In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to thank and recognize the Veteran-owned Chamber businesses we have in our community. We salute you, and thank you all for your devotion and service. We also want to acknowledge the outstanding services that Homes for Our Troops provides to our veterans.

On Nov. 6, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans issued a stay temporarily blocking President Biden’s new COVID-19 vaccination-or-testing policy for businesses with at least 100 employees companywide. The court issued the ruling after a range of lawsuits were filed in states across the country challenging the policy. Learn more here.

For continuing coverage of the new vaccine-or-testing policy, visit SHRM's COVID-19 Vaccination Resources Page.

Join the SBA November 15-17 for the first Innovation Ecosystem Summit, allowing innovation communities throughout the country to join and participate. The inaugural Summit is curated to connect ESOs from around the country to leverage one another and build inclusive innovation ecosystems. Gather with new and thriving entrepreneurial support organizations working with startups and small businesses, particularly those serving underrepresented communities, that are trying to build out and commercialize their technologies. Register here.

In response to growing pressures on restaurant owners across the Commonwealth due to COVID, the Massachusetts Conference for Women and Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) have announced $300,000 in new funding to support women-owned restaurants.

This is the second consecutive year the organizations have teamed up to support women-owned restaurants. In 2020, they distributed $330,000 to help restaurants pay rent and employees, adapt their business model, or meet other restaurant needs.

The 2021 initiative will provide $5,000 grants to more than 60 restaurants. Apply here.

• December 31, 2021 deadline

• Deferred payment period until two years after loan origination.

• Expansion of eligible use of Funds - COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.

• Simplification of application process for small businesses.

Apply here.

Even though we’ve been dealing with the effects of COVID-19 since March 2020, there are still new laws, orders, and issues that come up every day for employers. Join Attorney Wendy Hansen, Foley & Foley PC, for a FREE interactive and informative webinar on Thursday, November 18th at 3:00 p.m.

This webinar entitled "COVID-19 Updates for the Workplace" will include:

• vaccine mandates

• how to manage exemptions

• a review on how to handle a positive COVID case at work

• and any other potential liabilities for employers.

Register here.

How effective is your business website? SEED Corp. is offering a free, virtual workshop on Thursday, December 2nd from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Participants will learn about designing and building a successful website for their small businesses. The workshop will be instructed by Robin Clapp of Web Design by Robin and will cover the seven key elements of web design essential to the success of every small business with an online presence. All workshop attendees will be provided with the presentation to keep as a reference, as well as additional resources. Register here.

Are you a young professional looking to build your professional skillset? Join the Chamber and the Young Professionals Group on Thursday, November 18th at noon on Zoom! We'll be learning advice and insight from Tom Harkin, a member of the BCC Alumni Steering Committee, as he shares on an important topic, "Accepting Constructive Criticism."

This informational series is sponsored by Commonwealth Alternative Care. Register below.

Get an update on state happenings and have your questions answered during this Q&A with State Representative Carol Doherty, sponsored by The Lopes Companies. Submit questions in advance here. Register below to attend this Zoom session on Tuesday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m.

The 6th Annual Basket Raffle to benefit the Taunton Christmas Parade is here! Raffle baskets are currently on display and tickets are for sale on the 2nd floor (front entrance) of City Hall at 15 Summer Street. Stop by and see these gorgeous, generously-donated baskets crafted by City of Taunton Employees. Chances are 11 tickets/$10 or 24 tickets/$20. Winners will be drawn prior to the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 30th. This is the major fundraiser to support the much-loved Christmas Parade which is being held on Sunday, December 5th at noon.

Let SCORE business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs or the start-up and growth of your small business. All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. If you are an existing SCORE client, please send an email to your SCORE counselor to schedule a phone call or Zoom conference. If you are new to SCORE, please complete the Request a Mentor form and someone from SCORE will contact you via email to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Sign up for SCORE webinars here. View upcoming webinars here.

Veterans make up only 8% of the US population, but they’re twice as likely to own a business as their civilian counterparts. SCORE resources and mentors help veterans starting a small business capitalize on their military experience. Find more info. here.

Join this presentation on the legal issues facing all business owners. Some topics to be discussed are:

Presenter is David Berman, SCORE Boston Mentor.

Register here.

Ready for a new website? Whether you're building it yourself or you decide to work with a pro, getting organized is the key to your website's success!

• Define your audience.

• Set your website's goals.

• Determine key functionality and features.

• Plan your website content.

• Get your accounts and logins in order.

After this webinar, you'll have a comprehensive plan in place for your business's website. Attendees may also request the free workbook upon completion of the webinar.

Register here.

Are you looking for ways to help your small business community? Would you like to grow your network or develop professionally? As a SCORE volunteer, you get it all!

Join the SCORE network of 10,000 volunteers. SCORE relies on volunteers to help small business around the country thrive.

Interested? Visit the volunteer web page to find about the many benefits of volunteering and the right opportunity for you!

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