On Thursday, April 23, the Hispanic Business Coalition moved their popular Wake Up Entrepreneur! series to a virtual platform. They brought in Small Business Administration Senior Area Manager Ed Ramos to explain the Resources for Small Businesses that are available through the SBA, including the loans created by the CARES Act. The topic was particularly timely considering April 23 was also the day that Congress passed another $484 billion aimed at helping small businesses, hospitals, and coronavirus testing. This includes $310 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program. With these additional funds, the SBA will again be processing applications for the PPP loans that cover payroll and other specific expenses for small businesses.
Following the presentation from Mr. Ramos, the HBC hosted a panel discussion on questions and issues that have arisen following the first round of PPP and EIDL loans. In addition to Mr. Ramos, this panel included HBC Chairman Carlos Velez of the Orlando Magic, CenterState Bank Kissimmee branch manager Monica Medina, and Tomato Express Market owner Stella Siracuza.
You can catch videos of the presentation in both English and Spanish below:
In an effort to keep our members connected during this time of social distancing and many business closures, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce has created new closed Facebook Groups. We want to help our members connect with similar industry businesses, and we hope this will allow them a venue to share tips and ideas, discuss what they have going on at this difficult time, and help each other through processes like applying for loans or working remotely. Our plan is to occasionally offer virtual presentations designed specifically for each group, and we hope that these groups will continue as a useful tool even once this situation has passed.
Chamber members can join these Facebook groups with their personal page or their organization's page, or both. More than one representative from a business or organization are welcome. Just click the appropriate link below and it will take you to the corresponding group. Click “join” and you will be asked a series of three questions. We ask that you please answer these questions and agree to a few rules. Group members must be members in good standing of the Chamber and we ask that you join a group that is relevant to your industry. Sales pitches, solicitation, and spamming will not be allowed.
Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Small Business
This group is for small business owners and operators.
Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Restaurants
This groups is for our restaurant owners, operators, and employees...from mom & pops to chain establishments, come join us!
Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Non-Profits
This group is for our non-profits. Members of our non-profit coalition can keep in touch and share insights between meetings.
Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Accommodations
This group is geared toward those in the hotel/motel, vacation home, timeshare industry.
Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Attractions
This group is for our attractions members...from museums to the mouse.
Find ways to support Osceola nonprofits & frontline workers with donations & community resources.Are you looking for a way to give back or support those on the front lines during these challenging times? Or perhaps you need direction on how to continue to support our amazing non-profits as they continue to serve our most vulnerable populations? We have compiled a list of non-profits and other organizations that are looking for particular types of aid, as well as other suggestions on ways you can give back.
Purchase Gift Cards for Local Businesses and Restaurants
Visit your favorite local, independently owned establishments (or, if possible, go online) and purchase a gift card directly from the business. This will help their bottom line in the short term and give you a fun evening out or exciting purchase to look forward to at a later date!
Orlando Health Homemade Mask Donations
Orlando Health is closely monitoring and managing supply levels .To diversify resources, and to allow a more comfortable mask option for non-clinical situations, they are now accepting homemade masks. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not consider the homemade masks a substitute for surgical masks or N-95 respirators, cloth masks may slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in people who may not yet know they have COVID-19. Donation specifics can be found here.
AdventHealth Give Back Resources
Help doctors, nurses, and others on the front lines with some suggestions form our friends
at AdventHealth here: AdventHealth COVID-19 Donation Hubs
Community Hope Center
The Community Hope Center is looking for donations on their website, and donations of the of the following items can be made via Amazon Smile:
Education Foundation of Osceola County
The Education Foundation has started an online COVID-19 Giving Campaign to help raise funds for laptops, school supplies, hygiene, food and clothing. Donate here.
Osceola County Council on Aging
The Osceola Council on Aging has need for donations for their food pantry.
Help Now of Osceola County
Help Now of Osceola, Inc. will remain open and ready to assist during the coronavirus period of isolation. Their crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at 407-847-8562.
Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Livestream on Community Resources and Assistance During COVID-19
On April 8, Reverend Mary Downey with the Community Hope Center joined us for our Wednesday livestream. She spoke about federal and community resources and assistance, but also gave an update on the work of local nonprofits such as hers as they aid the most vulnerable populations during this tricky time, and work to meet a growing need resulting from economic turmoil. You can view that livestream on our Facebook, YouTube, or right here:
The Kissimmee Chamber says "Thank You"
Our Chamber Area Council Boards of Directors have been saying "thank you" to all of our frontline responders, workers, deliverers, and teachers. We will roll out these videos on our Facebook page, and they will also be available on our YouTube Channel. If you are doing something to shine a light on god in our community, or just to say thanks, let us know about it!
