May 3-7: City of Austin Celebrates Small Business Week with Virtual Trainings

May 3-7: City of Austin Celebrates Small Business Week with Virtual Trainings No-cost online training and events to help local businesses, creatives, and non-profits La Ciudad de Austin celebra con cursos virtuales la Semana de las Pequeñas Empresas del 3 al 7 de mayo Talleres y eventos gratis en línea para ayudar a las empresas, creativos y organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Economic Development Department will host a series of virtual educational events to help Austin's small businesses, creatives, and non-profits celebrate Small Business Week, May 3-7, 2021. Participants can register to attend free training sessions and events on a variety of subjects including: strategic pricing, business taxes, business structure development, funding, marketing, and one-on-one business coaching experts in their respective fields. The full schedule can be found at www.SmallBizAustin.org.   "We recognize that small businesses across all industries are working hard to rebound and build up capacity," explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the Economic Development Department. "By providing these no-cost training opportunities, our aim is to provide inclusive support to all business sectors. We will continue to grow the Austin economy by providing tools and information needed to sustain these businesses."   Small Business Week will kick-off with the State of Small Business in Austin, a discussion with economist Jon Hockenyos, President of TXP, Inc on Monday, May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. The Small Business Awards will follow honoring local businesses who pivoted successfully during COVID-19 and featuring a panel discussion with three of the honorees.   "I want to thank our community partners for hosting business workshops and events throughout the week. The entrepreneurial spirit of Austin thrives as we work together to meet the growing needs of our business community," adds Susana Carbajal, Assistant Director for Economic Development Department.    Schedule At-A-Glance Business Coaching is available Monday – Friday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.   MONDAY - May 3, 2021 State of Small Business in Austin, Small Business Awards & Panel Discussion Home Office Tax Deductions The Commercial Development Process: From Start to Finish   TUESDAY - May 4, 2021 Understanding Business Taxes Pt.1 Small Business Financing Workshop BizAid Business Orientation BizOpen: Commercial Property Requirements Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources Exploring Entrepreneurship: Co-Founders Recordkeeping Tips for Self-Employed Creatives Lawyer Referral Services Legal Clinic Creating an Artist Business Plan Understanding the Basics of Obtaining a Patent What to Know Before You Buy or Lease   WEDNESDAY - May 5, 2021 BizAid Business Orientation - Spanish Business Model Canvas Understanding Your Business' Utility Bills Knowing Yourself, Growing Your Business for Creatives Understanding Business Taxes, part 2 Digital Psychology Cooperatives in Action: Board of Directors Training Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Certification Overview Business District Responses to COVID-19 Recovery   THURSDAY - May 6, 2021 Strategic Pricing Small Business Week: Art, Collaboration & Community Building a Resilient Business Circular Economy Business Principles How Local Retailers Succeed in Austin's Destination Districts   FRIDAY - May 7, 2021 Small Business Funding Panel Discussion Introduction to Cooperatives: Starting a Worker Co-op E-Commerce Insider Secrets Determine Your Business Structure Introduction to Cooperatives: Converting your Small Business to a Co-op Economic Development Services for Your Local Business, Part 1   Registration for all virtual classes is free and open to the public. Learn more about Small Business Week training in Austin online at www.SmallBizAustin.org.   AUSTIN, TX – El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin presentará una serie de eventos educativos virtuales para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas, creativos y organizaciones sin fines de lucro de Austin a celebrar la Semana de las Pequeñas Empresas del 3 al 7 de mayo de 2021. Los participantes se pueden inscribir para asistir a las sesiones de capacitación gratis en una variedad de temas que incluyen: precios estratégicos, impuestos comerciales, desarrollo de estructura comercial, financiamiento, mercadeo y asesoría comercial individualizada de expertos en sus respectivas áreas. Puede encontrar el calendario completo en www.SmallBizAustin.org.   "Reconocemos que las pequeñas empresas de todas las industrias están trabajando duro para recuperarse y aumentar su capacidad", explica Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, directora interina del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. "Al proveer estas oportunidades a ningún costo, nuestra meta es servir de apoyo inclusivo para todos los sectores comerciales. Continuaremos estimulando la economía de Austin con las herramientas e información necesarias para sostener esos negocios."   La Semana de las Pequeñas Empresas comenzará con una discusión sobre El Estado de las Pequeñas Empresas en Austin dirigida por el economista Jon Hockenyos, presidente de TXP, Inc el lunes 3 de mayo a las 10:00 a.m. Luego seguirán los Premios a las Pequeñas Empresas que honrarán a los negocios locales que cambiaron su dinámica durante el COVID-19 y contará con un panel de discusión con tres de los premiados.   "Quiero agradecerle a nuestros socios comunitarios por organizar talleres y eventos para los negocios durante toda la semana. El espíritu empresarial de Austin crece a media que trabajamos juntos para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de nuestra comunidad comercial", añade Susana Carbajal, directora asistente del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico.     Calendario general Asesoría para negocios disponible de lunes a viernes de 1:00 p.m. a 2:00 p.m.   LUNES - 3 de mayo de 2021 Estado de las pequeñas empresas en Austin, Premios a las Pequeñas Empresas y panel de discusión Deducciones fiscales para las oficinas en casa El proceso de desarrollo comercial: De principio a fin   MARTES - 4 de mayo de 2021 Cómo entender los impuestos para negocios parte 1 Taller de financiamiento para pequeñas empresas Orientación de negocios de BizAid BizOpen: Requisitos de propiedad comercial Recursos de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA por sus siglas en inglés) Explorando Emprendimiento: Cofundadores Consejos de contabilidad para creativos que trabajan por su cuenta Clínica del Lawyer Referral Service (Servicio de Recomendaciones de Abogados) Cómo crear un Plan de Negocios para artistas Conocimientos básicos sobre cómo obtener una patente Qué debe saber antes de comprar o alquilar   MIÉRCOLES - 5 de mayo de 2021 Orientación de negocios de BizAid - Español Esquemas de modelo de negocios Entendiendo las facturas de servicios públicos de su empresa Conózcase a sí mismo y haga crecer su negocio como creativo Cómo entender los impuestos para negocios, parte 2 Psicología digital Cooperativas en acción: Capacitación para Junta Directivas Recursos para la certificación de empresas pequeñas y de minorías Respuesta del distrito comercial a la recuperación de COVID-19   JUEVES - 6 de mayo de 2021 Precios estratégicos Semana de las Pequeñas Empresas: Arte, colaboración y comunidad Cómo crear un negocio resiliente Principios empresariales de la economía circular  Cómo los minoristas locales tienen éxito en los distritos de destino de Austin   VIERNES - 7 de mayo de 2021 Discusión del Panel de Financiamiento para Pequeñas Empresas Introducción a las cooperativas: Cómo comenzar una cooperativa de trabajadores Secretos Internos del Comercio Electrónico Cómo determinar la estructura de su negocio Introducción a las cooperativas: Cómo convertir su pequeña empresa a una cooperativa Servicios de desarrollo económico para su empresa local, parte 1 La inscripción en todas las clases virtuales es gratis y está abierta al público. Aprenda más sobre los talleres y cursos de la Semana de las Pequeñas Empresas en Austin en www.SmallBizAustin.org.    ###   About the City of Austin Economic Development Department The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd or like us on Facebook @AustinEconDev and follow @AustinEconDev on Twitter. Información sobre el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Austin apoya el crecimiento de los negocios, las industrias creativas y las comunidades locales. Estos programas construyen una economía equitativa y sostenible para mejorar las vidas de todos los residentes de Austin. Para aprender más sobre recursos útiles, visite www.austintexas.gov/edd o síganos en Facebook @AustinEconDev y @AustinEconDev en Twitter.

Austin Public Health Expands Appointment Scheduling Opportunities  Residents can now log in and schedule 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Tuesday  Austin, Texas – Tomorrow, Apr. 17, Austin Public Health (APH) will shift the first dose appointment release schedule.  Appointments for the upcoming week will be available to schedule beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday through 7 a.m. on Tuesday. As a reminder, all individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible to schedule an appointment through APH.  "As we have begun to reach a place of equilibrium between the supply and demand for vaccinations in our community, our strategy must shift," said APH Director Stephanie Hayden. "We know people still want the vaccine, but the barriers to accessing must be limited and this is one step toward that goal as it allows people to plan ahead for their week."  If you have not pre-registered through APH, please visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19-Vaccines for more information. If you are already pre-registered, log into covid19.austintexas.gov to schedule an appointment. If you cannot access the online pre-registration system, please call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Call takers can assist with technology issues, account creation, and pre-registration. For additional assistance, they will take your name and number and provide it to APH Equity Hotline for a call back.    Tips for successful scheduling: When scheduling, it is important to carefully read the questionnaire information to avoid submission errors.   If there is high scheduling demand during certain hours, you may be placed in the queue for a short period of time.  If you believe there is a mistake with your account, submit a help request to correct the error.  APH currently receives the Moderna vaccine, which is approved for those who are 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine currently approved for those who are 16 years of age and older. To find additional vaccine providers, visit www.VaccineFinder.org.    For additional COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.

Fwd: Press Release: Community Police Review Commission Seeks Feedback on APD Use of Force

Community Police Review Commission Seeks Feedback on APD Use of Force Community Police Review Commission Hosts 8 Can't Wait Town Hall to Facilitate Community Feedback on Austin Police Department's Policies The Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) will host the 8 Can't Wait Town Hall focusing on the national "8 Can't Wait" campaign on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, from 6–7:30 p.m. The town hall will be held virtually on Zoom and is open to the public to attend. "We want to hear directly from community members about their experiences and get their feedback on proposals to make policing safer for everyone," said CPRC chair Amani Seay. The event will be an opportunity for the community to learn more about how the City of Austin is addressing public safety and  provide feedback on the Austin Police Department's Use-of-Force Policies. "In the wake of recent officer-involved shootings, the questions about when and how Austin police officers use force have never been more important," said Commissioner Sukyi McMahon.    The 8 Can't Wait campaign is part of a national movement to reduce police brutality. In January 2021, the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight (OPO) released a review of the 8 Can't Wait recommendations as a starting point to recommend changes to APD policies. The town hall hosted by the Community Police Review Commission will build from OPO's recommendations by facilitating community feedback. At the 8 Can't Wait Townhall, the community will:  Receive a presentation from a Campaign Zero representative Learn about  OPO's preliminary analysis on how APD policy matches up to "8 Can't Wait" policy model.  Participate in a facilitated discussion and provide feedback on Austin Police Department's Use-of-force policies To RSVP for the 8 Can't Wait Town Hall, visit atxpolicecommission.org. ### About the Community Police Review Commission:   The Community Police Review Commission consists of 10 unpaid volunteers appointed by the city manager to: Make policy-level recommendations regarding discipline, training, community relations, and the complaint process. Address any other issues of concern by the community. Review patterns and practices of the Austin Police Department. Assess critical incidents and review individual cases of police misconduct. Make fair and objective recommendations, and make decisions based only on the facts and evidence. Assess the effectiveness of the Office of Police Oversight. The commission serves to oversee these matters independently and separately from the Office of Police Oversight and any other City of Austin organization. Learn more about the CPRC here: atxpolicecommission.org.

Austin Parks & Recreation 2021 Summer Camps

Austin Parks & Recreation 2021 Summer Camps Register April 19 – May 16: Limited Capacity & Lottery for Spaces Austin Parks and Recreation (PARD) will launch 2021 Summer Camp registration on April 19. This year there are two main options. A free virtual program called Stay Creative In-person Summer Camp at participating Recreation Centers, Nature-Based Sites and Cultural Centers. In accordance with federal, state and local health authorities, PARD has adopted modified guidelines for COVID-19 health and safety. All participants and staff must wear a mask and complete a daily wellness screening prior to entry. There will be one group or "pod" of no more than 10 people per room: eight youth plus one or two staff. With limited summer camp capacity due to COVID-19, PARD encourages consideration of multiple summer camp options to provide increased access to the City's reduced camp offerings for those who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Lottery Registration: April 19 – May 16 Parents can register April 19 through May 16 to be included in a random lottery drawing for a limited number of in-person summer camps. To register, please go to: AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline. For a PDF of the lottery enrollment step-by-step procedures CLICK HERE.  Notification - Specialty Camp: May 19 – May 25 In-person Specialty Camps such as Nature Based, Inclusion and Cultural Centers will contact participants who received a lottery spot in camp.  Notification - General Recreation Camp: May 26 – June 1 In-person General Recreation Camps will contact participants who received a lottery spot in camp.  Virtual Summer Camp: June 7 – August 13 Stay Creative free virtual Summer Camp will explore the basic principles of art, culture and history with PARD's museums and cultural center staff. In-person Summer Camp: June 21 – August 13 Limited capacity in-person Summer Camp programming will be offered at Nature Centers, Cultural Centers and General Recreation sites. Summer Playgrounds Program: July 6 – August 13 The Summer Playgrounds Program will offer free, in-person outdoor drop-in camps with limited capacity. This program is first come, first served on a daily basis. Contact PARD's Inclusion Unit at 512-974-3914 to request ADA assistance or modifications for participation. For more information about PARD Summer Camps, visit AustinTexas.gov/SummerCamp.

11th Annual Central Texas Water Efficiency Network Symposium Goes Virtual

11th Annual Central Texas Water Efficiency Network Symposium Goes Virtual AUSTIN, TX – The 11th Annual Central Texas Water Efficiency Network (CTWEN) Symposium (VIRTUAL) – Proactive Water Conservation Programs: In it for the Long Haul - will be held on Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21. The Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium provides water utilities with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. Learn from state and national experts about the latest approaches, what is coming next and best practices for maximum efficiency gains. Day 1: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 9:30am to 12:00pm Day 2: Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 9:30am to 12:00pm This is a FREE event. Registration and more information available at 2021 Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium.   2021 Topics include: Incorporating climate change into water supply and conservation program planning Lessons learned from conversion to AMI and implementing customer portals Insights on how generational learning shapes customer behavior Tips on implementing landscape water budgets & promoting outdoor irrigation efficiency Examples of small & large utilities leveraging water reuse strategies Tips & guidance on improving water loss audit methodology   Who Should Attend? Mayors, City Council, Board Members of MUD's, Regional Water Authorities, City Managers, Water Utility Directors and Staff, Water Conservation Managers, Program Staff and other Relevant Staff, CFO's Finance Directors, Sustainability Directors, Business and Community Leaders, Consultants and Advocates.    MEDIA NOTES: Speakers include water experts from a variety of backgrounds, including the Aspen Global Change Institute, Noble Research Institute, The Meadows Center for Water & the Environment/Texas State University, Texas A & M University, LCRA, Austin Water, and utilities from across Central Texas. VIEW FULL AGENDA   About Central Texas Water Efficiency Network: The purpose of the Central Texas Water Efficiency Network is to openly and actively share information and promote water efficiency education, legislation, programs, technologies, and all other integral components of water conservation in order to regionally have an impact on water supplies and use. In addition to monthly meetings and information sharing, this group works together each year to present the Central Texas Water Conservation Symposium.    Representatives from Aqua Water Supply, Austin Area Research Organization, Austin Water, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Capital Area Suburban Exchange, City of Cedar Park, City of Georgetown, City of Round Rock, City of San Marcos, Lower Colorado River Authority, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club-Lone Star Chapter, Texas AWWA, Texas Water Foundation, Texas Living Waters Project, & AIQUEOUS work collaboratively to bring this event to Central Texas each year.

Austin Updates, Extends Health Authority Rules

Austin Updates, Extends Health Authority Rules Through May 18 Updates include guidance for those who are fully vaccinated  Austin, Texas – Today, Apr. 13, the Health Authority Rules, which are the basis for the continued mask requirements, were renewed through May 18, and include updates for those who are fully vaccinated.  "As more people become vaccinated in our area, we are able to move to more lenient requirements for those individuals," said Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority. "However, we have not yet reached herd immunity in our community. To get there, we need more people to acquire immunity which is why we encourage people to get the vaccine when it is available to them."  Under the Rules, an individual is considered fully vaccinated once they have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course and at least two weeks have passed since their last dose. If an individual is fully vaccinated, they are not required to:  Quarantine following an exposure if they are not experiencing symptoms; or  Wear a face covering in any setting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states is appropriate for individuals or groups of individuals who are fully vaccinated.  Additional updates to the Rules include changes to when an entire household needs to isolate and changes to physical distancing requirements for schools.  "We have continuously prioritized education as we made policy decisions on rules and recommendations," Dr. Escott added. "As transmission continues to plateau in Stage 3 and many educators become vaccinated, we are coordinating our guidance for schools to be consistent with guidance at the federal level."  In alignment with CDC guidelines, schools can decrease the minimum spacing between students from six feet to three feet, except for when Austin-Travis County is in Stage 5 of the Austin Public Health Risk-Based Guidelines.  For additional COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.

Austin Public Health Expands Appointment Scheduling to 18+  Austin, Texas – Beginning today, Apr. 12, Austin Public Health (APH) will allow anyone 18 years of age and older to schedule an appointment when they are available.  While main appointment releases have been happening on Monday evenings, release times and dates can vary week to week as operations change. The scheduler will be open until the stated closing time or when all appointments are filled.  Monday, Apr. 12 (6-10 p.m.): 1A/1B/1C + childcare providers and educators, and all individuals 18+ If there are additional appointments:   Thursday, Apr. 15 (6-10 p.m.): 1A/1B/1C + childcare providers and educators, and all individuals 18+ If you have not pre-registered through APH, please visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19-Vaccines for more information. If you are already pre-registered, log in to covid19.austintexas.gov during the appointment release times to join the queue.  If you cannot access the online pre-registration system, please call 311 or 512-974-2000. Call takers can assist with technology issues, account creation, and pre-registration. For additional assistance, they will take your name and number and provide it to APH for a call back.     APH currently receives the Moderna vaccine, which is approved for those who are 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine currently approved for those who are 16 years of age and older. To find additional vaccine providers, visit www.VaccineFinder.org.   More Information:  APH has administered a total of 230,575 vaccines (first and second doses) as of Apr. 10.  Last week, APH administered 26,643 total vaccines, of which 1,085 were administered through focused vaccine operations.  According to state data, 43.31% of the Travis County population that is 16+ has received at least one dose, with 26.47% fully vaccinated.  For additional COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.