For over 2 years, the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provided funding to help small businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are not forgivable and must be repaid. Payments were automatically deferred for 30 months from the date of the Note. SBA began approving COVID EIDL applications in Spring 2020. This means we are rapidly approaching the end of the deferment period for those early loans. Business owners should start preparing to make payments.

Summer 2022 started off with a sizzle, bringing multiple 90-degree days and an abundance of sunshine. The scorching temperatures mean the air-conditioning is cranked up and energy usage is on the rise. Electric and natural gas prices are higher than this time last year, so it’s important to prepare and protect against market volatility.

SCORE is looking for experienced business people who are interested in volunteering as mentors for America’s small businesses.

Like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, SCORE is also a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC is staffed by certified full-time employees who offer no-cost one-on-one business consulting, complimentary seminars and training, assistance with small business loans and technical assistance.

SCORE is a team of 10,000+ volunteers nationwide who share their business experience, talent, and expertise (at no-cost) with the small business community. Including:

a. Subject Matter Experts – who have focused expertise to co-mentor alongside one of SCORE’s certified mentors. Typical skills include legal, accounting, human resources, intellectual property, marketing, building a brand, eCommerce, buying/selling a business, etc.

b. Mentors – who have general business knowledge including entrepreneurial, operational, and multi-functional skills (eg, sales, marketing, manufacturing, starting a business, strategic planning, etc.).

If you’re looking for a way to give back, make a difference, and be a leader in the community, join SCORE. While some of the SCORE volunteers are retired, other current volunteers are still working full-time or part-time. You can volunteer as little as 1 hour/month or up to 20 hours/month.

If you are interested in volunteering with SCORE, please send an email to Mike.Messmer@scorevolunteer.org

More information available about volunteering is at score.org/volunteer

08.12 – You deserve to know the leaders whose decisions impact your business. The Summer Legislative Reception presented by Charter Communications puts you face to face with elected officials, giving you the chance to build relationships with public officials and strengthen the connection between our public and private communities.

Members of the Ohio General Assembly, county commissioners, mayors, council members and other attendees with an emphasis on federal and statewide office holders are being invited to attend.

8.24 – We believe in creating spaces for collaboration and connection. On Aug. 24, we set sail for an evening with graduates of the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy as well as members of EPIC Toledo and the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, converging everyone in the northwest Ohio business community you need to know. And we’re doing it on the newest addition to the downtown Toledo waterfront – J&M Cruise Lines’ Glass City Pearl!

Beginning 10.21 – We believe in growing businesses and reaching new frontiers. Whether you sell a widget or offer a service, your business can become more financially stable, successful and access new markets with the tools you'll receive in Export Success. This class is strategically designed to teach you how to expand your business into global markets, and you'll walk away ready to export with a plan customized for your unique needs.

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation: July 26: Ohio EPA’s Regulations – What You Need to

YWCA: Aug. 5: FREE Health Fair to include: Blood & Mammogram screenings and free smoke alarms!

Dana Open presented by Marathon: Aug. 29-Sept. 1: Tickets are on sale now!