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Archives for April 2020

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New Buffalo Business Association Announces Spring & Summer Event Updates

July 3rd Independence Day Celebrations Cancelled;
New Buffalo Farmer’s Market Moves Ahead

Virtually NEW BUFFALO, MI- On April 20th, at the New Buffalo City Council virtual meeting at 6:30 pm, the City Council approved the New Buffalo Business Association addendum to their special events applications, including the cancellation of July 3rd Independence Day celebrations, spring sidewalk sales and the transition of the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market into a virtual market  experience.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Buffalo Business Association amended the plan for the Spring/Summer 2020 event season in accordance with the governor’s orders & safety concerns in mind. The May 23-25 Spring Sidewalk Sales are cancelled and the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market is postponed until the beginning of July. The Farmer’s Market will evolve into a virtual platform organized by the NBBA, continuing to create relationships between farmers and the community. The July 3rd celebrations including the LaPorte Symphony Orchestra will also be cancelled and moving fireworks to the Ship & Shore Festival pending social gathering restrictions.

“With so much impact of COVID-19 on special events, we know there must be questions and concerns around insurance for businesses, events, and future projects,” said Audrey Tuszynski, Secretary & Co-Chair of NBBA Events Committee. “We will continue to assess how we can hold virtual/no-contact events for the surrounding community without compromising their safety, for the remainder of the social distancing season.”

The New Buffalo Business Association is a partnership of business and community members who share a common goal to promote healthy business growth in our communities through activities and events.

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Request for Proposals for Local Business Disaster Relief

Release Date: April 10 2020
Request Deadline: April 20 2020

Background

The New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA) is the business membership organization for the New Buffalo area. The NBBA’s been in existence for over 30 years and considered a pivotal piece of connecting the community and businesses together. The NBBA is also charged with organizing and executing a series of large events.

Mission Statement:
“The NBBA is a partnership of businesses and community members who share a common goal to promote healthy business growth through activities and events.”

Today’s Challenge

The NBBA is a unique organization located in a highly visited and loved beach community of Southwest Michigan.  The local economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, with the majority of our businesses catering to locals and visitors. The recent COVID-19 crisis placed businesses in the larger region in peril. Fortunately, the state and federal governments passed a series of bills to assist small business owners with loans, grants and funding – all geared to keeping small businesses afloat.

Like many Main Streets businesses, the bulk of the businesses in this region are what one may call ‘mom and pop’, independently run restaurants, cafes, services providers and more. These businesses, along with their workers, are at risk of not existing.

There are also a series of free resources (webinars, live chats etc.) that business owners can utilize however, we are finding that business owners need specific questions answered. Unique situations and availability of business owners calls for a person/group to have the ability to respond 1:1.

The Ask

We are specifically looking for businesses and consultants who are able to provide services immediately through June 30, 2020.

The NBBA is seeking a resource to serve as a conduit between area businesses and the various types of loans, grants and assistance programs that have been made and may be made available during the COVID-19 crisis. This resource can be an individual and/or a small firm, as we understand one person may need a team to assist with the 1:1 questions from business owners.

This person will serve as an expert on not only state laws and regulations, but be considered a pinch hitter to area small business owners who need more clarification in and around the plans released by the federal government, the State of Michigan and other area organizations.

Expectations

  • Work side by side along the New Buffalo Business Association board members, to direct those member businesses requests for guidance.
  • Aid businesses in filing disaster loan applications, Payroll protection programs, insurance navigation, mortgage relief assistance, economical loss estimations, business preparedness and more
  • Help prevent indefinite closures, once non-essential ban is lifted
  • Participate in weekly webinars with small business owners who are seek information and clarification
  • Potentially enable 1:1 consultations with business owners who seek more in-depth direction for assistance

Requirements

  • Previous experience in guiding small development in grant and loan applications.
  • A history of providing resources for employers/employees regarding financial or debt relief programs.
  • A working knowledge of business consultation, particularly with assisting small businesses with disaster preparedness and recovery.
  • Familiarity of Michigan small business resources, specifically from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Specific knowledge of Berrien County businesses a plus

Time Frame

Applications will be accepted beginning April 10 through April 20.

Format For Responses

Please click here to submit your proposal.