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Colin Cares Small Business Grant
We are excited to share another grant opportunity for your Collin County small business.
On Monday, the Collin County Commissioners Court approved the launch of the Collin CARES Small Business Grant Program that provides up to $25,000 for eligible companies where gross revenue losses were more than 15 percent, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commissioners Court shall set aside $15 million in U.S. CARES Act funding for the grants in addition to the $30 million earmarked for Housing assistance and $5 million for local food pantries.
Eligibility:
* Businesses with less than $5 million in gross revenues
* fewer than 100 full-time employees
* must have operated continuously within Collin County for 6 months prior to March 1, 2020.
Eligible expenses include:- Payroll
- Fixed overhead costs – such as rent
- Utilities
- Contract Labor
- Supplier/material payments, and
- COVID-19 related business improvements, such as Personal Protective Equipment, sanitation supplies and equipment.
Applications will be accepted from Sept. 4th through Sept. 25th, 2020. Awards may range from $5,000 to $25,000; grants are taxable.
Full details on qualifying for the grants will be posted on the Collin CARES pages at www.collincountytx.gov. A helpful informational sheet is attached for you below, courtesy of our neighbors at the City of McKinney.
https://www.collincountytx.gov/cares/Pages/SmallBusinessGrants.aspx
To review the eligibility requirements and apply view the flyer by clicking on the link below:
Collin Cares Small Business Grant
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Texas Re-Opens Retail Businesses
On June 26, 2020
Governor Abbott Takes Executive Action To Contain Spread Of COVID-19
Limits Certain Businesses And Services With Direct Link To Infections
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
View the Governor’s Executive Order.
On May 18, 2020
Governor Abbott announces new openings
On May 4, 2020
Mayor Ray Smith announced the kickoff of the “We Prosper Together” campaign last night with his weekly Mayor’s Message on the Town’s social media channels. The Town has developed the attached flyer to promote the campaign. The PDF contains direct links to each of the recipient organizations so individuals can make direct donations to whatever organizations they choose.
Thank you for supporting the “We Prosper Together” campaign through your charitable donations.
Click on image to view the flyer
On April 30, 2020
A Message from Mayor Ray Smith - April 30, 2020
During this week’s Regular meeting, Council members unanimously decided to extend the Town’s Disaster Declaration, putting Prosper in line with the latest order from Governor Abbott.
While I know that there is some ambiguity and confusion in the flurry of orders and declarations from the state, the counties, and the Town, here is a summary of how we will proceed for the time being.
• The Prosper Community Library and the Town of Prosper, Parks and Recreation 407 Rec Center will remain closed until May 18.
• All Town programs, events, and activities are also suspended through May 18.
• While some Municipal Court services are available, most proceedings have been postponed until June.
• Town Hall is still open, and Town staff is still working hard to provide you with the same excellent level of service.
• The Town will re-evaluate closures and cancellations on May 18 and take appropriate action.
• We will closely monitor the spread of the virus over the next few weeks, and follow the guidance issued by Governor Abbott, to determine if and when Town facilities may open safely.
Please be assured that we will always take a deliberate, and safety-conscience approach when making decisions to re-open Town services and facilities. I encourage all residents to continue to be vigilant in reducing the spread of the virus by continuing social distancing while you are around others, washing or disinfecting your hands often, and staying home if you are sick.
We will all get through this, but we must work together in a thoughtful, deliberate way. After all, Prosper is a place where everyone matters, and that will never change.
- Mayor Ray Smith
The Governor's Please Report to Open Texas can be found at: https://www.prospertx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200427-OpenTexas-Report.pdf
The Town of Prosper Disaster Declaration can be found at: https://www.prospertx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ordinances-2020-29-Extending-a-local-state-of-disaster-due-to-a-public-health-emergency.pdf
For more information and resources about COVID-19, please visit prospertx.gov/coronavirus
On April 27, 2020
Executive Order No. GA-18 relating to the expanded reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID- 19 disaster.
On April 17, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott signed an Executive Order authorizing the re-opening of retail businesses effective April 24. Review the DSHS guidance on how to re-open safely for both employees and customers.
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State of Texas
July 2, 2020
COVID UPDATE: Gov. Abbott has now issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, "with a few exceptions."
For full details, please visit: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-establishes-statewide-face-covering-requirement-issues-proclamation-to-limit-gatherings?fbclid=IwAR3_mVDmfdBZlhTGj_8OqW0sPX2DQXgTUvNaM0ZxK_rxewZcFT9mUXDNWY4
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Local
How to Survive COVID 19
HOW CAN SMALL BUSINESSES SURVIVE THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19?
Prosper Chamber Facebook Post
Facebook: We can’t control everything, but we can control how we look after our local community! We’ve pulled together a list of all the chamber members that are still open or offering services during this unprecedented time. See below and don’t forget to #supportlocal!
Restaurants:
Jersey Mikes: Open for to-go orders and delivery through the Jersey Mike’s app, GrubHub, DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Triple G Catering: Catering side is still open for business and their non-profit is offering food to those in need.
EJ Wills Pub: Open for curbside take out and pick-up AND a 15% discount now through Friday! Also available to order via UberEats and Door Dash and 10% off all catering orders.
Entertainment/Services:
AAI Trophies and Awards: Open for business during normal business hours from 9am – 5pm, Monday thru Friday.
A Joyful Mess: Do art at home with supplies laying around the house! Check out their Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/grvT_3JZ0Rw
Carpet Tech: Open and offering Carpet Tech’s exclusive disinfecting process kills bacteria, molds, and viruses, including COVID-19.
Children’s Health Hospital: Open 24/7 and if you suspect your child has been exposed to, or is exhibiting signs of COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider who will confirm next steps if testing is needed.
Edit Learning Design: Taking appointments remotely via Zoom meeting or video (includes design clients).
Lynn Gross CPA: Open for regular business hours, but for any clients that are scheduled with an appointment, we will be meeting by teleconference.
Solis Mammagraphy: Open during normal business hours.
Texas Amp & Axes: All music lessons will be online until further notice. Check the store’s website for updates on store hours.
Texas Farm Bureau: Open for regular hours for quotes on home, auto, life and commercial.