Tools and Resources for Reopening
Governor Baker to Lift COVID Restrictions May 29
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.
The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.
Governor Charlie Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15.
Read the full announcement
The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.
Governor Charlie Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15.
Read the full announcement
New Guide to COVID-19 Loan Programs in Latest Stimulus Bill
The U.S. Chamber has created a new Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans to provide our members with the latest information and answers to FAQs about the changes that have been made to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program as part of the end-of-year pandemic relief package Congress has passed.
We will continue to update as more information becomes available.
What is in the new Stimulus Package?
We will continue to update as more information becomes available.
What is in the new Stimulus Package?
Governor Announces Partnerships for Recovery, $774 Million Recovery Plan
On October 22, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $774 million comprehensive plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns and ensuring housing stability. Partnerships for Recovery begins today by directing $115 million in new funding to small businesses and Main Streets hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and for workforce training efforts. Additionally, the Administration is aligning multiple funding sources, both existing and proposed, to appropriately respond to the crisis.
Partnerships for Recovery supports five key recovery efforts:
• Getting Massachusetts back to work
• Supporting small businesses (see grant info below)
• Revitalizing downtowns
• Supporting housing equity and stability
• Fostering innovation
Read the full announcement
Included in the plan the Commonwealth has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Program Details
Partnerships for Recovery supports five key recovery efforts:
• Getting Massachusetts back to work
• Supporting small businesses (see grant info below)
• Revitalizing downtowns
• Supporting housing equity and stability
• Fostering innovation
Read the full announcement
Included in the plan the Commonwealth has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Program Details
Save Small Business Resource Center Connecting Main Street to Available Funding Programs, Advice and Tools for Survival
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its comprehensive new Save Small Business resource center—including federal, state, and local financial assistance programs, emergency financial relief resources, grant programs and more—to help provide the assistance and guidance small businesses need right now amid Congressional inaction to provide additional, much-needed financial relief to Main Street. Click here to view the new Save Small Business resource center.
Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans < $50,000
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
SBA began approving PPP forgiveness applications and remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders for PPP borrowers on October 2, 2020. SBA will continue to process all PPP forgiveness applications in an expeditious manner.
Click here to view the simpler loan forgiveness application.
Click here to view the instructions for completing the simpler loan forgiveness application.
Click here to view the Interim Final Rule on the simpler forgiveness process for loans of $50,000 or less.
SBA began approving PPP forgiveness applications and remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders for PPP borrowers on October 2, 2020. SBA will continue to process all PPP forgiveness applications in an expeditious manner.
Click here to view the simpler loan forgiveness application.
Click here to view the instructions for completing the simpler loan forgiveness application.
Click here to view the Interim Final Rule on the simpler forgiveness process for loans of $50,000 or less.
Reopening Webinar Recorded June 17, 2020
We hosted a panel discussion on reopening your business successfully and safely.
Panelists included: Sigalle Reiss, MPH, RS/REHS, Director, Public Health Department, Town of Norwood, Hilary Troia, President, Office Gallery International and Margaret Laforest, Regional Director, Greater Boston, Massachusetts Office of Business Development
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Information and Resources
CLICK HERE for more information about the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.
General Information and Resources for Business
CLICK HERE for more information about the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.
- Reopening Massachusetts: Detailed Presentation
- Reopening Massachusetts Website
- Employer Reopening Poster
- Employee Reopening Poster
- Workplace Reopening Control Plan Template (*required)
- Workplace Compliance Attestation (*required)
- Hygiene and Protective Equipment Resources
- Restaurant Safety Standards - PDF
- Restaurant Check List - PDF
- Lodging Safety Standards - PDF
- Lodging Check List - PDF
General Information and Resources for Business
Click the image above to view our webinar on reopening Massachusetts businesses.
Summary of “CARES” Act
SBA Loans Available for Businesses Suffering Economic Injury
Click above to view our SBA webinar on the Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL and other resources available to businesses.
CARES Act Webinar Slides - A presentation on how to access funds from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
GUIDE: SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY LOANS (PPP) The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small firms keep workers employed. Called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% guaranteed loans that can be forgiven if borrowers maintain or restore payrolls. Check eligibility and prepare to apply using this guide.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application
Download the PPP Forgiveness Guide Updated to reflect new Forgiveness rules 6/15/2020
GUIDE: SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDL) The CARES Act expanded the SBA’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which includes additional loan programs and $10,000 emergency grants. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing limits, and prepare to apply using this guide.
GUIDE: EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT The CARES Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers that are closed, partially closed, or experiencing revenue losses as a result of COVID. Check eligibility and calculate your credit using this guide.
GUIDE: TEMPORARY PAID LEAVE PROGRAMS Congress has created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. Check requirements, eligibility and exemptions using this guide.
GUIDE: CARES ACT RELIEF FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS If you are an independent contractor or self-employed individual, you may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Unemployment Compensation for lost income. This guide walks you through all the steps.
GUIDE: MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM As a result of the CARES Act, the Federal Reserve created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing parameters (loans start at $500,000), and learn how to apply for one of the program’s three new lending facilities using this guide.
The Small Business Administration is offering an Express Bridge Loan Program to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This program authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses who have applied for and await long-term financing (including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program).
Small businesses who are already working with an SBA Express Lender may be eligible to apply to this streamlined program. Read general information about this program here; guidance is available here.
Interested businesses can use the SBA’s Lender Match Tool to find an Express Bridge Loan Lender and apply.
CARES Act Webinar Slides - A presentation on how to access funds from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
GUIDE: SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY LOANS (PPP) The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small firms keep workers employed. Called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% guaranteed loans that can be forgiven if borrowers maintain or restore payrolls. Check eligibility and prepare to apply using this guide.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application
Download the PPP Forgiveness Guide Updated to reflect new Forgiveness rules 6/15/2020
GUIDE: SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDL) The CARES Act expanded the SBA’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which includes additional loan programs and $10,000 emergency grants. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing limits, and prepare to apply using this guide.
GUIDE: EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT The CARES Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers that are closed, partially closed, or experiencing revenue losses as a result of COVID. Check eligibility and calculate your credit using this guide.
GUIDE: TEMPORARY PAID LEAVE PROGRAMS Congress has created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. Check requirements, eligibility and exemptions using this guide.
GUIDE: CARES ACT RELIEF FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS If you are an independent contractor or self-employed individual, you may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Unemployment Compensation for lost income. This guide walks you through all the steps.
GUIDE: MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM As a result of the CARES Act, the Federal Reserve created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing parameters (loans start at $500,000), and learn how to apply for one of the program’s three new lending facilities using this guide.
The Small Business Administration is offering an Express Bridge Loan Program to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This program authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses who have applied for and await long-term financing (including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program).
Small businesses who are already working with an SBA Express Lender may be eligible to apply to this streamlined program. Read general information about this program here; guidance is available here.
Interested businesses can use the SBA’s Lender Match Tool to find an Express Bridge Loan Lender and apply.
IRS Resources on COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made available a host of resources to provide guidance and answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to the COVID-19 related tax credits required for paid leave policies provided by small and midsize businesses.
The resources and the FAQ document can be found on their webpage here
The resources and the FAQ document can be found on their webpage here
Comprehensive Small Business Guide on COVID-19
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a Coronavirus Small Business Guide to help you navigate the pandemic with new stories daily—including a detailed breakdown of federal stimulus aid programs, information about managing financial difficulties, keeping your team engaged, supporting and retaining your customers, and more.
The interactive digital platform is designed specifically for business owners and offers unparalleled assets and subject matter expertise from the U.S. Chamber.
The interactive digital platform is designed specifically for business owners and offers unparalleled assets and subject matter expertise from the U.S. Chamber.
FAQ’s on COVID-19 Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division has issued the following guidance on employee rights and employer obligations under state and federal law during the current COVID-19 restrictions. Click here to learn more about the interplay of the recently adopted Family First Coronavirus Response Act and Massachusetts employment law, including unemployment and earned sick time benefits, layoff implications, payment of wages during shut downs, and restricting employee hours.
Paid Leave Guide
Paid Leave Guide
MassHire Information Related to Your Workforce
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guides for Employers and Workers
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Employers
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Workers
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Employers
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Workers
- Career Center Contact Information: We're here to assist with all of your workforce needs!
- MassHire Norwood Career Center: Business Service Representative
- Karla Torrez- KTorrez@masshiremsw.com
- Urgent Matters:
- Sean Marshall- Business Services Manager
- 516-317-3069 (c) , smarshall@masshiremsw.com
- Sean Marshall- Business Services Manager
- MassHire Norwood Career Center: Business Service Representative
- Layoff Prevention/Assistance: MassHire Rapid Response
- The Rapid Response Team provides layoff aversion and early intervention re-employment services at no cost to companies and their employees affected by layoffs and closings.
- Contact:
- Charles Bennett- Area's closest to Boston
- charles.bennett@massmail.state.ma.us, 617-661-7867 ext. 246
- Eileen Wagner- Area's closest to South Shore
- Eileen.wagner@detma.org , 617-745-4004
- Charles Bennett- Area's closest to Boston
- Please visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-benefits-for-employers for more information.
- WorkShare: A smart alternative to layoffs
- With WorkShare, employees share reduced work hours while collecting Unemployment Insurance benefits to supplement their temporary lower wages. When business picks up, you can avoid the extra costs of recruiting and training new workers.
- Please visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-workshare
- Mass BizWorks: Your "one stop shop" for all employer state resources
Buoy Telehealth Platform
Buoy has entered a partnership with Massachusetts to promote telehealth services and provide residents with additional tools to assess their risks for COVID-19. The Baker Administration announced the launch of Buoy Health’s new online resource for residents to check their symptoms and connect with the appropriate health-care resource.
The tool does not replace emergency medical care, but may be used as a support for residents during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect them. Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Visit Buoy.com/mass to learn more and use the tool.
The tool does not replace emergency medical care, but may be used as a support for residents during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect them. Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Visit Buoy.com/mass to learn more and use the tool.
Health Insurance Coverage for Unemployed
If you need insurance, you may qualify for coverage through the Health Connector if you’ve lost coverage from a job. An extended enrollment period is available through May 25, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Apply today and get covered --> https://www.mahealthconnector.org/the-right-plan-right-now
Small Business Tax Relief
The Baker-Polito Administration announced administrative tax relief measures for small local businesses which have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. This tax relief includes postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes that would be due in March, April and May so that they will instead be due on June 20. Additionally, all penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived.
- Businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and business that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief with respect to room occupancy taxes.
Links to Additional Resources for Business
mass.gov/COVID19
Official Government Coronavirus Links
Coronavirus Best Practices Guide for Businesses: Template
COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention
OSHA Website: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
Coronavirus Resource Page
Official Government Coronavirus Links
Coronavirus Best Practices Guide for Businesses: Template
COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention
- COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention An overview of information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to OSHA standards, control and prevention, by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA Website: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
Coronavirus Resource Page
- Coronavirus Resource Page A resource page by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, including links to Resilience in a Box and Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Quick Guides.
Combating the Coronavirus Toolkit for Business From the U.S. Chamber
Guidance For Employers
Click here to download guidance for employers to plan for and respond to the Coronavirus.
Corporate Aid Tracker
Click here to view our corporate aid
tracker for details on how businesses
are helping.
Workplace Tips
For workplace tips and resources for employees to combat the virus,
please click here.
Resilience in a Box
If your business needs help putting a plan in place, click here to use the Resilience in a Box toolkit created in partnership with the UPS Foundation.
Click here to download guidance for employers to plan for and respond to the Coronavirus.
Corporate Aid Tracker
Click here to view our corporate aid
tracker for details on how businesses
are helping.
Workplace Tips
For workplace tips and resources for employees to combat the virus,
please click here.
Resilience in a Box
If your business needs help putting a plan in place, click here to use the Resilience in a Box toolkit created in partnership with the UPS Foundation.
