The Disaster Loan Assistance portal has been updated again.
Stay tuned, as we will keep sharing updated information as we get them from HQ. Thank you for understanding.
New information will be disseminated as we receive it.
If you already submitted an application and want to check on status, please call customer service at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
If you are submitting a new application, please follow the new streamlined steps in the portal (https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/) as the questions are mostly the same from all the required documents in the previous version of the portal.
Small businesses are encouraged to apply for EIDL and then request an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses impacted by the Covid-19 disaster and funds will be made available within 3 days and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
Thank you for your continued patience as we are committed to continually providing updated information as we get it.
Please direct all inquiries and questions to our District Office email at:
If you are ready to apply online and just need an aid to walk you through the questions, please review the STEP-BY-STEP PDF and the RECORDED WEBINAR below…
CWE is doing a SURVEY to understand our local small businesses.
Please FILL OUT THE SURVEYand let them know how your business is being impacted by the current pandemic. Share what issues you are facing, questions you are having and resources you need.
CWE will mobilize the network of small business expert friends to help you address specific challenges you may be having in your business in the coming weeks.
Funding & Financials
In times like these, it can feel scary to think about money flow. There is very little ‘free money’ available. Taking on low-interest debt through Disaster Relief programs can be a good fit for some businesses. Before making any decisions, make sure to think through your decision.
Some questions that can guide you:
Do you know how much it costs you to stay open? Your breakeven point is a great tool to guide your decisions.
How much money do you actually need in the immediate (week), intermediate (1-3 months), long-term (<1 year) for yourself from your business?
Where are there opportunities for you to negotiate around your expenses? How can you work with your vendors, landlord, customers?
Have you called your insurance company to inquire about your ‘interruptions’ coverage?
Where can you get creative and work ‘bare bones’ while still delivering to your standards of quality?
If you decide debt is an option for you:
What source is best for you? Have you talked with your banker to see what might be available to you?
If you can’t qualify for a loan through a traditional bank, there may be programs available to you in the coming weeks. How can you be best prepared for this type of program?
What’s your plan for paying the loan back?
What’s the minimum amount you can borrow to get you through these times without causing future challenges to your business when you have to repay?
Tips:
Consider calling your business insurance company to find out about coverage available to you during times of potential cash flow issues. Here are a few questions to help you.
Staff are working remotely and can be reached via email or telephone. MSBDC is committed to supporting entrepreneurs during these very challenging times.
MSBDC advisors can assist businesses with disaster loan applications.
If you are not currently a client and would like to speak with a counselor, please find your region and reach out to the REGIONAL OFFICE SERVING YOU.
Berkshire Regional Office
33 Dunham Mall, Suite 103
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-0933 | Fax: 413-499-3005 www.msbdc.org/berkshire
Central Regional Office Clark University
The Carriage House, 125 Woodland Street
Worcester, MA 01610
508-793-7615 | Fax: 508-793-8890 www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdc
Northeast Regional Office Salem State University
121 Loring Avenue, Suite 310
Salem, MA 01970
978-542-6343 | Fax: 978-542-6345 www.salemstate.edu/sbdc
Procurement Technical Assistance Center Scibelli Enterprise Center
1 Federal Street, Building 1
Springfield, MA 01105
413-545-6303 | Fax: 413-737-2312 https://www.massptac.org
Southeast Regional Office 200 Pocasset Street
Fall River, MA 02721
508-673-9783 | Fax: 508-674-1929 www.msbdc.org/semass
Western Regional Office Scibelli Enterprise Center
One Federal Street, Building 101
Springfield, MA 01105-1160
413-577-1768 | Fax: 413-737-2312 www.msbdc.org/wmass
(IF ANY CONTACTS IN THIS EMAIL DO NOT WORK, PLEASE REACH OUT TO NORM AND LET US KNOW!! Email: norman.eng@sba.gov)
Counseling Sessions with BOSTON SCORE CHAPTER:
If you want to speak with a counselor, SCORE is doing tele-consults. Just pick a date and time to schedule a session and enter your contact info, they are doing sessions by phone and Zoom video app.
Reach out to other SCORE CHAPTERS throughout the state below.
As of Wednesday, March 18th the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has been activated statewide in Massachusetts. Staff from the local district office are ready to help small businesses understand the resources available and navigate the process of submitting a disaster loan application.
Updated details about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and how to apply will be provided, including:
Lender Relations Specialist Dan Martiniello will be joining the virtual Connect conference that will be broadcasted on Venture Cafe’s Facebook pageand Youtube Channel.
RECORDED INTERVIEW: Bob Nelson on North Shore Conversations
Listen to District Director Robert Nelson on a recorded podcast with Laura Swanson Executive Director at the Enterprise Center at Salem State University talk about statewide activation of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Most recent legislative updates and the impact on your business
What to do should you face a temporary closure or reduction in staff
Understanding Sick Time, Vacation/PTO and FMLA – what to offer and when Employee Health Guidelines – what to do should an employee disclose exposure to the virus or become symptomatic
(Presented by Boston SCORE Chapter)
*REMINDER*
All Massachusetts non-essential businesses are to cease in-person operations until April 7.
Examples of essential business types include:
Grocery / Convenience / Bodegas
Pharmacies
Laundromats / laundry services
Gas Stations
Automotive Repair
Moving & Storage
Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, inspectors and other providing emergency services
Food Businesses including restaurants and food trucks
The state also issued guidelines to limit gatherings to 10 people during the state of emergency, a reduction from the 25 person limit established in an earlier order. Please consider using tape or something similar to mark 6 feet between customers in line (both to enter and to pay). Click here for a copy of the Emergency Order and click here for a copy of the Guidance of Assemblages.
The U.S. Chamber has resources available to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams to support those from the Massachusetts restaurant industry who have been impacted by the COVID-19 closures.
Rally for Restaurants is encouraging consumers to buy gift cards for local restaurants during the pandemic and they will donate $1 to organizations supporting the community through Toast.org.
The Boston Music Maker Relief Fund provides financial relief to music makers in the Boston area affected by lost revenue from gig cancellations resulting from public health concerns related to coronavirus.
The COVID-19 Response Fund is being set up to provide flexible resources to nonprofits serving those who have been affected financially by the pandemic in the Pioneer Valley.
For parents caring for children at home, the Boston Children’s Museum is offering free online resources for parents and caregivers to use at home during this time of social distancing. And the New England Aquarium also has online programming, and recently did a live-streamed feeding of Myrtle the Turtle.
The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network has compiled a list of resources, policy updates, and philanthropy/government-led relief efforts to aid nonprofits in responding to COVID-19. This list is updated daily.
MainVest in Salem has launched “the Main Street Initiative“ — $2,000, zero-interest cash loans to small businesses affected by coronavirus-related closures.
The CJP is launching the CJP Coronavirus Emergency Fund for the Jewish community with $100,000 from its crisis reserve fund, and has already received pledges hundreds of donors
Tufts Health Plan Foundation is making an additional $1 million available to efforts driven by community and to nonprofit organizations supporting older people affected by the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston is activating its network of pro bono attorneys at more than 30 law firms, including firms such as Ropes & Gray and Nixon Peabody, to provide free legal support to small businesses during the crisis.
Cambridge Local First has organized conference calls for local businesses and launched a petition urging the federal government to help Main Street businesses.
RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, a nonprofit foundation working to end the opioid epidemic in the state, has awarded nearly $200,000 in rapid response grants to support nonprofit organizations strained by the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Balance Foundation has committed $2 million in nonprofit grants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support local, regional and global communities.
Common Capital is offering a Fast-Track Loan Program, information can be found here. Funding can be in hand within 7 days of loan approval.
Facebook is preparing a $100 million program in cash grants and ad credits for small businesses. Sign up here for updates on when the application material will be available.
Community Foundation is providing resources for non-profits that have been impacted, including a fund that has been seeded through a $1 million contribution from MassMutual.
MA Department of Unemployment Assistancehosts the Work Share program as an alternative for employers faced with a cut in workforce. Employers can divide available work among affected employees to receive a part of their unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while working reduced hours.
MA Department of Unemployment Assistance is hosting a series of virutal town halls to assist those who need to apply for unemployment assistance. Please visit here for more information.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is sharing information at Cape Cod & COVID-19
Love Live Local is maintaining a list of food establishments, grocery stories, and pharmacies that are still Open for Business on Cape Cod
The Enterprise Newspaper is making all their COVID-19 related news and updates free for all to access on their website
Coastal Community Capital shared information on what paperwork business owners will need to apply for the the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Cape Cod Young Professionals has a list of resources for Cape Cod’s businesses, non-profits, young adults and families
Several local chambers of commerce are maintaining COVID-19 information and links on their website, including a list of restaurants now offering take-out and delivery:
WorkShare Program a tool to help employers avoid layoffs during a downturn
Rapid Response Program working closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry
(Courtesy: Boston Business Journal, Worcester Business Journal, City of Springfield, Cape Cod Commission, and North Central Mass Chamber)
Disclaimer: The SBA does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. All programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Important message about the North Andover Town Election: In response to the State of Emergency and concerns about COVID-19 and its implications on election administration, the Board of Selectmen voted to postpone the local election that was scheduled for tomorrow, March 31. The new election will be held on Tuesday, June 2. The new voter registration deadline is Friday, May 22 at 8PM.
In light of the need for social distancing, absentee ballots and early voting by mail is encouraged. Absentee ballots are available in front of Town Hall.
For more information, please visit www.northandoverma.gov or call the Town Clerk's office at 978-688-9501.
Thank you to the NAFD Local 2035 as well as others who have donated!
Would you like to make a donation to help members of the North Andover community? Please visit northandoverma.gov/coviddonate, review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Once you have signed up please contact Deanna Lima, Community Support Coordinator, to make arrangements for drop off; dlima@northandoverma.gov or call/text 978-989-1048.
Are you in need of food or supplies? Please contact Deanna at dlima@northandoverma.gov or call/text 978-989-1048.
Social Distancing is a method recommended by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health to help limit and prevent the spread of illnesses such as COVID-19. This includes actions like limiting exposure to public places with large groups of people.
However, at some point you may need to go to a potentially crowded or busy establishment, such as a grocery store, in order to purchase items for yourself, your family or others. By following the tips listed below, you can help yourself and others continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while shopping.
Before Going Out: ● If you are sick, elderly or immunocompromised do not go shopping. Call Town Hall at (978) 208 6070, or ask a family member or friend if they would purchase items for you and drop them off. ● Check to see if the establishment has a delivery or online curbside pick-up option. ● Shop at hours which will be less busy. ● Make a list of items before leaving to minimize time in the store and avoid excess purchasing. ● Keep trips to a minimum. ● Keep in mind family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk and unable to shop. Call them and see if they need anything. ● Wash your hands before going shopping. ● If ordering takeout, stick to the estimated time frame for picking up the order.
Inside Establishment: ● Sanitize your hands and the handle of shopping cart or basket. ● Avoid touching foods, especially fruit and produce, unless you will be buying it. ● Keep your distance from other shoppers and staff. ● Cover all your coughs and sneezes. ● If waiting in line, try to maintain 6 feet between you and the person in front of you. ● AVOID PANIC BUYING. This results in empty shelves. Buy what you need according to the list you made. ● Pay by credit or debit when available. ● Where possible, have your receipt emailed to you instead of handed to you. ● If picking up take-out, only enter the store once you’re food is ready to go. Instead of lingering in the lobby or outside the door, wait in your car.
Once at Home: ● Wash hands before and after unpacking all items. ● Wash fruits and vegetables once home. ● Wipe down the surfaces that the grocery bags were placed on. ● If delivering items to family, a friend or neighbor, make sure to alert them that the items have been dropped off to avoid any spoilage of food.
As always, please remember that limiting the spread of COVID-19 is a community effort which starts at the individual level. By following these tips, you can help one another avoid spreading COVID-19.
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress and signed by the President are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. Click here for a guide that provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. Also, click here for FAQs about the CARES Act.
I hope this e- letter finds you and your family healthy and safe. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic grows, Elder Services is taking varied measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our consumers and our staff; and continuing to provide home care and nutrition services. As you know, Governor Baker ordered all organizations and businesses that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close effective noon, March 24. Because of the work we do supporting older adults and those with disabilities, Elder Services is considered an “essential service” and will remain operational. Although our staff is working remotely, and we are all taking appropriate precautions to limit contact, we continue to provide and expand services in response to our community needs.
Our case managers and providers continue to work with consumers to ensure their service needs are met, and they have adequate food and home care assistance. These services support health, nutritional needs, home sanitization and personal hygiene, as well as emotional support and comfort.
We have consistent delivery of Meals on Wheels each day. We have expanded our nutrition service to accommodate increasing number of elders as other nutritional programs like congregate meal programs have closed. We are also working with the food banks to deliver perishable goods to those in need.
We are hosting weekly calls with our 28 local councils on aging and senior centers to better understand local needs and how we might collaborate to meet those needs.
Our Protective Service team is still connecting with those older adults in our community at risk, assuring they are safe, and working with them to take appropriate steps when they are not.
Many of you have asked how you can help. We believe the need for food and services will continue to grow as the pandemic spreads. Our seniors are at higher risk because many depend on services and supports to maintain their health and independence. Our most critical need is funding from individuals and businesses, to enable us to manage the increasing costs of providing services and respond to a growing need for care from elder and disabled adults.
