Paycheck Protection Program Updates (New)

The PPP’s funding formula has been revised for Schedule C filers, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals. New first draw and second draw applicants in these categories may be able to utilize the revised formula to receive more financial support.

PPP Webinar Series (New)

The U.S. Small Business Administration has some key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which will be available for a limited amount of time to ensure America’s smallest businesses get exclusive access. If you are a small business owner with fewer than 20 employees, or are self-employed; there is new information for you. Join a PPP webinar to learn more.

Targeted EIDL Advance Mapping Tool (New)

EIDL Advance funds of up to $10,000 will be available to applicants located in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000, or those who applied but received no funds due to lack of available program funding.

To help applicants determine if they are located in a low-income community, a mapping tool is now available at https://sbaeidl.policymap.com/app.

Mar 23; 2:00 - 3:30 PM

The Syracuse University College of Law’s Innovation Law Center will present an overview on Intellectual Property Protection on Tuesday, March 23rd from 2:00 - 3:30 PM. This presentation is intended to be a basic overview of how patents, trade secrets, copyright, and trademarks can provide protection for your unique idea, and a competitive advantage to your business. After the presentation, the ILC team will be on hand to answer questions about IP and its role in your business strategy.

This webinar is hosted by the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center and cosponsored by the Advanced Institute for Manufacturing.

Government Contracting Webinar Series (New)

The Government Contracting Webinar series is designed to help small businesses understand what they need to do to make the government their next customer. Each webinar will go over a specific area of government contracting and help small businesses understand how to do business with the government.

Rome Area Chamber of Commerce Business Assistance Fund (New)

The Rome Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the Business Assistance Fund, which will provide monetary grants to businesses who can demonstrate a financial hardship caused by the pandemic. The BAF is designed to be a streamlined application process to efficiently get funds to those who need it as quickly as possible. 

To kick off this effort, the Chamber has seeded the BAF with $5,000 and raised nearly another $25,000 from individuals and businesses that are fortunate enough to be able to help.

All Rome area employers facing pandemic-related hardships are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those with a current or past Chamber relationship.

Regional Healthcare Forum (New)

Mar 11; 12:00 - 1:15 PM

Join the Genesis Group and the Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley for an informative discussion about Covid-19, vaccinations and other health concerns. Learn the latest developments in treatment, prevention and detection from area physicians.

Understanding banking requirements and financing options is a vital part of operating your business successfully. In this four-part series, you will learn best practices to help navigate a variety of banking topics for starting, sustaining, expanding, and selling a business.

SBA will offer the Emerging Leaders Initiative to 15-20 small business owners (participants) in the Syracuse region. The initiative uses a copyrighted curriculum called the StreetWise Steps™ to Small Business Growth. The curriculum gives small business owners an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through a combination of 1) executive education; 2) practical tips based on “real-life” business experience, and; 3) advice from business leaders that can be readily applied.

Pitch Herkimer County is a county-wide live pitch competition that brings the entrepreneurial spirit to life, pairing aspiring entrepreneurs with a diverse cast of judges tasked with helping them kick start the next big idea! After all, even a great idea could use a little support. And with a $5,000 grand prize on the line, the pressure is on. Business plans must be submitted by May 10.