Economic Development

“Passport to Solon” support Solon businesses campaign is now underway

After a three month delay due to COVID-19, the Passport to Solon support Solon businesses campaign is now underway and will continue through November 30, 2020 with a virtual drawing for passport travelers who received ten or more stamps in their Passports on December 12.

Passport to Solon is a way to celebrate, engage and support the business community as part of the City of Solon’s Bicentennial celebrations. “Most of our Bicentennial celebrations had to be canceled because they involved gatherings of large crowds. The campaign around exploring our local businesses still works and our business community could use the support now more than ever,” stated Ed Kraus, Solon Mayor.

“Getting a passport and taking advantage of all the great offers and spending money again in our City is the best way to show our support,” stated Thomas Bennett, Solon Chamber President.

The campaign kicked off with a launch event at RollHouse on June 11 where all of the participating passport destinations picked up their passports and stamps.

Local shoppers can pick up a passport at any of the destinations listed above and begin taking advantage of the BOGO offers, discounts and giveaways right away.

“Our businesses are taking every precaution to help rebuild consumer confidence and deliver safe customer experiences. The City and Chamber along with the businesses are using this shop local campaign to leverage our marketing power and remind local shoppers to get out and explore our vibrant business community,” stated Angee Shaker, Director of Economic Development for Solon.

The Passport to Solon initiative will commence with a virtual drawing on Saturday, December 12 for those who have 10 or more stamps in their passport. Participants should mail the Passport back to the Solon Chamber of Commerce office at 6240 SOM Center Road, #211 by November 30 for the chance to win additional prizes during a live virtual drawing on Saturday, December 12 at 12:00 pm.

Dear Solon Business Community,

We’ve compiled a list of resources and updates for your quick and easy reference during this turbulent COVID-19 Pandemic. Together, we will get through this. And with the support of one another and access to available resources I am optimistic that our business community will be stronger, tighter and even more vibrant when we do. It has been truly incredible watching our business community and residents step up to help one another. Businesses have reinvented themselves, residents are mass producing facemasks and giving them away for free, and people like Justin Gray who own a 3D printer are offering free personal protective equipment to our small businesses (see below).

As we began to reopen our business community it is comforting to see how much careful thought, research, staff training and supplies our business owners and their teams are putting into their reopening plans. All of this to ensure that employees, customers and our community is protected and doesn’t become a hot spot.

Thank you for all you are doing to mitigate and minimize the consequences of this unprecedented crisis.

Sincerely,

Angee Shaker, Director
Economic Development

Restaurants & Food Establishments

Governor DeWine announced that outdoor dining may resume May 15th and dine-in services may resume May 21st. Below are detailed lists of guidelines and best practices as well as statements of support from the Ohio Restaurant Association and the National Federation of Independent Business- Ohio Chapter.

Ohio Restaurant Association Statement

National Federation of Independent Business- Ohio Chapter Statement

Ohio Department of Health Restaurant & Food Establishment Best Practices

Ohio Department of Health Restaurant & Bar Fact Sheet

Salons & Personal Services

Governor DeWine also announced that personal services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15^th. Below is a list of mandatory and recommended best practices for personal services.

Ohio Department of Health Salon Fact Sheet

Small Business Resources

Small Business Loans: SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus

Ohio Office of Small Business Relief - Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted created the Ohio Office of Small Business Relief. The OSBR is focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state's small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a strong rebound - Office of Small Business Relief

PPE Sourcing

Local Businesses in need of PPE:
Ohio Emergency PPE Maker's Exchange

Additional Resources

Chamber Updates: Solon Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Updates & Resources

Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
Coronavirus Ohio Unemployment Benefits

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Stimulus Package Summary

Federal Support: FEMA

Cuyahoga County Board of Health: https://www.ccbh.net/coronavirus/

COVID-19 information and other county resources: Cuyahoga County Board of Health

TeamNEO Business Resources: Economic Resources for Northeast Ohio

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Stimulus Package Summary

Federal Support: FEMA

COVID-19 information for manufacturing businesses: Manufacturing and Best Practices for COVID-19

America Makes: How businesses can help make supplies in need: America Makes website

COVID-19 Stimulus Package summary from ICSC: ICSC Final Summary of Provisions in the CARES Package

TechCred - Upskill your workforce with online tech-training: TechCred website