Here at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, we're working hard to help promote a thriving business environment. Please join us in welcoming our newest members, who joined in March 2020. Don't forget to visit our Business Resources page, where you'll find all of the initiatives we're working on and supporting in order to help you succeed.

Yesterday, the Small Business Administration began to offer an advance of up to $10,000 on its Economic Injury Disaster Loan for businesses being disrupted by COVID-19. For businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue, funds should be made available within three working days of a successful application. The loan will not have to be repaid. You can apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance by clicking here.

Governor DeWine signed House Bill 197 into law this afternoon. Among the provisions included is moving the state tax filing deadline to July 15.

Also today, the United States Congress approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). It is expected to be signed by President Trump soon.

While larger businesses have teams in place to plan and implement disruption plans, many smaller businesses typically do not have the same resources. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is available to assist small businesses in being prepared for an interruption in business operations, especially due to the recent spread of the Coronavirus. As events get canceled or supply chains interrupted, businesses need to be prepared for the effect these disruptions will have on their processes and workflows.

​It seems winter is on its way out, though some may say it never really showed up. January 2020 averaged just over 35 degrees in Ohio, the warmest January since 2006. The mild weather has supported a lack of volatility in the electric and natural gas markets, but energy prices are playing limbo; how low can they really go?

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to refer to committee Ordinance 85-20 which would update building materials and colors permitted for multi-family, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, and large-scale retail developments citywide. The changes include standards for predominant, accent and prohibited materials and colors, which are not currently clarified in city building code. Action on the ordinance was delayed previously by City Council at its voting session on February 25, despite being recommended for approval by the Toledo Plan Commission and City Council’s Zoning & Planning Committee. The committee meeting to again review the ordinance is yet to be scheduled.

The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) is seeking public comment on the draft five-year update of our region’s long-range transportation plan, titled “On the Move 2045 – Update 2020”. The plan is a list of projects, initiatives, and policies that will guide future transportation investments in Lucas and Wood counties in Ohio and southern Monroe County in Michigan.

Small businesses are the engine of the economy. In Toledo there are nearly 11,000 small businesses employing 44 percent employees. Small business accounts for 77 percent of all businesses by number and generates more than $4.7 billion in payroll. Seventy-six (76) percent of small businesses in Toledo have fewer than 20 employees.

​When the census takes place every 10 years, a great deal of the attention for counting the number of people living in the United States is placed on how many members each state will get in the U.S. House of Representatives. In a similar manner, Ohio and other states use this information in redrawing state House and Senate district lines. Who represents you in Columbus and Washington absolutely matters.