Thursday, January 14, 2021 |
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Claudia Pazmany
Executive Director
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Greetings!
Winter is coming! Those GOT fans get it. Even if not a Game of Thrones fan, you can understand the darkness that this particular winter carries and will seem longer than most, with a pandemic seemingly still raging despite the vaccine, when food insecurity is at its height, housing is at risk for many, and more temporary and permanent business closures have been announced. This is heartbreaking.
But with this winter has also come some great relief for small businesses. Though we are not financial advisors, when asked by business owners if you should be applying for the various loans out there, the answer quite simply is, YES! Apply for everything for which you qualify (and as long as you do not ask for the same expenses to be covered twice).
Today's focus is to submit your grants and here is a snapshot of a few.
Firstly, there are federal opportunities such as the First Draw PPP and the Second Draw PPP. These are first come, first served, so do not delay. Most community banks are now open accepting your applications and others will follow. Many local banks are open to take non-banking customers, such as bankESB.
Several key PPP program changes include:
- Allows past recipients to receive a "Second Draw" from PPP
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Makes 501(c)6 nonprofits (like Chambers of Commerce) eligible applicants, among other types of organizations (We have been fighting for this for months and are grateful we can now apply.)
- Allows borrowers to set their covered loan period to any length from 8-24 weeks to allow additional flexibility
- Expands what is a eligible forgivable expense to include costs, including adaptive operations expenditures, property damage costs, technology operations, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures
- Clarifies that PPP loans are tax-free and eligible expenses paid with PPP proceeds are tax-deductible
- Caps First Draw loans at $10 million and Second Draw loans at $2 million
- Allows Accommodations and Food Service businesses to obtain loans calculated at 3.5x average monthly payroll
Remember, beyond the federal program, there are state grants, with over $668 million set aside for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation Sector-Specific Business grants. They just announced a third round with $195 given out to-date but there is plenty left. A reminder that this Sector-Specific Business Grant Program will stop accepting applications by tomorrow, January 15!
There is also a new round of unemployment benefits as seen here.
Your Amherst Area Chamber has announced our Winter Pivot Grant, made possible by an earmark set aside by Senator Jo Comerford. We are giving away $12,500 in $500 grants and looking to match those dollars and we are proud to say we have matched it with $2,500 raised thus far, and thank you to Curran & Keegan Financial and Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP for leading the way with our first gifts. Let’s grow our grants to $1K each. Please email me directly to provide your matching grant. The application is live and closes on January 29.
We all want to think Daffodils (yes, another Virtual Daffodil Run is back and open!), but for now, let’s think charts, excel files and application deadlines. Daffodils WILL come!
Please see our virtual hours, we are here to help. We are in your corner.
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Claudia Pazmany, Executive Director |
A friendly reminder when you are out supporting local: |
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We Are Here To Help — Sign-Up for Virtual Office Hours
Need assistance working through a business problem? Need support applying for grants? Email John Page at [email protected] to schedule an appointment and what you would like to work on during our session. Note: you do not need to be a Chamber member to receive this support.
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Warm-Up this Winter with our "Fireside Chats"
One of the greatest privileges we have as a Chamber is the opportunity to promote all of you and tell your story to the world. This winter the Chamber will have a conversation with one small business or non-profit leader in our community each weak where we candidly explore the personal and professional challenges brought on by COVID-19 and how we can overcome them together as well as get a deeper dive into the person behind these local businesses you know and love.
First up is long-time business-owner and Chamber Board Member, Sean Cleary of Amherst Copy & Designworks and Valley Signworks who has pivoted and established their business in Hadley. Listen to Sean speak about the difficulties the pandemic posed that are unique to his business model but also how the support network from being a Chamber member helped him persevere.
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All Are Welcome Here Posters NOW AVAILABLE!
The Chamber's committee on equity has been busy at work having though discussions, doing outreach, and planning for the year. One initiative that they have worked on is how to both be and send a message of inclusion. How do we present our values and expectations right when you walk into a business or place of work. One deliverable to signal and clearly send the message "Hate has not biz here." is our new posters. These are available for pick-up at the Visitors Information Center (VIC)/Chamber Office in Downtown Amherst. Simply let us know you are coming so we can expect you. We are also happy to drop these off beginning next week.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Queuing Posters and Floor Makers
The Chamber still has gloves, sanitizer, and a limited amount of surgical masks available to small businesses that need it.
We also have COVID-19 posters and queuing floor markers available as well. Contact Claudia or John directly and we will get you what you need!
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Are you on the list?
Amherst Area Gift Card Program
Our community has purchased over $13,000 in Gift Cards, 400+ cards are in circulation and they are checking this list once and checking it twice looking to spend dollars locally in the New Year. If you are interested in participating in the program contact John Page to get started.
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Huge Opportunity for YOU- Cooley Cash Gift Card - a Three Chamber Gift Card!
In partnership with Cooley Dickinson Health Care and on behalf of their President and CEO Joanne Marqusee, three area chambers of commerce – Amherst, Northampton, and Easthampton – are pleased to introduce the “Cooley Cash Gift Card” to you. This custom card is Cooley’s way of showing appreciation to their 2,000 employees who provide local care for our communities.
This is an enormous investment in YOU - in local! This Gift keeps every dollar local and benefits the community on all fronts.
BUT THIS MEANS ONE MORE STEP FROM YOU:
We know you are experiencing considerable ‘COVID-fatigue’ but we absolutely believe this is worthwhile and hope you see its value. Your business will receive enormous added visibility through all three websites as a result. It’s a wonderful partnership that celebrates all who participate.
What you need to know:
Email [email protected] to say you want to participate in this unique Three Chamber gift card.
John will put you in touch with all the information you need to add the Swipe-It app. This is a $.15 swipe fee per transaction and all reconciliation will be made bi-weekly through the Greater Northampton Chamber. These gift cards are only good for one year. Note: this is a separate system from our ongoing Amherst Area Gift Card program.
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Thrive In The New Normal!
All In This Together Membership Drive
Our small businesses are the cornerstone of our society, providing personal prosperity, enhancing quality of life, and creating a sense of community. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chamber membership is more important than ever. As a facilitator, advocate, and solution-finder the Chamber is working to ensure the success of all our small businesses. We are here for you in your time of need.
Our goal is not only to make sure that small businesses in Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland not only survive this dual public health and economic crisis but thrive thereafter. We are stronger when we come together and support one another, therefore, we invite you to join the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce family. Together we can create a more resilient and sustainable economy.
For that reason, we are extending a free three-month membership to any business, shop, store, or non-profit in the Amherst area. Contact us to find an option that works for you. Will you join us?
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Winners of the Downtown Amherst " Pledge to Support" Annouced
Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) Executive Director Gabrielle Gould reveals the winners of the #SupportLocal downtown Amherst pledge on WHMP with Bob Flaherty. Thank you to Greenfield Savings Bank for sponsoring this great #SupportLocal campaign. Winners receive Amherst Area Gift Card!
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LBGTQ+ / Women / Minority-Owned Business Listing |
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Resources on Racial Justice - In Your Business and In Your Community |
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Update Your Open For Business Listing
Have you reopened? Let the Chamber know or edit your listing directly so that our Open For Business Listing most accurately reflects your current services, hours, and protocols.
Also, update your Google listing. Instructions available here.
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Stay Connected - Join Our Slack Workspace!
Since we cannot connect in the same ways we are trying to get folks to try out a new tool – Slack. We have a Slack Workspace and would like YOU to try it out as we continue to add people the conversation. This will also help us keep a lot of Chamber information in one place.
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Keep the Valley Rolling! Make sure you are listed here!
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In the Valley, we support our neighbors. We stand up and lend a hand, even when it’s hard. Our resiliency has been tested time and again – through Tropical Storm Irene, the Springfield tornado, and now a public health crisis. But we always pull through. Together.
Now is the time to rise up again and 'Keep the Valley Rolling.' We will support our local businesses, in the safest way possible. We will encourage those around us, sharing the good and calming the fear. Let’s get creative, be positive, and support local.
#KeeptheValleyRolling is a movement to support local businesses today - so they can keep their doors open tomorrow.
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Amherst Area Chamber Winter Microgrant Program
The Amherst Area Winter Microgrant Program is the result of an FY21 Earmark secured by Senator Comerford and administered through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will administer $12,500 in microgrants for small businesses in the Amherst area.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible if:
- Your main brick-and-mortar store or business is in the Towns of Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Pelham, Leverett, Shutesbury, or Sunderland (at least 50% of your receipts come from that location).
- Your business is eligible for this initial round of grants if its 2019 revenues were between $25,000 and $500,000 and your 2020 annualized revenue has been reduced by 25% or more due to the state’s current guidelines for business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Your business is a for-profit entity.
Your business is not eligible if:
- You work remotely in a coffee shop, co-working space, or from home.
- You received a Downtown Amherst Foundation (DAF) Relief and Resiliency Grant.
Those awarded will receive a $500 unrestricted microgrant. Funds may be used to implement anything new or pivot. These funds can be used for rent or payroll purposes as long as the benefits are not duplicated by another state or federal grant.
Use of Funds and Distribution
Once awarded, grant recipients must submit a completed W-9 to the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. A check made out to the legal name of the business will be distributed by the end of February.
Timeline
Application Deadline 1/29/21 at 11:59PM.
Decisions will be released by 2/15/21 and grant funds distributed by 2/28/21.
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State Grant Program Administered through MGCC — Closing Friday!
Two weeks ago, the Baker Administration announced a $668 million business relief package to be administered by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). The business relief package consists of two programs: (1) a recapitalization of the first small business relief program, which launched in October and (2) additional funding for businesses that fall into specific industry sectors. MGCC is reviewing existing applications from the first small business relief program, the application for the sector-specific grant program is now open!
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A program overview for the sector-specific program is now online and can be found here.
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The application period for the new program will run through Friday, January 15.
- Businesses that already applied to MGCC’s first small business relief program from October do not need to reapply to the new program. All applications in the existing program are currently being reviewed.
- Businesses that have already submitted complete and accurate applications to the first program and either (a) meet the demographic preferences from the first program or (b) meet the sector-specific preferences from the new program will receive funding.
- Demographic preferences: Minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, or businesses located in Gateway Cities
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Sector preferences: Restaurants/Bars, Independent Retailers, Indoor Recreation and Entertainment, Personal Services, Event Support Companies (additional details)
- Businesses that have already applied to MGCC through the first program will be notified of their award status by January 18.
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Businesses that have not already applied to MGCC and choose to apply in the new program will be notified of their award status in February.
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Apply to the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals - Mass ...
Applications in Crafts, Dramatic Writing, Film & Video, Music Composition, Photography, and Sculpture/Installation/New Genres can be submitted by February 8, 2021.
Read more
massculturalcouncil.org
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New Round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Read more
www.sba.gov
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Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has been awarded federal funds through the CARES Act to support local small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valley Community Development Corporation will act as Program Administrator for the application and selection process to award one-time grants up to $10,000 for businesses located in Agawam, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Hatfield, South Hadley, Southampton, Southwick or Westhampton.
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The town of Amherst has been awarded federal funds through the CARES Act to support local small businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valley Community Development Corporation will act as Program Administrator for the application and selection process to award one-time grants up to $10,000 for businesses located in Amherst.
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Introducing Comcast Rise
Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. These are the cornerstones of Comcast RISE, a multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to qualifying small businesses owned by underrepresented groups, beginning with a focus on Black-owned businesses.
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Update from Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
The Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020, which extends benefits under the CARES Act, and provides new qualification requirements, was signed into law on December 27, 2020. Because the Continued Assistance Act was signed on...
Read more
www.mass.gov
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Member News & Announcements |
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Tony Maroulis joins WD Cowls Land Company as VP
AMHERST - University of Massachusetts-Amherst's executive director of external relations, Tony Maroulis, has accepted a position at the WD Cowls Land Company as Vice President of Real Estate and Community Development, according to the company's...
Read more
www.masslive.com
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Amherst Cinema Announces New Executive Director, Yasmin...
Click here for a PDF of this press release. For press inquiries, please contact Noelle Serafino, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at (413) 253-2547 x 5 or at [email protected] Amherst Cinema is pleased to announce that Yasmin...
Read more
amherstcinema.org
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Welcome Leverett Village Co-op General Manager!
The Board of Directors of the Leverett Village Co-op is delighted to report that the position of General Manager has been offered to and accepted by Mr. John Calhoun, who anticipates joining us early in January 2021.
Read more
leverettcoop.com
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Get to know Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Paid Family and Medical Leave, or PFML, is a benefit program for Massachusetts workers offered by the Commonwealth. If you work in Massachusetts, you're likely eligible to take up to 26 weeks per year of paid, job-protected time off from work...
Read more
www.mass.gov
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Special January Offering at Jazzercise Amherst
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Your Hadley Town Government 101: Understanding Town Meeting, Town Government and Budget
Organizers/Presenters: Molly Keegan, David Nixon and Guests
Thinking about volunteering for the Town or even running for office? Or maybe just wanting to take the mystery out of what happens at Town Meeting? This is the series for you!
This seminar is being offered to encourage greater participation in Town affairs and a keener understanding of how things work in Hadley. It is free of charge and open to all. The more the merrier!
Topics will include:
- Town Meeting Overview
- Hadley governance structure including roles and responsibilities of various Boards, Committees and Departments
- Town Finances – Sources of revenue, appropriations, expenditures, savings and trust accounts
Sessions will be structured to provide up to an hour of material followed by another 30 minutes of Q&A.
Information is intended to be presented in a factual and a-political fashion as a form of education rather than persuasion.
- Part 1 via Zoom : Thursday, January 14th from 6:30 to 8:00pm
- Part 2 via Zoom: Thursday, January 21st from 6:30 to 8:00pm
(Note: This educational offering is a private initiative and not sponsored by the Town of Hadley)
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Business Owners Grapple with an Industry Battered by...
Fitness For a year and a half after F45 Training Hampshire Meadows opened in Hadley, owner Danny Deane knew what members wanted - to get fit, sure, but also to cultivate a sense of family and community with their fellow goal-setters. "We were...
Read more
businesswest.com
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WRSI’s “Local Hero Spotlight” interviews Jake's
Chris Ware and Alex Washut of Jake's, in Northampton and Amherst, talk about all of the changes since the pandemic began, such as adding outdoor seating and...
Read more
www.buylocalfood.org
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MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center Business Services is here to assist you!
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Posting of Jobs to statewide database - use the online form at: https://www.masshirefhcareers.org/post-a-job/ or email: [email protected]
- Hiring and Training - needs analysis, planning and job description assistance
- Access to Qualified Applicants - job matching and pre-screening
- Job Fairs and Specialized Recruitment – mixed industry, industry specific or individualized.
- Virtual Job Fair – new format offering LIVE Chat with Job Seekers; personalized employer booth – social media links, company overview, company video, job descriptions; activity reports for each employer for follow up.
- Labor Market Data
- Testing and Assessment of Job Seekers
- Connect Business Assistance Programs – Workforce Training Fund Program, Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Safety Grant.
- Industry Sector and Career Pathway training programs – Healthcare and Manufacturing
- Subsidized work-based training programs: Internships, Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training
- Rapid Response assistance - layoff aversion, reduction in force transitions including work share
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Soofa Signs Expand to Western Massachusetts with Amherst ...
After rapid expansion in the Greater Boston area, Soofa Signs have arrived in Amherst, MA, located two hours west of Boston. The Town of Amherst is helping to bridge the digital divide by bringing Soofa Signs and charging cores to Amherst's...
Read more
www.soofa.co
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Do disruptions and times of transition cause you doubt and insecurity?
Do you care about Dignity, your self worth, and having greater impact?
Are you a small business owner?
Then join our focus group for the pilot program Dignity in Conversation, and build skills to navigate change with confidence and clarity!
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You can also read more about Jessi Kirely's work in this recent BusinessWest feature:
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Jessi Kirley Brings Dignity and Collaboration to Her New ...
A Matter of Self-worth When Jessi Kirley took the reins at the Family Business Center in 2018, she was looking for a new challenge - and some meaning. "I had a major what-matters-most moment," she said. "I had just lost my dad to cancer, my own...
Read more
businesswest.com
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The Winter Market at Hampshire Mall
Support our local farmers and artisans and enjoy fresh veggies, cheese, meat, crafts and more! Come see them Saturday from 10AM-2PM in their brand new location in the former Autobahn space!
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CISA Winter 2021 Workshops |
This winter, CISA is offering three unique programs for farmers: Making Sound Decisions with Good Data, Financial Benchmarks for Vegetable Farmers, and Profitable Meat Pricing Program. All programs are remote. |
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Chamber Champions engage throughout the year deepening their relationship with the Chamber and its business community. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber Champion Program contact Claudia at [email protected]
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Strategic Partners are organizations with whom your Amherst Area Chamber have agreements that allow us to promote one another while gaining value for you, our Members.
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Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
Proudly serving Amherst, Pelham, Leverett, Shutesbury,
Hadley, Belchertown, and Sunderland.
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