Good Morning, below are resources for you during this time. We at the Chamber are working hard to get you the information you need. In addition to compiling important business resources we will continue to run our Resource Groups, Seminars, HR Groups, Ambassador and all of our Programing via Zoom, so we can all stay connected.
We Care, so as always let us know what you need.


Summary of “CARES” Act 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
 
FAQ’s on COVID-19 Employee Rights & 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. 
Information Regarding "Essential Businesses"
 
The Baker-Polito Administration issued a list of designated businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that shall continue to operate brick and mortar facilities during this two-week time period.
 
Additionally, the state has posted a FAQ responding to questions submitted; please keep checking the FAQ page, as they will continue to update it moving forward.
 
Businesses that are NOT covered under this “COVID-19 Essential Services” guidance can submit an online request to be designated as essential for the purposes of the Emergency Order.

Business Recovery Funds Available, Apply Now
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
 
Interested businesses can use the SBA’s Lender Match Tool to find an Express Bridge Loan Lender and apply.
 
 
The Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is now open in Massachusetts. Massachusetts small businesses can now access and apply for Economic Impact Disaster Loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
 
Moving forward, EIDL loans will defer payments for the first year (twelve months) of the loan. This is a change from the initial loan structure, which allowed payment deferral for four months. 
 
The SBA has established a toll-free line to answer questions at 1-800-659-2955.
 
U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE, and Women Business Centers will be providing workshops to answer questions and to help small businesses with the loan application process.
 
 
If you already submitted an application and want to check your status, please call customer service at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email [email protected]  
 
COVID-19 Emergency Loans, Small Business Guide and Checklist provided by US Chamber
Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan. Here’s  a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce  to help your small business through the process. 
 
Additionally, 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 f ederal stimulus aid programs , information about managing financial difficulties , keeping your team engaged , supporting and retaining your customers , and more.