Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

 

COVID-19 - What you need to know as a small business

  

ASBDC Keep CalmWE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS helping businesses cope with the economic consequences of the coronavirus. We are committed to supporting entrepreneurs during these very challenging times.

Although Massachusetts SBDC business advisor are working remotely, we are meeting virtually with clients. Experienced MSBDC business advisors can assist businesses with disaster loan applications.

If you are not a client and would like to receive services, please complete our Request for Counseling form available on our website at www.msbdc.org/rfc. We offer online registration for business advisory services.

  

Massachusetts businesses are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus. Click here to learn more and apply for SBA's disaster loan. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Call early, waiting times can be upwards of one hour at peak times. 

Below are some useful links, resources and articles about what small businesses need to know about the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to get information from reliable sources, such as the organizations below. Additional articles on COVID-19 are listed at our "In the News" page.
 


 


SBAThe U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Charles D. Baker on March 17, 2020. Click here for details in English or Spanish. Visit SBA's website for additional details by clicking here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): SBA's Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources - Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

America’s SBDCs are working to help small businesses address the business challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. On this page, they have gathered information and resources to help small businesses plan for and respond to the pandemic.   
Coronavirus.gov has general information about the virus and is a collaboration of the White House, CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Blog) - COVID-19 Developments for Massachusetts Employers. State and federal governments have passed a series of measures and issued several orders this week to address the medical and economic fallout from the COVID-19 issue. This page is update regularly.
COVID-19 Response Command Center Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) - The Command Center, under the leadership of Secretary Sudders and reporting to Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, will be the Commonwealth’s single point of strategic decision making and coordination for the Administration’s comprehensive COVID-19 response. You can find the most recent COVID-19 reports from MEMA in the archives by clicking here.
Helpful hints from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center's Southeast Regional Office to prepare for recovery from the COVID-19.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a page dedicated to COVID-19. Click here to view the OSHA Coronavirus Guide for Businesses.

Foley & Foley PC, a law firm in Falmouth, has created several useful documents that are helpful during this COVID-19 crisis, including details for businesses on the eligibility, leave and pay obligations under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

- Chart for Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
- What you need to know and do: FFCRA
- COVID-19 Infectious Disease Response Toolkit
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Compliance Package
Nixon Peabody of Boston have information on "How small businesses can access funding under the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loans Program in response to COVID-19". Click here for the article. They have a response team dedicated to the coronavirus.
Puerto Rica SBDC has graciously shared some free webinars (presented in Spanish).

- 3/23/2020: Aspectos Laborales ante el COVID-19  (Knowing Your Employer Responsibilities during COVID-19) https://bit.ly/33HoSTO
- 3/24/2020: Manejo del  Cash Flow en Momentos de Crisis (Management of Business Cash Flow during Times of Uncertainty)  https://bit.ly/2J5e2xe
- 3/25/2020: Préstamos de Desastre del SBA ante el COVID-19 (SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for COVID-19 Emergency)  https://bit.ly/2WuUYAw
- 3/26/2020: Comience su Tienda Online (Start your Online Store)  https://bit.ly/2UnV761
- 3/27/2020: Alternativas de Financiamiento ante el COVID-19 (Other Business Financing Sources for the COVID-19 Emergency)  https://bit.ly/2UpppFB

The Facebook for Business website has tips and resources to help small businesses deal with business interruptions such as the coronavirus pandemic, including:

  • Ideas for staying in touch with customers, using online resources such as email, your website and your Facebook page.
  • Hosting virtual, online events such as webinars, in place of in-person events.
  • Preparing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about how your business is operating during the pandemic.
  • Business Resilience Toolkit – a booklet about preparing for a business interruption, and creating a resiliency plan.
  • Small Business Resilience Quick Action Guide
  • Online courses about how to communicate with customers and provide customer support during business disruptions.

$100M in Grants for Small Businesses: $100 million in Facebook grants will support over 30,000 small businesses in over 30 countries where Facebook operates around the world. For more information, click here.
The Massachusetts Restaurant Association or the National Restaurant Association both have information on the COVID-19 crisis.
The Rapid Response program works closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry; read more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses.
WesternMass List of Business Resources: Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties (updated daily) - click here.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available. Click here for FAQs on extension of filing and payment deadlines.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has created a “COVID-19 Security Resource Library” — a compilation of tips and recommendations from NCSA and its partners on ways to stay safe online, and how to avoid cyber threats and scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. To access the Library, click here.
Retailers Association of Massachusetts has the latest updates on the Coronavirus.
City offers $10K grants to Worcester businesses amid coronavirus impact
Common Capital is offering a COVID-19 Response Fast Track Loan Program
MA Department of Unemployment Assistance hosts 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.

- Employer Unemployment FAQ: COVID-19
- Massachusetts COVID-19 unemployment information
- Learn about Massachusetts COVID-19 Workforce Measures
- Important Employee and Employer Information related to COVID-19 and unemployment
Massachusetts Announces State Income Tax Filing Deadline Being Extended to July 15, 2020
 

 

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