Other Business Resources

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application provided today (May 18) by the U.S. Small Business Administration. View the application and instructions (PDF).

Four-Phase Approach to Reopening

On Monday, May 11, Governor Baker announced a Four-Phase Approach to Reopening and published Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Grant

Announced April 20, LISC will offer grants of up to $10k to address immediate financial peril, limit layoffs, avoid gaps in employee benefits or insurance, mitigate economic instability and increase the likelihood of business survival.For more detailed information about eligibility, and application, go to the LISC Boston website.

Chamber of Commerce Small Business Grant Fund

Announced, April 20, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launches save Small Business Grant Fund. Please visit the Save Small Business Fund website for more information about eligibility, amount available and application.

New Resource: Free Assistance for Non-Profits & Small Businesses Through the Newly Formed COVID Relief Coalition

It is a coalition of law firms, non-profits and governmental agencies in Massachusetts offering help to access emergency loans and other sources of relief. Go to the COVID Relief Coalition website for more information.

Corporate- & Foundation-Backed Fund for Health Care Workers

On April 6, 2020 Governor Charlie Baker announced the launch of a new corporate- and foundation-backed fund that will support health care workers, the homeless and others in Massachusetts that have been especially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund, called the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, is already stocked with more than $13 million, attracting contributions from One8 Foundation,

The Boston Foundation and many more. It is also open to donations from the general public. Eastern Bank is administering the fund at no cost and contributed some of its own money. The fund will partner with existing community foundations and local nonprofits to disperse the money quickly where it's needed most. The new fund is being spearheaded in part by Massachusetts First Lady Lauren Baker, who said "sky's the limit" for expected fundraising totals.

Off-Premises Consumption of Alcohol

On April 3, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill authorizing on-premises licensees to sell malt beverages and wine for off-premises consumption (PDF) for the duration of the Governor's declared state of emergency, issued March 10, 2020.

List of Essential Services

View an updated list of essential services as revised by Governor Baker on March 31, 2020. Originally, on March 23, Governor Baker issued an emergency order ordering nonessential businesses and organizations to close their physical work spaces and facilities to customers, workers and the public. You may submit a request to have your business deemed essential at Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

If you would like, view all orders, guidance and updates that the Governor has issued related to COVID-19.

Assistance with Application to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Including Multilingual Translation

On April 23, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) in partnership with Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporation (MACDC) announced support for all Massachusetts small businesses owners, including those with limited English proficiency, by providing multilingual translation and application assistance for the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

These services will provide an opportunity for small business owners in Massachusetts impacted by COVID-19 who would otherwise be unable to tap into the SBA's economic relief resources. All small businesses in Massachusetts are strongly encouraged to apply to PPP through their local, participating bank.

Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF)

On April 10 the ECCF announced its second round of grants from the Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund. The funds were awarded to partnerships and organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in Essex County. For more information about who received the funding, please visit the ECCF website.

Attention Artists

CODAworx has improved its website to facilitate the matching of artists with prospective clients. Both artists and their potential clients should visit the CODAworx website for more information.
The Artist Relief Fund has been formed by a coalition of national arts grantmakers who have come together to offer financial and informational resources to artists across the United States. Apply or donate online.
The Creative County Initiative, through ECCF, is compiling a list of resources to assist artists impacted by COVID-19. Visit the Essex County Creates website for additional information.
Creative Capitol has developed a list of resources for artists in response to COVID-19 impacts. Go to the Creative Capital website for more information.

Disaster Declaration

Governor Baker/ Lieutenant Governor Polito Disaster Declaration paves way for assistance to small businesses statewide from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal entity, provides people with information and resources to protect and manage their finances, covering issues such as mortgage relief, student debt, and protecting your credit. Visit their webpage focusing on COVID-19 for more information.

National Grid

National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on their customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through the end of April. They will evaluate their continued need at that time. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers.

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Department of Labor has issued some guidance (not requirements) regarding preparing your workplace for COVID-19 (PDF).

U.S. Travel Association

The U.S. Travel Association highlights components of the CARES Act that impact their industry. Read through their overview.