Reopening Resources

On May 18, 2020, Governor Baker announced his plans for reopening the Massachusetts economy. We have compiled information and resources that you may need to help your business/organization pivot and succeed.

Please review these resources and check back regularly, as we continue to add to this list.

 

Key Resources

• COVID-19 Guidance and Directives- Businesses and Employers
  • Reopening Massachusetts: Detailed Presentation

• • Reopening Massachusetts Website
  • COVID-19 Control Plan Template (*required)
  • COVID-19 Control Plan Checklist (*required)
  • Industry Specific Guidance

• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• US Department of Labor

 

Helpful Links & Resources 

• Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business brought to you by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• U.S. Chamber Reopening Business: Digital Resource Center

 

What Are Other States Doing?

• State-by-State Business Reopening Guidance
• See what states are reopening and which ones are still shut down

 

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

• Visit the state’s website for additional options to purchase PPE.

 

Openings, Gatherings and Operations

• Openings
  • Essential Services Order | List of Essential Services | Essential Services FAQ's

• Gatherings
  • Assemblage Guidance
  • Stay At Home Advisory

• Operations
  • Department of Public Health
    • Pharmacy-Grocery Order (mandating alternative shopping hours for seniors, banning reusable bags, and other strategies to reduce exposure)
    • Grocery Stores Employees Emergency Child Care- List of Providers
    • Law Allows for Restaurant Beer/Wine Sales with Takeout Meals

 

Business Financing Programs 

• Massachusetts - Small Business Recovery Loan Fund
• U.S. Small Business Administration
  • • COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
    • Loan Programs
    • • • Economic Injury Disaster Loan - Apply for Assistance
          • Act now! No cost to apply, no obligation to take if approved.
          • Issued on first come first serve basis.
          • Loans take 3-4 weeks (check Express Bridge Loan eligibility)
        • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance 
          • A loan advance of $10,000 that is available to applicants who have been approved for an EIDL; it does not need to be repaid, so you can think of the Advance as a grant for business expenses
        • Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide
          • Allows existing SBA Express borrowers to access funds used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct EIDL discussed above.
        • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
          • PPP Overview - loan program designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep workers on the payroll. Loans are up to $10M, with a 0.5% interest rate and a 2-year maturity; there are no payments for the first six months
          • PPP Information for Borrowers
          • PPP Guidance
          • Application

• • NRF Retail Webinar – Small Business Loans – COVID-19-Apr 5 2020

 

Federal Expansion of Paid Leave and Sick Time - Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

• U.S.  Department of Labor- Wage and Hour Division
  • Fact Sheet for Employers
  • Fact Sheet for Employees
  • Questions & Answers
  • Required Employee Notice Poster

 

Please remember that the Nashoba Valley Chamber is here for you each and every step of the way. Please email Melissa at any point with:

• Questions you have
• Resources you’d like to Chamber to compile
• Concerns you are anticipating
• Opportunities you are excited about
• Strategies you are willing to share