05/05/2021: Application Open for Restaurant Revitalization $28.6 Fund -

Registration is now open for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) on the SBA's Award portal.  Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the process in advance to ensure smoother processing. If already working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register beforehand l. For the first 21 days of the program, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. After that, eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis and the portal will remain open until all funds are exhausted.  

The COVID pandemic walloped business in general, significantly smaller, local ones. Given that, using social media like Facebook and Yelp is a free way to have an online presence and let customers know you're open for business. More importantly, how they can enjoy the food you serve, buy the items you sell, or the services you offer.

If you already have a Facebook page, note that posts are dated. If your most recent posts is more than a few months old, get busy and post something! Make sure contact info' is current. An easy entry for a restaurant can be a photo of a specialty dish or article about food.  Retailers can use photos of a items they carries, specials or upcoming sale; service industries a few words, or link to an article about their type of business and how it can benefit individuals and other companies.

Facebook and Yelp are FREE. Indeed, if you type your business name into the Facebook or Yelp search features, your business might already be there and need to be claimed by you.

If you're not already on Facebook, click here to set up a page

If you're not already on Yelp, click here to set up a listing

If you're a NW Connection Member and need help with setting up on Facebook or Yelp, the service is free. Call or email Pete Schmugge 773/558-8743; nwconnectioncc@gmail.com

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department announced further details of tax credits available under the American Rescue Plan to help small businesses, including providing paid leave for employees receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. The additional details spell out some basic facts about the employers eligible for the tax credits.

Click for information.

Lincoln Park Zoo began with two pairs of swans -a gift from New York's Central Park in 1868. Since then, it has grown side by side with the City of Chicago - from swans to science and from trading post to metropolis. Visitors learn about diverse species from around the planet, the animals receive enrichment that inspires natural behaviors, and its scientists protect ecosystems from Chicago to the Republic of Congo.   It is the only privately managed, free zoo in the country.

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additional copies for clients & customers.

2nd Quarter 2021

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Click here for inventory; here to send a listing

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