CLEVELAND, Ohio — EntryPoint, a nonprofit research organization, is helping Midwest small businesses display their products and services this holiday season.
EntryPoint encourages people to buy locally, and it is launching the 2020 Midwest Shop Local Gift Guide, where Midwestern businesses can promote their products and services. Businesses must have 25 or fewer employees and sell an item or service that could be bought for the holidays. The guide will be showcased in November and December, and submissions are due by Oct. 11 here.
In addition to appearing in the guide, some businesses will also have a chance to be on EntryPoint’s livestream series, “The Cackle.”
The show has featured small businesses from across the country, and a special edition the week of Nov. 30 will feature entrepreneurs from 20 small businesses. Businesses will be notified by Oct. 23 if they are selected.
“Many small businesses rely on the revenue from the holiday season to support their business during slower periods of the year. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it’s more important than ever for communities to shop local, so small businesses are not forced to close by New Year’s Day,” said Emily Heintz, founder and managing director of EntryPoint, in a news release.
The pandemic has put financial strain on some Cleveland small businesses, with some hoping for another phase of money from the Paycheck Protection Progam (PPP). The initial phase of the PPP money stopped Aug. 8.