December 15th Information &
Resource Update
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Funding Still Available

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funding is still available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19.  

EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital needs and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. The amount available varies by entity; the loans are intended to provide six months of working capital. The loans are not forgivable, though the first payment is deferred for one year.  

Applicants must be physically located in the United States and suffered working capital losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible applicants include:
  • Businesses with 500 or fewer employees, or defined as "small" per SBA Size Standards
  • Cooperatives with 500 or fewer employees
  • Agricultural enterprises with 500 or fewer employees
  • Most private nonprofits
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Sole proprietorships and independent contractors  
MMA to Host Webinar for Municipal Employers
on Addressing DUA Fraud

The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) will host a webinar with Department of Unemployment Assistance Director Richard Jeffers and his staff to discuss the surge in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, as well as what the agency is doing to help municipal employers contest fraudulent claims and manage the process. This event will take place on Friday, December 18th at 10:00 AM. 

Panelists will include:
  • Richard Jeffers, Director, Department of Unemployment Assistance
  • Marie-Lise Sobande, Director of Revenue, Department of Unemployment Assistance
  • Moderator: MMA Legislative Director John Robertson

There will be a question and answer period after the presentation. Click here to register for the webinar.
Mass. Life Sciences Center Tax Incentive Program
Information Sessions

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MSLC) Tax Incentive program is offered to companies engaged in life sciences research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing in Massachusetts. The program provides incentives to companies, of all sizes, looking to expand their efforts by creating new, long-term jobs in Massachusetts.

Requirements of the program include:
  • Registration to do business in Massachusetts
  • Companies must employ at least 10 permanent FTEs (35 hours/week) as of December 31st, 2020
  • Companies must commit to hiring at least 10 net new jobs in calendar year 2021 and be able to retain those jobs through 2025

The application deadline is February 5th, 2021. For interested companies, the MSLC offers informational sessions on eligibility requirements, various tax incentives available, explanation of the application process, and timeline for awards. Two sessions are scheduled for the coming weeks:
State Guidance on Safe Holiday Celebrations

The Commonwealth has established a website, Mass.gov/Holidays, which collects information and advisories from the Department of Public Health regarding COVID-19 safety around traditional holiday activities.

Included on the site is guidance on:
  • What constitute "Lower-Risk" celebrations
  • Guidance regarding "Higher-Risk" celebrations
  • Information regarding Gathering Size Limits
  • Information regarding the state's current Travel Order
  • Other gathering-related guidance including the need to monitor for symptoms or obtain a negative test result
  • Holiday Shopping
  • Information about accessing testing

The site represents a comprehensive public-facing resource for individuals to use in determining safety around travel and other celebrations. The overall guidance from DPH remains to celebrate only with those residing in one's immediate household.
Watch Now: "Business Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest" Panel Discussion
Last week, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a special forum as part of its series on the impact of COVID-19 on economic development, "Business Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest." This discussion focus on how different economic sectors in our region have responded to the pandemic.

If you weren't able to attend, you can now watch the discussion online! Click here to access a video recording of the panel.

The panel included:
  • Lisa Churchill, Owner, Blush Bouquets of Ashland
  • Brian Earley, Vice President & General Manager, The Kraft Group/ Patriot Place
  • George Coutros, Sanofi US, Director of State Government Relations
  • Katie Quinn, Owner, Mullahy’s Cheese Shop of Hudson
  • Austin O’Connor, Owner, The Briar Group
  • Ed Cuthbertson, General Manager, Bass Pro Shops of Foxborough

The 495/MetroWest Partnership's Energy and Sustainable Development Committee focuses on issues related to land use, energy, brownfields remediation, low-impact development, broadband connectivity, placemaking, and environmental stewardship. Committee meetings and events are open to all interested participants.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you. You may reach me directly via email at [email protected].
Sincerely,

Jason Palitsch
Executive Director
The 495/MetroWest Partnership