Restaurant Recovery Update 9.22.20
The Massachusetts Conference for Women will donate funds to provide $5,000 grants to 50 women-owned restaurants across Massachusetts, which will be selected via an application process through the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Restaurants can apply for the grants here or online via the MRA website until October 22. Grant recipients are scheduled to be announced in October. For full press release, click here.
MRA Common Question
Q.) Am I able to apply for the Shared Streets Grant Program?

A.) The Shared Streets Grant Program must be applied for in conjunction with a municipality. If you have shared space and your city/town would benefit from the grant, your municipality can apply here.
Eversource Enhances Small Business Energy Efficiency Program 

In an effort to help small business owners reduce their energy costs and impact on the environment during this difficult time, Eversource is now offering no-cost virtual energy assessments and enhanced incentives of 100 percent of the cost of common energy saving measures for small businesses.
 
Small retailers, professional offices, manufacturers, restaurants, independent grocers or any small business in Eversource service territory using 300 kW or less each year can call 1-844-887-1400 to learn more and request a virtual assessment. An energy expert will guide the customer through the assessment via a phone or video call and answer questions about energy-efficient equipment upgrades and improvements. The customer will receive a report outlining proposed energy saving measures, and any energy saving products they can install themselves will be mailed to them. The installation of any additional measures that require a technician to enter the business will be scheduled for a later date.
 
Upgrades eligible for the enhanced incentives include faucet aerators, spray valves, showerheads, pipe insulation, building envelope insulation/weatherization, HVAC air duct sealing, LED lamps and fixtures, lighting controls, Wi-Fi and programmable thermostats, variable speed drives as well as HVAC, plug load, refrigeration and vending machine controls.
 
The enhanced approach will be available while funding lasts.
Conflict De-escalation Training Video is Free from ServSafe
As restaurants look to enforce COVID-19 requirements, difficult situations may arise with guests adhering to the guidelines. ServSafe Conflict De-escalation: COVID-19 is free training video that includes the following topics:

  • Preparation and awareness
  • Signs of escalation
  • Staying calm
  • De-escalation steps
  • Assisting others
  • Getting help

Upon completing of the training video, registrants will receive a Record of Training with their name on it. Conflict De-escalation is the latest free training COVID-19 Precaution video from the National Restaurant Association, joining ServSafe Reopening Guidance, ServSafe Takeout, and ServSafe Delivery.

Register to watch all FREE training videos
Massachusetts Restaurant Association
160 East Main Street, Suite 2, Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (508) 303-9905  www.themassrest.org