**Deadline extended!** So no one misses out, the deadline to register for Children’s Institute (Ci9) has been extended to this Friday, August 13. Storytime interludes from your favorite authors, interactive virtual receptions, a special workshop on empowered listening (separate signup required), and more will be delivered straight to your doorstep — don’t delay! Register now!

Ci9 Attendees: Sign up for a free IndieCommerce or IndieLite one-on-one at Children’s Institute to talk with a specialist about your website. Appointments can be made for Tuesday, August 31, or Wednesday, September 1.

Sign up for this week’s events:

• August 10 at 3:00 p.m. ET: New Member Session: Store Ownership 101
• August 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET: BIPOC Meetup
• August 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET: Technology Meetup - Virtual Accessibility

Take a look at a Marketing & Technology Meetup recap, focused on getting your social media organized. 

The Small Business Administration's new streamlined application portal for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less is now live. If your lender participates in the new portal, you can apply for loan forgiveness directly through the SBA. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Learn if your lender participates and how to apply for direct forgiveness.

Here is a preview of the titles on the September/October Kids’ Indie Next List. Top pick? The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick).

Duende District and The Word are hosting the second annual BIPOC Bookseller Awards. All BIPOC booksellers who work in U.S. independent bookstores in any capacity are eligible to be nominated. The winning booksellers will be honored during #MarginsBookstores Month celebrations, and will receive a plaque and a $1,000 prize. Submit your nominations by August 22, 2021.

The Independent Publishers Caucus (IPC) has announced the theme for the September Indie Playlist Display Contest: Dazzling Debuts. Indie bookstores that post a picture of their display have the chance to win $500 (to be split between their store and the bookseller who created the display). Sign up to participate. The first five stores to sign up will receive $50 in co-op and a shoutout from participating indie presses.