COVID-19: Information and resources for businesses and nonprofits
We've compiled the below list of resources for information surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, and will do our best to update it frequently.
From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC’s COVID-19 website is best the resource for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Resources include:
- Information about the covid-19 disease: how it spreads, symptoms, treatment, etc.
- Updates on the situation within the U.S. and abroad..
- Guidance for businesses and employers This page includes strategies for employers to plan, prepare and respond.
From the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- The Massachusetts’ Dept. of Public Health website contains information about the spread of the disease and current recommendations in Massachusetts.
- The Baker-Polito administration has Resources and Guidance for Businesses at this link.
- MA Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Emergency Operations Center's Private Sector Hotline - 508-820-2094
- The hotline will be staffed Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Small Business Recovery Loan Fund
- $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund, administered by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), to provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits.
- This fund is being offered with no payments due for the first 6 months, then 30-months of principal and interest payments and no prepayment penalties (annual interest rate of 3.0%).
Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program
- EIDL offers Massachusetts businesses who are experiencing hardships resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak access up to $2M in emergency loan capital with rates capped at 3.75%.
- We are currently working with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to activate the EIDL program. We will update this group when the program formally opens.
- Businesses can learn more about the SBA's response to COVID-19 here.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development offers resources for businesses related to employee benefits and will
post additional guidance as it becomes available.
Programs include:
- Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here.
- The WorkShare program, a tool to help employers avoid layoffs
during a downturn - read more about WorkShare at https://www.mass.gov/service-
details/workshare-information- for-employers - The Rapid Response program, which 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 at https://www.mass.gov/service-
details/rapid-response-layoff- aversion
From our communities
Town of Needham - COVID-19 Updates
City of Newton - COVID-19 Updates
City of Watertown - COVID-19 Updates
From the chamber
We extend our gratitude to our health care community, public servants, nonprofits and others in the public and private sector who are working so hard on our collective behalf. Please support each other and our local businesses and nonprofits in any way possible during this time.
Chamber events: In response to the COVID-19 Outbreak we are transitioning to creating more opportunities for our members to connect and gain information virtually. For a current calendar of upcoming webinars, click here. And, If you have a suggestion for a program or a particular expertise you'd like to offer, please tell us about it here.
