Oklahoma County Burn Ban

Burn Ban in Effect Until February 1, 2022

All of Oklahoma County is under a burn ban until February 1, 2022.

It is illegal to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop, or other wildlands, build a campfire or bonfire or burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop, or other wildland fire.

You can use approved cooking appliances with caution when cooking outdoors.

Violating this ban is a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment up to a year.

Find the full text of the resolution here: https://bit.ly/33OxoUT.

COVID-19 TESTING

As COVID-19 cases rapidly rise in Oklahoma County due to the Omicron variant, below are 2 locations for free testing. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please get tested and follow CDC guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

OCCHD Southern Oaks
Health & Wellness Campus
6728 S Hudson Ave., OKC
M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free PCR test
No appointment needed
Please remain in your vehicle when you arrive to get tested.

 

OCCHD Drive-Thru Testing Center at the Northeast Health & Wellness Campus
2720 NE 63rd, OKC
M, W, F: 8:30 a.m. -  2 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 1 p.m.- 7 p.m
Saturday: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Free PCR test
No appointment needed
You will remain in your vehicle as you drive through the building.
 

As of January 4, testing demand is high. Please be patient and kind as you search for a testing location. 

Click here for more testing sites

Click here for CDC guidelines on when to stay home

Oklahoma Commerce Industry Calls Monthly

Commerce Update Industry Calls

Join for this month’s Commerce Update industry calls on Wednesday, Jan. 5.

Schedule and Links

Industry : Businesses

Times & Days : 10 a.m. First Wednesday of Each Month

Webinar Link : https://okcommerce.zoom.us/j/91855148566

Meeting ID : 918-5514-8566

Industry : EDOs and Non-profits

Times & Days : 2 p.m. First Wednesday of Each Month

Webinar Link : https://okcommerce.zoom.us/j/99730772301

Meeting ID : 997-3077-2301

 

Joining by Phone

Call 346-248-7799 and enter the Meeting ID when prompted.

Submitting Questions

The webinars are listen-only, but you may submit your questions in the webinar chat box. You may also email questions to okindustryassistance@okcommerce.gov.


Participation is limited to the first 1000 to join each call. 

Hofmeister announces members of 2022 Student Advisory Council

Hofmeister announces members of 
2022 Student Advisory Council

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Carrie Burkhart
Director of Communications
(405) 521-3371, c: (405) 760-7881
carrie.burkhart@sde.ok.gov

Erin Corbin
Communications Specialist
(405) 521-3375
erin.corbin@sde.ok.gov

Annette Price
Communications Specialist
(405) 521-6647
annette.price@sde.ok.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 4, 2022) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister has named 74 high school students from around Oklahoma to her 2022 Student Advisory Council. This is the seventh year the group has convened to assist Hofmeister and the Oklahoma State Department of Education with policy matters. 

“These students are among the top high school leaders in our state, and it is imperative to get their feedback. The insight we receive from this council is incredibly valuable, and their thoughtful reflection and fearless vision is instrumental to our decision-making,” Hofmeister said. 

The 2022 Student Advisory Council will hold its first meeting virtually on Jan. 25. Students will discuss issues they face in school and brainstorm remedies. Feedback from the Student Advisory Council has influenced state-level initiatives to provide teachers more professional development in trauma-informed instruction, replace end-of-course high school testing with ACT or SAT, and pilot Individual Career Academic Planning. 

Students named to the council represent rural, urban and suburban schools of all sizes. Each student was recommended by their district superintendent. Eighteen are returning members who have served on the council in previous years. 

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I-40 Resurfacing and Construction at Crutcho Creek, SE 15th St, Sooner Rd Del City.

I-40 Resurfacing and Bridge Reconstruction
at Crutcho Creek, SE 15th St, Sooner Rd in Del City

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-40 lane, ramp closures in Del City Monday, Aug. 9; expect significant westbound I-40 lane shift Tuesday morning

Westbound I-40 ramp and lane closures are scheduled Monday night to shift lanes to the south through fall 2022 as part of ongoing bridge reconstruction. These changes will significantly impact travel, especially during peak travel times. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use an alternate route, such as I-240 or US-62/N.E. 23rd St.

  • Westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane between Hudiburg Dr. (mm 156B) and Sunnlyane Rd. (mm 155A) from 8 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday for the westbound I-40 lane shift to the south through fall 2022.

  • All westbound I-40 ramps at Sooner Rd., S.E. 15th St. and Sunnylane Rd. will be closed for a short period overnight Monday while lanes are shifted south to the new, temporary configuration.

  • The westbound I-40 on-ramp from Hudiburg Dr. (mm 156B) will remain closed through winter 2022.

  • When westbound I-40 reopens to two lanes Tuesday morning, motorists are advised to expect congestion and delays as traffic adjusts to the new lane configuration.

  • The following eastbound I-40 on-ramps are closed through Tuesday morning for ongoing surface repairs:

    • Sunnylane Rd. (mm 155A)

    • S.E. 15th St. (mm 156B)

    • Sooner Rd. (mm 156A)

  • Eastbound I-40 will remain narrowed to one lane between Scott St. (mm 154) and S.E. 15th St. (mm 156B) through Tuesday for ongoing repairs. Expect significant delays in the corridor.

I-40 narrowed at Sunnylane Rd. in Del City through 2023

Eastbound and westbound I-40 is narrowed to two lanes between Sunnylane Rd. (mm 155A) and Hudiburg Dr. (mm 156B) for bridge reconstruction at Crutcho Creek, S.E. 15th St. and Sooner Rd. Other traffic impacts include:

  • There are limited merge areas at the I-40 and Sunnylane Rd., S.E. 15th and Sooner Rd. on-ramps within the work zone. Motorists are advised to be extra vigilant and use caution at ramps before merging.

  • Eastbound traffic on the northern I-40 service road will be closed between S.E. 15th St. and Hudiburg Dr. from June 15 through winter 2021.

  • Eastbound and westbound S.E. 15th St. is narrowed to one lane in each direction at the intersection with Vickie Dr./Tinker Diagonal through winter 2022 with temporary traffic signals installed.

  • The westbound S.E. 15th St. left turn onto the I-40 service road will be closed through fall 2021.

  • Sooner Rd. is intermittently narrowed to one lane in each direction under I-40 through spring 2022. Motorists may use the service roads for a detour during the closure.

  • Motorists are advised to locate an alternate route such as I-240 and US-62/N.E. 23rd St. or plan extra travel time and be prepared for delays in the area.

About the I-40 Bridge Reconstruction at Crutcho Creek, S.E. 15th St. and Sooner Rd.

  • Six new bridges and approaches are planned on eastbound and westbound I-40 at Crutcho Creek, S.E. 15th St. and Sooner Rd. in Del City.

  • This estimated nearly $80 million contract was awarded to Manhattan Road and Bridge Co. of Tulsa in June 2020 by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.

  • The project is estimated to take nearly 2.5 years to complete and traffic will be narrowed to two lanes in each direction for much of that time. Work began in late summer 2020.

  • The bridges will be widened to accommodate a fourth lane in each direction and built taller to bring them to modern bridge standards.

  • This project addresses the worst known structurally deficient bridges on the state system in the Oklahoma City metro area. They have monopolized ODOT’s Oklahoma City metro maintenance resources due to poor conditions and ongoing significant repair needs.

  • Nearly 90,000 vehicles use this area daily, on average, according to 2018 traffic data.

About the I-40 Resurfacing between I-35 and Sooner Rd.

  • Eastbound and westbound I-40was resurfaced between I-35/Fort Smith Junction (mm 153) and Sooner Rd.(mm 156A) this spring ahead of a six-bridge reconstruction project in Del City.

  • This project will help prepare the surface for heavy traffic to limit the amount of potential additional closures once the bridge reconstruction work starts in summer 2020.

  • This $1.4 million resurfacing contract was awarded inOctober 2019by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to T.J. Campbell Construction Company.

  • Workstarted March 29 and completed ahead of schedule in late April 2020.

Mid-Del Technology Center Releases January and February 2022 Open Enrollment Schedule

MDTC Business Development & Training

Mid-Del Technology Center offers both in-person and virtual classes available for individuals to sign up for business development & training. These are perfect for individuals or small businesses to join and improve their skills and portfolios without having to organize a large group training.

Visit their Business Development & Training site to learn more about these classes and other services offered at their Del City Facility @ 3921 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115

MDTC January 2022 Open Enrollment Classes

MDTC February 2022 Open Enrollment Classes

SBA News

Oklahoma District Webinar Schedule This Week

Submit your Entry Today for an SBA Oklahoma Award!

SBA Now Accepting 2022 National Small Business Week Awards Nominations

The U.S. Small Business Administration Oklahoma District Office is seeking outstanding entrepreneurs and champions of small business to honor during National Small Business Week.  Nominations are being accepted electronically through January 11, 2022 at 2pm CT..

The Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year will be selected based on number of years in business, growth in employees, increase in sales, innovativeness of product or service, response to adversity and contributions to the community.   The Oklahoma award winner will go on to compete for 2022 National Small Business Person of the Year award. 

“Small business drives Oklahoma job growth,” John D. Veal, Jr., Oklahoma District Director said. “These awards recognize successful Oklahoma businesses while also serving as an inspiration to Oklahomans looking to own their own part of the American dream through small business success.”

Any individual or organization dedicated to the support of the small business community in the United States may submit nominations for the following awards: 

  1. Small Business Person of the Year

  2. Small Business Exporter of the Year

  3. 8(a) Graduate of the Year

  4. National Phoenix (Disaster Recovery) Awards

  5. SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

  6. Family-Owned Business of the Year

  7. Encore Entrepreneur of the Year

  8. Entrepreneurial Success Award

  9. Home-Based Business of the Year

  10. Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year

  11. Manufacturer of the Year

  12. Small Business Champion of the Year

To obtain a nomination packet or for more information, contact Larry Weatherford, 405/609-8012 or Larry.Weatherford@SBA.gov. 

An informational Webinar will be held December 15th at 10:30 am CT.  To register simply click this link.

Final COVID-19 Relief Q&A for Small Business Webinar

COVID-19 Small Business Webinar and Q&A 

This will be the last of our scheduled weekly calls.  We will schedule as needed in 2022.

11 a.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Link: Click here to join the meeting

Join by phone/Toll number:  +1 202-765-1264,,297039960#  (Dial-in Number)

Conference ID: 297 039 960#

Contact: Larry Weatherford, Larry.Weatherford@SBA.gov

Programs and Services of the SBA Webinar

Join SBA Staff for an overview of programs and services available to Oklahomans who want to start or grow their business. Entrepreneurs will learn what services are offered by SBA and our resource partners at no cost including SBA loans, consulting services, federal contracting, disaster assistance, and more. Open to all interested in starting or growing a business.

Thursday, December 16, 2021, 11:00 am CST

Contact Pam Walker, pam.walker@sba.gov

 

Register

Keep Up to Date on SBA Programs

Get the latest information.  Follow the Oklahoma District Office on Twitter @SBA_Oklahoma

The Oklahoma District Office Twitter account is your one-stop shop for news about Small Business in Oklahoma plus important information from resource partners and SBA news across the nation.

SBA Oklahoma District Office seeking 2022 Small Business Week Award Nominations

Oklahoma District Office

 

Release Date: December 6, 2021                               Contact: Larry.Weatherford@sba.gov

 

SBA Now Accepting 2022 National Small Business

Week Awards Nominations

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Small Business Administration Oklahoma District Office is seeking outstanding entrepreneurs and champions of small business to honor during National Small Business Week.  Nominations are being accepted electronically through January 11, 2022 at 2pm CT..

 

The Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year will be selected based on number of years in business, growth in employees, increase in sales, innovativeness of product or service, response to adversity and contributions to the community.   The Oklahoma award winner will go on to compete for 2022 National Small Business Person of the Year award. 

 

“Small business drives Oklahoma job growth,” John D. Veal, Jr., Oklahoma District Director said. “These awards recognize successful Oklahoma businesses while also serving as an inspiration to Oklahomans looking to own their own part of the American dream through small business success.”

 

Any individual or organization dedicated to the support of the small business community in the United States may submit nominations for the following awards: 

 

1.                   Small Business Person of the Year

2.                   Small Business Exporter of the Year

3.                   8(a) Graduate of the Year

4.                   National Phoenix (Disaster Recovery) Awards

5.                   SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

6.                   Family-Owned Business of the Year

7.                   Encore Entrepreneur of the Year

8.                   Entrepreneurial Success Award

9.                   Home-Based Business of the Year

10.               Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year

11.               Manufacturer of the Year

12.               Small Business Champion of the Year

 

To obtain a nomination packet or for more information, contact Larry Weatherford, 405/609-8012 or Larry.Weatherford@SBA.gov. 

 

The Oklahoma District Office of the SBA is responsible for providing businesses with tools for enhancing and growing their businesses. It also oversees the delivery of SBA's programs throughout the states such as:

  • Free counseling, advice and information on starting a business through SCORE, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers, and the Women’s Business Center. These organizations also conduct training events throughout the district.

  • Financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders.

  • Business development assistance via the 8(a) program, available to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

  • Veterans assistance through the Boots to Business program and dedicated lending programs for Veterans

 

For more information on any of these programs, contact the Oklahoma District office at 405/609-8000.

MDTC Business Development & Training Center Monthly Opportunities

Do you have just a few employees, or do you just want to get some additional training? Contact MDTC Business Development & Training Center to get signed up for classes today! Monthly classes are available at a per person rate so save money and jump in on the opportunity!!

MDTC is looking to grow the offerings of programs! If you have a suggestion please let them know.

*Please be aware the Medic First Aid & CPR Training is not BLS certified for LPN at this time.

Click on the Image to email Jennifer Sanders directly to sign up!

SBA Administrator Guzman Enhances COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to Aid Small Businesses Facing Challenges from Delta Variant

SBA logo.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

PRESS OFFICE

Release Date: Sept. 10, 2021

Release Number: 21-81

Contact: press_office@sba.gov 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram

SBA Administrator Guzman Enhances COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to Aid Small Businesses Facing Challenges from Delta Variant

Increased Loan Cap to $2 Million, Expanded Use of Funds to Pay and Prepay Business Debt, Streamlined Review Processes, and Deferred Payments; First Approval and Disbursement of Loans of $500,000 or Less Also Introduced.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels. The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes.

“The SBA’s COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program offers a lifeline to millions of small businesses who are still being impacted by the pandemic,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “We’ve retooled this critical program – increasing the borrowing limit to $2 million, offering 24 months of deferment, and expanding flexibility to allow borrowers to pay down higher-interest business debt. We have also ramped up our outreach efforts to ensure we’re connecting with our smallest businesses as well as those from low-income communities who may also be eligible for the companion COVID EIDL Targeted Advance and Supplemental Advance grants totaling up to $15,000.  Our mission-driven SBA team has been working around the clock to make the loan review process as user-friendly as possible to ensure every entrepreneur who needs help can get the capital they need to reopen, recover and rebuild.”

Key changes being announced by the SBA include:

  • Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.

  • Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.

  • Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure Main Street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.

  • 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 affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

The enhancements to the COVID EIDL program will allow more businesses greater and more flexible support from the over $150 billion in available COVID EIDL funds. Additionally, these changes will help entrepreneurs access capital at a time when, according to a recent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses survey, 44 percent of small business owners report having less than three months of cash reserves, and only 31 percent reporting confidence in gaining access to funding.

 

How to apply

Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.

For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs please visit www.sba.gov/relief. Small business owners may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Multilingual representatives are available. Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners by visiting www.sba.gov/local-assistance.

 

Application Process and Fraud Control Enhancements

In addition to the policy enhancements, the SBA has invested in optimized processes and increased capacity to improve the customer service experience for applicants. Directed by Administrator Guzman to swiftly and drastically enhance COVID EIDL, the revamped management team implemented new processes and performance management such as prioritizing personnel for COVID EIDL and increasing the average number of loan application decisions made. The SBA accelerated daily processing of loan increases from close to 2,000 applications to more than 37,000 applications daily. Loan officer productivity also went from 1.86 applications per day to 15 applications per day. As a result of these increased loan review rates, the 600,000+ loan increase backlog has been cleared and new applications can be processed immediately. At the same time, and to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support businesses that need COVID EIDL funding most, the SBA has increased fraud controls and is working in collaboration with the SBA Inspector General to closely monitor the program.

All business owners that have received previous loans through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), or Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) can still benefit from COVID EIDL. To learn more about the application process, visit www.sba.gov/eidl.

                                                                         

 About Economic Injury Disaster Loans 

In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The purpose of EIDL is for small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. 

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

SBA - U.S. Small Business Administration - Taking Business Global and Nat'l Small Business Week

sba global.jpg

 

SBA Grants for Global Expansion

Thursday, September 9, 2021

2:00pm EDT

REGISTER

Are you aware there is a unique grant program dedicated to helping U.S. small businesses grow their global sales?

Please join the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of International Trade for a 20-minute discussion on our State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant. Specifically, we will talk with a fellow small business that has used STEP to support global expansion.

An opportunity for Q & A will be provided after the session for anyone who would like to stay on a little longer.

SBA is using a new technology for this conversation.  The telephone number you have previously provided to SBA will be called to invite SBA-affiliated companies to participate live. 

To receive a weblink or call-in number to participate, please pre-register, and we will send you that information prior to the event.”

We hope you will join us and discover how a STEP grant can take your business global. 

SBA will Host a Three-Day Live Summit of

Learning and Online Education Sessions for

Small Businesses

Your invited!  Join us and discover how five small businesses, including three successful women entrepreneurs, grew their small businesses through exporting help from SBA - Major Clemens, West Africa Shop; Debra Dudley, Oscarware, Inc.; Bob Miltenberger, Nearshore Networks; Stacy Moritz, Secret Aardvark Trading Company; and Kathleen O’Heron, Jynx Productions.

SBA’s annual National Small Business Week Virtual Summit will be held September 13-15, 2021 and will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as small businesses look to pivot and recover toward a stronger economy.

To register for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit and to learn more, please visit http://www.sba.gov/NSBW.

Learn to Trade Roundtable Series

Standards and Complying with Foreign Regulations

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

2:00pm EDT

REGISTER

Join SBA’s Office of International Trade for a third installment of our new Learn to Trade Roundtable Series with Standards and Complying with Foreign Regulations. This 45-minute session will provide an overview of the fundamentals of complying with regulations, the role of international standards, and where to find additional support and resources, when selling internationally.  We will be joined by experts from the International Trade Administration’s Office of Standards and Intellectual Property. The session will cover:

  • How you can find out about foreign regulations, including testing and certification requirements, that your product must meet in foreign markets?

  • The standards your product can use to meet regulatory requirements.

  • What international agreements exist to help you learn about foreign regulations?

  • What support is available if you feel you are facing discriminatory foreign regulations?

  • USG resources to help small business exporters and manufacturers.

 

US-Africa Trade and Investment: Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign

On July 29, the U.S. government kicked off the Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign at the Corporate Council on Africa’s U.S.-Africa Business Summit. The campaign is a targeted effort to elevate and energize the United States’ commitment to trade and investment with countries across the African continent under the Biden-Harris Administration.  SBA joins 17 U.S. Government agencies, working hand-in-hand with the private sector, African governments, and multilateral organizations, to bolster trade and investment in key sectors such as clean energy and climate smart solutions, health, and digital technology. As part of the campaign, there will be a focus on supporting small business and diaspora communities. OIT’s acting Associate Administrator Michele Schimpp spoke at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit on SBA’s financing programs that help U.S. small businesses exporting to Africa.

To learn more about SBA’s financing, grant and counseling services that can help you export to Africa, please visit our trade tools website: http://www.sba.gov/tradetools.

For more information on the Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign visit http://www.prosperafrica.gov.  On the Prosper Africa website, you can find information about upcoming Prosper Africa events and the support provided by other federal agencies.

One upcoming event is the U.S. Export Import Bank 2021 Virtual Annual Conference on September 21-23, 2021.  This year’s Annual Conference theme is “Building Back Together” and emphasizes how collaboration between industry and government can fuel economic recovery for U.S.-based companies. A small business track is being developed that will focus on practical strategies and tactics for implementing a successful exporting strategy. “Hear from your Peers” will feature business owners who embraced exporting and the impact it has had on their companies’ operations and the bottom line.  There will also be a virtual Exhibitors Hall.

To register for the conference use this link.  The cost for a small business is $150.

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Trade Resources

SBA’s Trade Hotline

Do you have questions about tariffs or customs compliance, need information on new international markets, or advocacy on your behalf with a foreign government regarding a pending contract?  Please call the SBA toll free (855) 722-4877 or email your contact information and trade issues to international@sba.gov.

Cross-Border Ecommerce Strategy & Omnichannel Management

Date: Tuesday August 31, 2021

Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT/1:00-2:30 PM ET

Register

Join the Los Angeles SBDC and Virginia SBDC, two of the most active global trade support programs in the SBDC national network, for the latest in their educational webinar series focused on international trade.  Discover how to create a cross-border ecommerce website that will suit your customers' needs, what are the different factors that influence the cost of e-commerce project, and how to build your omnichannel management. This panel discussion will cover the latest cross border ecommerce developments, and will explore the following topics:

  1. Direct to Customer Website Development

  2. Omnichannel Selling

  3. Ecommerce Marketing

  4. Ecommerce Readiness

Export Nation Podcasts

Export Nation, presented by the U.S. Commercial Service, provides informative and entertaining content highlighting America’s export experts and trade related news, successes, events and insights.

Trade Shows

Fancy Food Show 2021

Dates: September 27 – 29 (in-person cancelled)

Fancy Food Show 2021 in-person event in New York has been canceled. However, the digital component of the show, Fancy Food 24/7, will go forward and run from September 27 through October 8 online. The digital event will allow many options for attending and will showcase the exploration and purchase of specialty food and beverage products. For more show information, please click here. 

Pack Expo, Las Vegas

Dates: September 27- 29

Pack Expo, Las Vegas will feature full scale packaging and processing machinery in action. Top advances and solutions in packaging and processing, sustainability, packaging materials, automation, robotics, printing, etc. Educational sessions and discussions in several venues around the show floor connecting people and ideas. Pavilions focusing on solutions in the categories of containers and materials, confectionery, digital printing, processing and reusable packaging. 

World Dairy Expo

Dates: September 28 - October 2

World Dairy Expo's 850-company Trade Show is an opportunity for producers to see cutting-edge technology and the latest dairy equipment. As the global dairy industry meets in Madison, WI, leading researchers, technical experts and national sales representatives from around the world can be found at WDE. Expo's strictly dairy-focused Trade Show is the largest of its kind and is designed around helping today's producers become more profitable.

Trade Missions

Cyber Security Business Development Mission to South America

Dates: October 18-25, 2021

This mission aims to introduce U.S. firms and trade associations to some of South America's most rapidly growing information and communication technology (ICT), security, and critical infrastructure protection markets. It will assist U.S. companies in finding business partners to which they may export their products and services to the region. Space is limited. For questions regarding this program, please contact Gemal.Brangman@trade.gov.

Apply Now

Trade Mission to South America

Dates: December 5-6, 2021

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration is organizing a trade mission to South America that will include the Trade Americas – Business Opportunities in South America Conference in São Paulo, Brazil.

The goal of the mission is to help participating U.S. companies find potential partners, buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, and Uruguay, laying the foundation for successful long-term ventures to take advantage of market opportunities in South America. During the mission, the delegation will have access to US&FCS commercial officers, commercial specialists, and Department of State economic/commercial officers from the markets in the region. For more information, visit https://www.trade.gov/south-america-trade-mission.  Register your interest to receive a brief market assessment from the selected market.  For questions regarding this program, please contact Laura.Krishnan@trade.gov.

Register Now

Trade Winds

Date: March 6-8, 2022

Trade Winds (around World Fair Expo in Dubai). Trade Winds, the largest U.S. Government-led trade mission and business development forum, is coming to Dubai during Expo 2020, the World's Fair. Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, Trade Winds features meetings with U.S. Commercial Diplomats from over 20 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, exciting conference programming, optional pre-arranged matchmaking & plenty of networking! (March 6-8) Spin-offs: March 3: Qatar, Morocco, Algeria, Israel; March 10: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait. SME Cost: $2,200 (includes 1 B2B) $1,200 for each additional stop. In Pennsylvania, Trade Winds participation may be partially funded by GAP funds.

SBA News Release - Supplemental Grant Applications for Shuttered Venue

NEWS RELEASE

PRESS OFFICE

 Release Date: August 27, 2021

 Release Number: 21-75

  Contact:  press_office@sba.gov

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SBA Opens Supplemental Grant Applications for Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Awardees

Awards Expected to Begin Going out within Two Weeks  

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced it will begin sending invitations for supplemental awards for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. Per the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-profits and Venues Act, SVOG supplemental awards are to be provided to those who received an initial grant and have illustrated a 70% loss when comparing 2021’s first-quarter revenues to the same in 2019. Thus far, approximately $9 billion has been awarded in initial SVOGs to more than 11,500 venues, providing a critical lifeline for theaters, live venue spaces, and other entertainment and cultural hubs as they recover from the pandemic, re-open in many communities across the nation and continue contributing to local economies.

 

 “The SBA has awarded approximately $9 billion in crucial relief to approximately 11,500 performing arts venues and other related businesses so they can continue to anchor our neighborhoods and define our communities. We know many of these businesses still need assistance to fully recover from the unanticipated expenses and debt caused by the pandemic,” SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program Director Matthew Stevens said. “These supplemental grants will go to the hardest-hit Shuttered Venue Operators Grant awardees to ensure they can get back on their feet and get back to the business of driving our nation’s economy.”

 

Supplemental award applicants can choose to apply for any amount up to 50% of their original SVOG amount, with a $10 million cap of the initial and supplemental awards combined, according to the law. The supplemental awards also allow SVOG recipients to extend the time to use their grant funds for expenses accrued through June 30, 2022 and lengthen their budget period to 18 months from the initial grant’s disbursement date.  SVOG is one of the many programs that the SBA has facilitated during the pandemic that has provided more than $1 trillion in relief for America’s communities.

 

​If sufficient funding is not available for all eligible entities to receive a supplemental award, priority will be given to applicants who have illustrated the greatest revenue loss in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter in 2019.

 

One such venue that the SVOG program was instrumental in saving is Tygart Valley Cinemas, which opened in 1979 and has been in the Carunchia family for two generations, with husband-wife duo Michael and Melissa now operating it. Marion County is very important to the family; the business employs nearly 20 residents and is dedicated to keeping ticket prices reasonable as they know the entire community has suffered during this crisis.

 

 “If we had not received the grant, we would probably still be riding out the storm as we speak,” stated Co-Owner and Operator of Tygart Valley Cinemas, a theater in Fairmont, WV, Melissa Carunchia. “The stress of running a small business during COVID is very hard and life-consuming. We are grateful that we were awarded the grant and are confident it will get us through this difficult time.”

 

Carunchia continued, “Because of the grant, as business picks back up, we do not have to worry about buying the supplies we need or the cost of utilities. The main thing we have is peace of mind knowing that going forward we have a safety net.”

 

For additional information on SBA’s Economic Relief programs, visit COVID-19 relief options. Further, SBA’s resource partners, including SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, are available to provide entities with individual guidance on their applications. Applicants can find a local resource partner via a zip code search at  http://www.sba.gov/local-assistance. For weekly SVOG funding data reports, visit www.sba.gov/svog.  

 

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant background 

The SVOG program was appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act. Of these funds, at least $2 billion is reserved for eligible SVOG applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue up to a maximum amount of $10 million for a single grant.   

About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

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AmeriCorps $46 Million in New VISTA Projects - Press Release

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AmeriCorps Announces $46 Million in New VISTA Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 26, 2021

3400+ new AmeriCorps members will serve in more than 43 states to help develop community-based solutions to address COVID-19 recovery, hunger, racial equity and bridge the digital divide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, today announced that it had provided $46 million to support the creation of new AmeriCorps VISTA projects in more than 230 communities. As a result of their service, the 3,400 AmeriCorps members supported by these awards will be eligible for more than $16.6 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards.

“For more than 55 years, our program sponsors and members have been on the front lines of the toughest problems facing our nation – and the last year and half is no exception,” said Meg Ansara, director of AmeriCorps VISTA. “We need that same spirit of service now. As we work to address the converging crises of COVID-19, an economic downturn, climate change, and racial inequity – national service is more important than ever. These funds will give AmeriCorps members the opportunity to lead, continue to break down barriers, and address critical needs of our communities.”

Projects in the VISTA program are developed and selected in accordance with its core principles, which include an anti-poverty focus, community empowerment, sustainable solutions, and capacity building. Projects focus on programs that improve access to health care; address hunger and increase access to nutritious food; improve or create job skills programs; bridge the digital divide; create pathways to safe and affordable housing; enhance educational programs for low-income students focused on school readiness and learning loss, remote learning development, career and technical education, college access and success, and STEM programs; and support veterans employment, homelessness, and substance misuse.

This funding is in addition to the $1 billion invested in AmeriCorps in the recently passed American Rescue Plan to further expand national service programs and increase the opportunity for all Americans to serve their country.

Created in 1965, the VISTA program brings passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help address poverty. Members serve full-time for one year at nonprofit organizations, schools, or local government agencies, increasing the impact and growing their capacity to carry out essential projects.  After a year of service, members earn educational awards to support their own professional growth. To learn more about serving in the VISTA program, visit: americorps.gov/VISTA.

These new members will join the tens of thousands of other AmeriCorps members who serve through 21,000+ schools, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations and state, tribal and local governments across the country each year. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served in AmeriCorps, providing more than 1.6 billion hours of service, and earning more than $4 billion in education scholarships.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

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The Oklahoma State Chamber Business Brief

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Capitol Rundown

Interim Studies

Next week, House and Senate interim studies will begin. Make sure to check out the schedule and tune in on topics important to your business!

Special Session

Legislators will return to the Capitol for a special session on redistricting this fall. Members of the redistricting committee are currently working on modifying legislative maps since U.S. Census data was collected. The public is encouraged to send in submissions for congressional redistricting maps by Oct. 10.

OHCA Holds Special Meeting

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) board met Thursday to consider emergency purchasing rules, to bring the agency into compliance with SB 131 enacted by legislators last session. The OHCA Board ultimately voted 7 to 1 to table the rules, against the advice of the agency's general counsel. The bill, also known as the "Medicaid Managed Care Guardrails" bill, places requirements on private managed care organizations contracting with the state to ensure compliance with contract provisions and additional rules developed by the legislature. The bill's effective date is Sept. 1.

On the topic of Medicaid, the House and Senate are meeting Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. at the Capitol for an update on Medicaid Expansion underway in Oklahoma.

Medicaid Expansion was approved by voters during the summer of 2020 through state question 802, and the program officially launched July 1, 2021.

OMES Set to Host State Suppliers Expo

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is set to host its first State Suppliers Expo on Oct. 19, 2021, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The expo will showcase current and upcoming projects within state government, with the goal of growing the number of private businesses interested in doing business with state agencies. More details on the event are available here.

Concurrent Enrollment Task Force Meets

The Concurrent Enrollment Task Force created by SB 292 met this week to hear from school leaders about how concurrent enrollment currently works across the state. The task force is required to submit an official report of its finding to the governor, Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House by Nov. 30 of next year.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Budget Reconciliation & Infrastructure Bill

The U.S. House voted to advance the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act this week by requiring a stand-alone vote to pass the bill no later than Sept. 27.

Click here to learn more.

EVENTS

Washington D.C., home to the White House, Supreme Court, Capitol Building and The State Chamber’s D.C. Fly In! Scheduled for Sept. 27-29, this event has an exciting agenda offering meetings with Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation and national leaders to discuss federal issues that impact the business community.

Register Here

NEWS

Solar energy company EightTwenty seeks to shine light on industry potential in Oklahoma 

State files more petitions seeking high court reversal of McGirt 

Vaccine Mandates Move Ahead After F.D.A. Approval of Pfizer Shot 

Inhofe's funding request for OMRF data center could help clear 'huge bottleneck in science' 

Cocktails To Go Act goes into effect Wednesday allowing alcohol home delivery in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma again expediting some medical licenses due to COVID-19 surge 

Supreme Court halts Biden eviction moratorium 

Please lower your Flags, 8/27-8/30/2021

This morning Governor J. Kevin Stitt signed EXECUTIVE ORDER 2021-18, lowering flags immediately to honor and pay our respects to the U.S. servicemembers and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Flags should remain lowered until 5:00 p.m. on August 30, 2021.  Americans across the nation are united in calling upon God to bring comfort and healing to the victims and their families.

Thank You.

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