Networking and connecting with businesses in the community remains critically important. The Chamber is working to bring businesses together to continue growing their network – virtually! We’ll be holding Zoom networking events and seminars every week to continue providing the benefits members have come to expect. Check out our calendar for up-to-date information about upcoming programs and events.
 
Here’s a peak into last Friday’s Networking at Noon conversation:
 
Attendees had a chance to introduce themselves and share what services their businesses are currently offering. The discussion shifted to how to best support one another, as well as how to pivot to be successful and generate income during this time.
 
Some key tips were shared, including:

• Personal touch in client relations is so important! Try customized gifts/baskets or personalized communication.
• Social media and Google reviews are key during this time. The more positive reviews your business has on Google, the closer to the top of the search results you will be. Also, some GoogleMyBusiness features are limited right now because of COVID-19; any issues you have may be from that!
• It is essential for local businesses to support one another during this time. If you order food, try making a Facebook post about the restaurant or leaving them a review so others know they are open.

 
Two events have been scheduled as a result of this conversation! Join us for:
 
4/8 @ noon: Top 5 Small and Medium-Sized Business Social Media Tips from IdeaFire Consulting
4/9 @ 4:30 - Virtual Off the Clock + Specialty Cocktail Class with Silver
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Let us know if you have any tips on how to help support fellow businesses during this time, or if you have an idea for a seminar topic. 

​Restaurants have been greatly impacted by the state-wide business closures. The Chamber is encouraging everyone to help support our local restaurants – by ordering takeout or purchasing gift cards to use in the future! To provide additional support to these members, the Chamber pulled together a meeting on 3/26 with our local restaurants and Andrew Friedson, County Councilmember for District 1, to provide some clarification on new regulations and create a space for conversation about the current situation.
 
Councilmember Friedson provided an update on the $20 million grant program Montgomery County will be launching. The bill passed on Tuesday and, as an emergency legislation, immediately went into effect. The grant can be applied toward any business operating expenses: payroll, debt, rent, etc. About 98% of businesses in Montgomery County should be eligible for a grant.
 
The county is also launching a program in partnership with Visit Montgomery to provide subsidized hotel rooms for healthcare workers. Hotels can contact Kelly Groff at Visit Montgomery for more information about this program.
 
Councilmember Friedson encouraged anyone with questions to contact his office; they will help direct businesses on accessing other pools of funding at the state and federal level.  **Add his social media councilmember.friedson@montgomerycountymd.gov
 
You can also visit our resource page for helpful inks and community updates.
 
Questions from the call:
If you get one loan/grant, does it affect your ability to qualify or receive another?
No. The county grant program does not limit any other funding or take other funding into account when awarding grants.
 
Is the grant first come first served? Or will certain amounts be earmarked for different industries and businesses?
It will most likely be first come first served. There may be some tiering and bucketing, but this has not been finalized.
 
What is the maximum amount a business can receive from the grant program?
The maximum amount a business can receive from the county’s program is $75,000 depending on demonstrated need and losses. The limit through the state’s $175 million plan is $10K.
 
In other locations, places are buying back unopened alcohol – for example from people that bought preparing for St. Patrick’s Day. Is Montgomery County considering this?
There has been discussion with ABS about buy-backs for unopened liquor.
 
What information can we take back to our furloughed or laid off employees?
Expedited unemployment – furloughed employees qualify for unemployment insurance and the wait periods are gone. There also is a 4 month extension on unemployment insurance.
SafetyNet programs – $5 million appropriation for healthcare needs, food insecurity, housing/homelessness issues and needs
There is a stay on all evictions – commercial and residential - this order is reassessed and extended every 15 days.
 
I’ve been having trouble accessing the Maryland unemployment application…
It seems to be a traffic problem – people have suggested accessing the site between 7pm and 7amm when traffic is lower.
 
My business has been harmed but I don’t have the proof yet; it is going to be a delayed loss. What is the criteria going to be for the grant program?
The Executive branch is working through it, but the county cannot be in the position to pay for prospective losses. Each business applying for a loan/grant will have unique needs and should consider all possible sources of funding. Councilmember Friedson’s office can help businesses navigate access to different programs.