Hello, Monday! From everyone at the Proof team, we hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.
Another week means new updates and news for us. Here are some of the highlights and most notable articles from the weekend, as well as some things to look forward to this week.
LOCAL NEWS:
In response to the shelter in place mandates (on both a local and state level), many people are left to wonder, what exactly is considered essential? The Times Free Press wrote an article outlining a lot of these essential businesses; and reminds you just home many establishments are actually staying open.
Please keep In mind - a lot of your favorite restaurants are staying open and continuing to offer delivery and take out options. Food Is a necessity - you can still support these establishments If you'd like!
Wondering what you can do? Our friends at NoogaToday wrote a fantastic article outlining what this shelter in place really means for you - as well as what you can and can't do.
SMALL BUSINESS NEWS:
There's still a lot to think about, and a lot of programs out there. If you're in need of assistance, please check out our post on small business resources, reach out to your local Small Business Development Center, or visit the Chattanooga Chamber's website.
Co.Starters has put together an incredible Recovery Guide that all small business owners should check out as well. It's PACKED with information - all in one place with easy to follow links and assistance one click away!
CHATTANOOGA SPOTLIGHT:
Chattanooga Tent Company to help provide shelter; triage areas at local hospitals.
Chattanooga Ballet Offers Free Classes Online
ServiceIndustry.tips continues to grow and reach service industry workers across the nation!
UPCOMING SEMINARS + OFFICE HOURS:
April 6, 2 p.m., Online Advertising Grants and Programs for Small Businesses
Kelsi Bell, Sarah Yoube and Andrew Barber with the Johnson Group discuss online advertising grants and programs for small businesses.
April 7, 10 a.m., The Financial Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals
Jennifer Harper, Bridge Financial Services, discusses the financial impact of COVID-19 on individuals.
April 8, 2 p.m., COVID 19 Financial Resources for Small Businesses - Panel Discussion
Lynn Chesnutt, Tennessee Small Business Development Center; Jermaine Freeman, City of Chattanooga and Meagan Jones, Community Foundation discuss SBA Loans, City grants, Resilience Funds for nonprofits and more. This panel will be moderated by Marcus Shaw, Co.Lab.
Monday, April 6: Retail Leases and Tenant Rights
Cindy McLoughlin (JBF Trustee) and Richard Mirliss of CohnReznick will review universal rules about common retail leases for restaurants; what hospitality or food business tenant rights you may be able to invoke during this period of interruption; suggestions on how to negotiate with your landlord; and most importantly, ideas on how to restart operations post-COVID-19. Register here.
Tuesday, April 7: HR Roadmap and Employee Welfare during COVID-19
Sarah Diehl, founder and principal of Empowered Hospitality, will discuss human resources best practices in the wake of COVID-19 from both an employer and employee perspective. Topics will include: staff and compensation reductions, benefits, unemployment, resources and relief funds for employees, and communication best practices. Register here.
Wednesday, April 8: The Facts on SNAP and Food Access Programs
Ellen Vollinger of the Food Research & Action Center will provide a clear overview of, and easy to follow instructions on how to apply for, food assistance programs. Even if you’ve never qualified before, you or someone you know may be eligible now. We will cover SNAP, the Restaurant Meal Program, USDA-FNS waivers, and where to find more information on state-based resources. We will also discuss how restaurants are winning paid contracts to feed those in need. Register here.
Thursday, April 9: TikTok and Content Cooking for Chefs
Chef Monti Carlo, co-founder of EverythingFood.com and chef Matt Broussard (@acooknamedmatt) will dish on all things TikTok and cooking for content. In this webinar you will learn: what is TikTok and what makes it unique; strategies for building your culinary media brand; equipment you need to get started making high-quality cooking videos; a breakdown of buzzwords like “hashtag challenge” and “brand takeover”; and much more. Register here.
Friday, April 10: Spirited Conversation—Tasting Rooms to Retail Shops
Ann Marshall (WEL 2018) and Scott Blackwell of Highwire Distilling will discuss pivoting tasting rooms to retail sites, and best practices on bottle distribution as home delivery services like Drizly and Bevvie soar. Expect a spirited conversation on how you can survive and stay relevant during the shutdowns, followed by a Quarantini toast to craft distilleries. Register here.
And as always, our local favorites:
Online Office Hours with Co.Lab - If you're a small business looking for any assortment of advising from legal to digital, schedule a one on one virtual hour with a professional!
Chattanooga Chamber - COVID-19 Webinars
Chattanooga Tourism Co. is hosting Daily Discussions at 2pm each day. The Schedule is as follows:
Monday - Attractions
Tuesday - Food and Beverage
Wednesday - Accommodations
Thursday - Culture, Heritage and Arts
Friday - All Partners