Chamber Update for Tuesday, April 21st
Congress approves an additional $484 billion in funds for businesses today. The $484 billion legislation would increase funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by $310 billion, boost a separate small business emergency grant and loan program by $60 billion, and direct $75 billion to hospitals and $25 billion to a new coronavirus testing program. Businesses planning to apply for a PPP loan are strongly encouraged to have all necessary paperwork in order. To view the application that has been used for this program, click here.
The MA Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) online application is now live.
PUA is a program open to the following individuals:
· Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors,
· Those seeking part-time employment,
· Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits,
· And claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law.
To learn more or apply, click here.
Massachusetts schools and daycare centers to remain closed for the remainder of the school year. MA became the 25th state to cancel school for the year. It was also announced today that daycare centers must remain closed until June 29th.
A team of local volunteers have handsewn masks to donate to local businesses. The Stoneham Mask Makers are a team of 35 women who have already sewn and distributed 1,400 washable cloth masks to area businesses. If your business needs masks for your employees, please contact Jeanne Craigie at Gneec@aol.com. All masks are provided at no cost.
MassLive Media is offering a free webinar April 23 on consumer trends during the coronavirus pandemic. Many businesses are uncertain what the future might hold, how to adapt as well as what the new consumer trends are amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, MassLive Media will host a free webinar on April 23 to discuss results of a data survey on how people are spending their time and money across three states: Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. RSVP here.
The Boston Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund is awarding one-time operating grants to non-profits. Hosted by the Boston Foundation, The COVID-19 Response Fund awards one-time operating grants on a rolling basis to non-profits whose operations in support of seniors, communities of color, immigrants and other vulnerable populations have been stressed by the outbreak. The Fund is designed to be adaptable in its goals and focus, which will evolve as community members and nonprofits share their needs. Learn more