Competitiveness WASHINGTON, DC - During a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) touted the importance of strengthening America’s manufacturing competitiveness. Specifically, Portman highlighted the need for the U.S. to maintain a healthy industrial commons, with strong supplier
Wednesday, March 17, 2021Assistance with Unpaid Rent and Utilities
Butler County has received federal funding from the U.S. Treasury Department to assist residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.If you need assistance with unpaid rent or utilities, citizens renting a house, unit, or apartment in any City, Township, or Village of Butler County, OH are potentially eligible. Applications may be obtained through SELF. CLICK HERE for more details
Tuesday, March 16, 2021OhioMeansJobs Virtual Workshops
March Workshops Recurring WorkshopsREGISTER HERE
Monday, March 15, 2021American Rescue Plan – 6th Coronavirus Stimulus Package
American Rescue Plan – 6th Coronavirus Stimulus Package The American Rescue Plan passed the House and has been signed into law. General Signed into law by President Biden on 3/11/21 $1.9 Trillion in new spending 9% addresses Coronavirus relief specifically Much of this spending will likely not occur until long after the pandemic has ended. Millions on food aid to foreign countries Direct payments The bill allocates funds for a third economic impact payment to qualifying
Tuesday, February 09, 2021Protecting Workers: Guidance on COVID-19 in the Workplace
Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace This guidance is intended to inform employers and workers in most workplace settings outside of healthcare to help them identify risks of being exposed to and/or contracting COVID-19 at work and to help them determine appropriate control measures to implement. Separate guidance is applicable to healthcare (CDC guidance) and emergency response (CDC guidance) settings. OSHA has additional industry-specific
Wednesday, January 27, 2021Information about COVID-19 and Its Impact in Butler County, Ohio
Butler County Cares - Butler County, Ohio COVID-19 InformationInformation about COVID-19 and Its Impact in Butler County, OhioClick here for more information
Tuesday, January 26, 2021Upskill Your Workforce
TechCred – Upskill Your Workforce TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer each round. Credentials can be offered by a provider of the company’s choice, including online training providers. Both current and future employees can receive training through TechCred. This means those who are currently with the company as well as those who they plan to hire can earn a credential through TechCred, as long
Wednesday, January 20, 2021New Americans in Butler County
New research from New American Economy shows that immigrants contributed $1.4 billion to the GDP of the Butler County metropolitan area in 2018. The report, New Americans in Butler County, was prepared in partnership with the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Read more: New Americans in Butler County, Ohio
Tuesday, January 12, 2021Announcing Ascent - An Online Learning Platform with Resources
SBA has announced Ascent, an interactive digital platform packed with resources women business owners need to set, and achieve, their business goals. Ascent is designed for the “missing middle” — growth-oriented women entrepreneurs who are beyond the start-up phase and already generating revenue yet looking to grow and scale. Most learning resources for business owners focus on either start-ups or mature businesses. Ascent is here to change that! During these challenging times, SBA’s Ascent can also
Thursday, January 07, 2021Final Rule to Clarify Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
U.S. Department of Labor | January 6, 2021 U.S. Department of Labor Announces Final Rule to Clarify Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule clarifying the standard for employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). “This rule brings long-needed clarity for American workers and employers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Sharpening the test to
Tuesday, January 05, 2021COVID-Related Tax Relief Is Signed Into Law
COVID-Related Tax Relief Is Signed Into LawOn December 27, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA), which provides pandemic relief, as well as other tax and health-related provisions. The CAA contains the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (COVIDTRA), as well as a government funding law. Here are some of the highlights.READ MORE...Courtesy of Kirsch CPA Group
Tuesday, December 15, 2020Do You Have A Plan For Your Business
Do you have a plan for your business? A business plan serves as the foundation for your business and National Write a Business Plan Month is the perfect time to write or review your plan. Need help? Check out this guide (with examples!) and schedule a one-on-one virtual advising session with a certified Small Business Development (SBDC) advisor near you! Find the closest SBDC and other local assistance here: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance
Monday, November 30, 2020Help for Businesses to Navigate COVID-19
Help for Businesses to Navigate COVID-19 What is a COVID-19 Education Specialist? Public health professionals trained specifically to help businesses provide safe COVID-19 practices that support a healthy local economy, at no cost. Available services: on-site consultation on how to minimize the spread;assistance complying with state COVID-19 guidelines;free COVID-19 safety kit that includes hand sanitizer, gloves, mask, and cleaning materials;educational material and signsHow does a business
Monday, November 02, 2020Heard a rumor about election fraud, riots or national security? Don't react - check out the validity!
Heard a rumor about election fraud, riots, national security? Don't react - check out the validity with this linkCheck Validity of Rumors
Thursday, October 15, 2020Cybersecurity for All
It’s October! It’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, we will be celebrating in brand new ways the holiday season from Halloween to New Year’s. Soon, everyone will be virtually shopping for presents, looking up new recipes for holiday dinners and finding new ways to ring in the New Year. Right now, even more than previous years, everything is revolving around doing things virtually. Which is why I love that Cybersecurity Awareness Month is in October. In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness month
Monday, September 21, 20206 Ways to Improve Customer Trust
6 Ways to Improve Customer Trust People buy from those they know, like, and trust. Knowing comes from marketing and advertising. Like is cultivated by showing potential customers your human and endearing side. But how in the world do you help someone with minimal interaction with you and your business, trust you? It’s not as hard as you may think. 1. Be Transparent in Your Copy Stay away from extreme superlatives biggest, cheapest, most awesome ever. These claims make you sound like a disputable
Friday, September 18, 2020The Business Impact of the Abraham Accords
This week leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain came to the White House to sign the Abraham Accords, a historic agreement normalizing relations between the three countries. This agreement will unlock tremendous business potential between these economies and create new opportunities for trade and investment across the Middle East. “The great economic benefits of our partnerships will be felt throughout our region,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the signing
Friday, September 18, 2020Commercial Construction Contractors Work Through Backlogs, Express Optimism About Future
Thursday, September 17, 2020 - 9:00am 1 in 3 plan to hire more workers WASHINGTON, D.C. – The commercial construction industry showed signs of rebound in the latest U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index (Index). While the overall index score remained fairly steady, increasing by one point to 57 in the third quarter, two of the three main indicators saw increases, pointing to more optimism about the future. Despite the overall gain, the index remains significantly below the score of 74
Friday, September 18, 2020How to Get Your PPP Loan Forgiven
Paycheck Protection Program loans were a popular option for businesses hoping to survive COVID-19-related shutdowns. Here is what businesses need to do to get their PPP loans forgiven.By: Sean Ludwig, ContributorShare One of the single largest ways the federal government sought to aid businesses suffering from coronavirus-related shutdowns was the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). After its creation in March 2020, the program was modified several times to ensure more
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Monday, August 10, 2020Customer Experiences Will Build or Destroy Your Business
Customer Experiences Will Build or Destroy Your Business Written By: Dan Bates, President/CEO, Greater Hamilton ChamberSmart businesses understand and recognize the value of positive interaction. Customers generate the revenue a business needs to thrive but the circles of influence those customers have can make or break the future of a business or organization. With today’s social media, disappointing service or a negative experience with an establishment can be devastating. It really is pretty
Monday, July 06, 20205 Tips for Decluttering Your Office for More Peace of Mind
I have a friend who used to say “never have more personal things in your office than you can tuck under your arm.” He believed in a fast getaway and joked about never wanting to have to pack up a box and be escorted out of the building. That friend went on to open his own business and I wonder if he kept to his rule being able to tuck all of his worldly office possessions under one arm. If you're like me, you break the one-armed rule with abandon and while you may have piles of papers all over your
Wednesday, June 03, 20209 Ways to Get More Business Through Instagram
9 Easy Ways to Get More Business Through Instagram About a billion people (serious stat, not hyperbole) use the Instagram platform every month. 500 million people use the platform's stories feature every day. This year, Instagram is expected to reach 112 million users in the US alone and it's the fastest growing social media platform in Canada. If your target demographic is under the age of 40, they likely have an Instagram account, which means you should probably be on there. Instagram is an ideal
Friday, March 15, 2019How to Improve Your Business Reputation for Free
As a small business owner, your reputation is everything. It will make or break your business. Warren Buffet understood the value of a good business reputation when he said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” But protecting your reputation in the days of social media is hard. According to the White House Office of Consumer Affairs, an unhappy customer will tell between nine to 15 people about the incident. This
Friday, August 03, 20183 Most Common Business Challenges and Ways to Slay Them
Being a business owner has its rewards and its challenges. If you’ve been in business longer than a hot second, you’ve likely experienced both. Often the freedoms override the dissatisfaction, but if you find that the negatives are wearing on you, don’t get discouraged. The earlier you recognize the most common challenges of business ownership, the more likely you’ll be able to take them in stride.3 Most Common Business Challenges and Ways to Slay ThemHiring: This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll
Friday, June 01, 201812 Ways to Make Summer Business Sizzle
If it's been a long, cold winter for your business, it's time to kick things off with the season that generally equates to tourism and travel. Here's how you can capitalize on those things and get your marketing in a position to capture some of those summer crowds.Honor Groups with Discounts Use your social media profiles to create flash discounts for different groups in your community. For instance, people buying last-minute things for Father's Day on the Friday or Saturday, Veterans, first responders,
Monday, April 16, 201820 Inexpensive Ways to Surprise and Delight Your Customers
20 Inexpensive Ways to Surprise and Delight Your Customers There's a lot of noise out there right now. It's hard for a business to break through. But let's say you do and someone is trying you out for the first time. How can you not only exceed their expectations but delight them in a way they'll be talking about you later. Here are a few ideas on how you can make a big impression: Making a big impression on a new customer means doing something that stands out, something they haven't experienced before.
Thursday, February 15, 20188 Steps to Hosting a Great Business Event for Increased Revenue
Do you need more customers? Are traditional ways of increasing revenue not working for you? That may be because today's customers want to get to know you as a business. One way to help make that happen is by participating in social media. Another way is by hosting an in-person event. Whether you host a business event in partnership with a charity to help them raise money or simply have a sidewalk sale, a special business event can help bring people in and show them a new side to your business. But it does
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