Resources for Businesses

Last updated: 4/7/21

Community Hour to answer questions about 
Framingham Businesses Amid the Pandemic
Tuesday, May 12, 2020


SMALL BUSINESS COVID-RELIEF PROGRAMS

Use the above link to access information about Federal Small Business Association Assistance Programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), SBA Express Bridge Loans, and SBA Debt Relief programs.

additional resources


  • U.S. Small Business Administration - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

    Learn more about the PPP, which re-opened the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. This round of the PPP prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021.

  • CARES Act Guide for Small Businesses 
    The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
  • CDC Guidance for Businesses
    Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19

  • Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments

    The Internal Revenue Service offers tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and others affected by COVID-19.

  • Downtown Framingham, Inc. 
    Conducts outreach with downtown businesses and property owners to provide training materials and schedule SCORE consults for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans; publishes how businesses have shifted operations to support consumers, sharing engagement platforms for restaurants, fitness centers, retail stores, and more.

  • Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Boston
    Resource list and grant opportunities for small businesses.

  • MetroWest Chamber of Commerce
    Connecting and supporting communities through business development and networking, including COVID-19 Webinar Series

  • 495/MetroWest Partnership
    COVID-19 updates for local business, local government, education, and community-based and non-profit organizations.

  • Small Business Development Center at Clark University
    Provides free, confidential, one-on-one assistance to small businesses in Massachusetts. Whether you are a current client or looking to learn more about the sustainability of your business, visit their website for more info.

  • Stavros Niarchos Foundation Small Business Growth & Recover Fund Grant Opportunity

    The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) launched the SNF Small Business Growth & Recovery Fund to help small businesses, focusing on those owned by people of color, women, and veterans as well as those in lower-income communities, find their footing in an acutely challenging economic landscape. The Fund aims to help small businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic stabilize, and at the same time, seeks to assist in building a more inclusive economy. The program will offer awards up to $20,000 each, which do not need to be repaid, to U.S.-based small businesses, accompanied by complementary training and mentorship for business owners. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for this opportunity. Applications will be accepted until March 19th at 11:59 PM EST.

  • Unemployment Assistance
    Information from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts about unemployment due to COVID-19 for workers and employers.

  • Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Employers
    Information from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts about unemployment insurance benefits and returning to work for employers.  

RESOURCES FOR non-profit organizations


  • Collective Futures Fund

    Collective Futures Fund supports visual artists and artist-run activity in the Greater Boston area through grants between $2,000 and $6,000. Applications period: March 30, 2021, through June 15, 2021.

  • Mass Cultural Council
    COVID-19 Resources for non-profit organizations. Apply to the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals by February 2, 2021. Visit their website for more information, including grant qualifications.

  • MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund
    This fund was established to enable the rapid delivery of financial resources to MetroWest-based nonprofit organizations to serve our communities during broad-based emergencies, including natural disasters, financial crises, and public health emergencies. As the current COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacts our region and its residents, the Foundation will open a rolling rapid response grant program to provide operating grants to nonprofit organizations.

  • Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
    On Thursday, April 8, the U.S. Business Administration will begin taking applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program. Eligible businesses include live venue operators, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, movie theater operators, and talent representatives. To be eligible, a business must have been in operation as of Feb. 29, 2020. The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center will host a workshop on Tuesday, April 20, at 10 a.m. to help answer questions about applying for the grant and how the funds can be used. Visit the grant portal here to access application information.