Resources for Businesses

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.

resources for local businesses

  • CDC Guidance for Businesses
    Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to 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.

  • Employee Retention Credit
    The U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls during the pandemic. The refundable tax credit is 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The refundable tax credit Updates on the implementation of this credit, Frequently Asked Questions on Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave and other information can be found on the Coronavirus page of IRS.gov.

  • 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.

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information for Small Businesses
    Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which offers billions of dollars in potentially forgivable loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses, so they can stay afloat and keep their workers on payroll during the crisis. New legislation approved applications to be accepted through August 8, 2020.

  • 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.

  • 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.  

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

  • Mass Cultural Council
    COVID-19 Resources for non-profit organizations.

  • MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund
    This fund was established to enable the rapid delivery of financial resources to MetroWest-based nonprofit organizations working 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.

  • Mass Humanities Grants: Offering grants through a funding opportunity made possible by the CARES Act to support operating expenses at museums, libraries, archives, and other nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts impacted by COVID-19.