Small Business Resources

2021 Small Business Resources

Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Find information on how to prepare, where to start you application, and free webinars to answer your questions. 
RRF Grant



ERC & PPP

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden signed into law the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. Among the provisions included in the package is an extension of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).

The ERC is a refundable tax credit that employers can claim for keeping their employees on the payroll. As a result of the American Rescue Plan, employers can now qualify for ERCs for each quarter of 2021 that their operations were fully or partially suspended due to a COVID-19 government order, or their gross receipts were less than 80% of their gross receipts for the same quarter in 2019. For each quarter of 2021, employers could receive up to $7,000 in ERCs ($10,000 in qualified wages X 70%), allowing for a maximum ERC of $28,000, per employee.

Garland Chamber member, Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs, have provided information about the difference between the ERC and PPP processes. Click below to find more information.
ERC & PPP






COVID-19 Crisis Resources

The COVID-19 crisis took all businesses by surprise. Everyone wonders how this will affect the economy and the stability of small businesses. The Garland Chamber wants to help you find resources to make your business sustainable during this time of crisis and provide you guidance to those that can help you. Follow the links below to resources that will be beneficial to your business.

Open Texas Guidelines and Checklist 

Richland College - Garland Campus Training Grant




Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

  • Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT benefits. Info on that here. Governor Abbott has suspended the waiting period for unemployment benefits.
  • Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
  • If you or a friend or family member are out of work, the Texas Workforce Commission provides support services as well.

Financial Assistance

The U.S. Department of Treasury has a list of financial resources for consumers.

Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

  • If you are a Dallas Housing Authority client, please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of the rent and inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
  • Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
  • Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection or call 800-621-0508
  •  Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources available. There may be vouchers to assist those in need with paying their rent. Also get government assistance with other needs, including lease application fees, information on low-income housing and security deposits. Dial 1-877-541-7905 to find additional ways to get rent help.
  •  Texas offers programs that can help you with paying your mortgage and also avoid foreclosure. Local resources, including government and non-profit assistance, can help qualified homeowners
  • Homeowners have other resources too. Also, click here for a listing of Texas HUD counseling agencies that provide free foreclosure counseling.



Support Local Businesses




For BIG Innovation, Think Small Biz!


Show us your BIG innovation. Send in a 1-minute video about something you did that was innovative through the pandemic. We will be celebrating small businesses and will post your video on social platforms between May 3 - 9. View the flyer below for more information.

View Flyer



We're proud of the strong small business community in Garland, Texas, and we believe each one plays a critical role in the success and sustainability of our local economy as a whole. From innovative, crowd-funded start-ups to family-owned establishments that have been around for generations, the Chamber exists in large part to serve the thousands of small businesses that have set up shop in our city.

  • Why is Small Business a Big Deal?

    According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, based on the U.S. Census 2002-2010, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms. The 23 million small businesses in America already account for 54 percent of all U.S. sales and while the rate of small business start-ups continues to climb, the rate for small business failures has declined. These statistics indicate that, when done right, small businesses can not only be successful, but sustainable as well.

  • Can the Chamber Really Help my Small Business?

    Yes! Throughout the Chamber’s 120-year history, the staff has worked diligently to develop programs and form partnerships that allow the organization to provide extensive and relevant resources to the local small business community. Check out the resources available here on our website. Don’t see something you’re looking for? Call a Chamber staff member and tell us what you need. It will be our pleasure to get you connected.

  • Can I Talk to a Real Person?

    Absolutely. We'd love the chance to meet with you and learn all about your business and your goals. Chamber CEO Paul Mayer has been in the Garland community for more than 25 years and has a great deal of experience helping businesses navigate various operational challenges. Contact Paul at (469) 326-7444 or paul.mayer@garlandchamber.com.

Expert Business Advice

The challenges small businesses face often require skill sets outside of the business owner's primary area of expertise, which makes it difficult to find solutions. Through our partnership with the Dallas Metropolitan SBDC, we have an SBDC counselor on site two days a week. All appointments are always free, with no membership obligation.

Learn More

Free Workshops

Does your insurance coverage really have you covered? Is your targeted marketing strategy reaching your target customer? These can be tough questions for a business owner to answer, but we can help! Leveraging our connections with local experts in a variety of fields, our BOLD Speaker Series 2.0 gives you face-to-face access to the pros who can help you find solutions to the challenges you're facing. And best of all, it's free to attend!

Learn More

Sustainability Strategies

Getting a small business started is a major accomplishment, but making sure it's sustainable for the long haul is a whole different hurdle. When it comes to finding time-tested ways to help your business grow, the Chamber of Commerce is the perfect place to start. Whether you need to get connected to local suppliers, find new outlets for your marketing message, or demonstrate commitment to the community you call home, the Garland Chamber can help!

Learn More

Andrea Hernandez
"Let me help your small business grow in Garland, Texas"

Whether you seeks resources for sustainability or advice on practical growth strategies, my business is making your business succeed!

Andrea Hernandez

Marketing & Small Business Manager (469) 326-7464 Andrea.Hernandez@garlandchamber.com

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Featured Members

Pritchard School of Music

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Pritchard School of Music

Personalized instruction in piano, voice, guitar, bass and drums starting at $125 a month for weekly lessons.
Visit Our Website

Pritchard School of Music

Personalized instruction in piano, voice, guitar, bass and drums starting at $125 a month for weekly lessons.
Visit Our Website