April 2020 Newsletter
A Message From Our President
It was nearly ten months ago that I was seated as President, anxious yet confident – similar to that feeling of starting a new job. I was excited and hopeful to assist our talented and dedicated board to foster growth and strengthen the organization. Who could have known then that I would be called to lead amidst the first modern-day worldwide pandemic, blindsided and shaken with tremendous uncertainty.
How NAWBO Chicago Members Are Making a Difference
Aneesa Muthana, President / CEO / Owner of Pioneer Service Inc.
"As a precision parts manufacturer, we already serve the medical industry, among many others. We’re expanding our existing capability to produce hydraulic valves for stretchers and ventilator parts. We want to make more of what we already make—ventilator and stretcher parts—and we're up to the challenge. Our goal is to have a minimum of 70% of our equipment dedicated towards flighting this battle against COVID-19. 

We make precision parts to make a living, but outreach and advocacy are front-and-center in what we do. One of our core values is stewardship, which means protecting our industry and employees, but also the greater community. Aside from just being the right thing to do, it also gives me and my employees a means to build a legacy even as we earn a living."
Laura Pichon, VP Development & Strategic Partnerships of Ex-Tech Plastics Inc.
"As the COVID crisis continues to unfold, we keep hearing about shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our medical professionals. Ex-Tech recognized that we have the ability to help produce part of the PET face shields, and have ramped up production to help produce these critical items. We began producing PET plastic sheets (the same material as in pop bottles) the week of March 22, and have partnered up with a number of our customers in thermoforming to produce these parts.

It’s been a big win on a number of levels: primarily that we are able to help keep our doctors and nurses safe; a lot of formers that may not otherwise be able to operate right now have been able to shift over production lines to help out and we are seeing that plastic truly is an important material in applications like this, and crucial in keeping people safe and healthy. We estimate that we have produced enough so far to create 525,000 shields, and that number is growing rapidly. We are committed to making this a priority as long as it’s needed."
Self-Care Tips for Stressful Times
Melissa Leger, Owner of Mindful Yoga Chicago
Stress has a significant impact – on the mind, the body, and on our emotional landscape – which causes us to react quickly, often without thinking of the effects of our reactions. While the sudden impact of COVID-19 is undoubtedly a stressor for all of us, managing our own stress is crucial not only for self-care but so we can  respond vs. react  to these new challenges in our businesses. 
37th Annual Achievement Luncheon - Postponed
Due to CDC Guidelines for COVID-19, the NAWBO Chicago Achievement Luncheon has to be postponed. We are currently working with the Fairmont to secure a new date.

At this time, we are continuing to sell tickets for the upcoming event, and we are requesting that ticket purchasers, if you are able, hold onto their reservations. As a nonprofit organization who has had their signature fundraiser delayed, your Achievement Luncheon purchase will help us manage any financial shortfalls created for NAWBO Chicago by COVID-19. 

The support of NAWBO Chicago for local women business owners is more important in light of the current pandemic, and we thank you for your commitment and dedication!
45 Years and Counting: Let's Be Better Together!
NAWBO's annual Spring Membership Drive is now underway through May 31, 2020. Sign up during the drive to receive $45 off the one-time new member initiation fee in honor of our 45th anniversary. Join as a premier member and get $3,575 of value for the annual cost of $359.40:

  • Premier (Voting) Members receive additional perks locally
  • Mastermind ($2,000 value)
  • Connects ($300 value)
  • Workshops ($200 value)
  • NAWBO Talks ($75 value)
  • Discounts ($1,000+ value)
  • Tribe, Community, Network (Priceless)

Please check our website for Local Virtual Planning.

Please check our website for National Virtual Planning.
Partner Events

Presented by City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)
Friday, April 3
9:30 am

COVID-19 Resources
COVID Funding Opportunities

Small Business Debt Relief Program
This program will provide immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504, and microloans. Under it, the SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees, for six months. This relief is also available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months the CARES Act enactment. Learn more here .

Payment Protection Program
The CARES Act makes temporary changes to the SBA 7(a) loam program by providing 100% loan guarantees for SBA-administered loans of up to $10 million per small business. These changes allow for the use of loans to include payroll support and waives collateral and personal guarantee requirements. Eligible businesses must have been operating on February 15, 2020, and the borrower must provide a lender with a good faith certification of need. Learn more here .

Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
The City of Chicago recognizes that COVID-19 has put a difficult burden on our business and non-profit community. As a response to this challenge, the City of Chicago has established the $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund (the Resiliency Fund), which will provide small businesses and non-profits with emergency cash flow during this health crisis. Funds will be provided to eligible businesses as low-interest loans. Learn more here .

Partner Resources
NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Submit May information to the newsletter editor at info@NAWBOChicago.org by April 24, 2020
About    |    Events   |    Partners   |   Membership