Business Update from the Town of Bedford - April 15, 2020
The Town of Bedford values the business community as an important piece of the fabric of our community. The Town has provided a list of resources and assistance to businesses in need. Bedford Town Manager, Sarah Stanton, invites the business community to reach out to the Town of Bedford for guidance and help. Please find updates from the Economic Development Office below.
Need help for your business? Take our short survey!
In coordination with local communities and economic development offices in Greater Boston, the Town of Bedford is launching the COVID-19 Business Recovery survey so we can evaluate business needs and help provide assistance. The results of the survey will also help us to communicate Bedford’s needs to state and local partners. All Bedford businesses are encouraged to take this survey. 

Unemployment Update
The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance has announced long-awaited guidance of CARES Act programs that will expand unemployment eligibility; temporarily increase weekly benefits for all claimants; and allow additional categories of people (including self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers) to claim unemployment benefits.

The Department of Unemployment Assistance also hosts daily Virtual Town Hall sessions to support individuals applying for unemployment benefits in both English and Spanish. These forums are open to the public; interested parties can register to attend a Virtual Town Hall here


SBA COVID-19 Relief Options
Check out new programs for financial assistance including available financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration . Interested businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The Bedford Economic Development Office keeps an update-to-date list of key programs on the COVID-19 Business Resources Website. Please contact Alyssa Sandoval, Economic Development Director, at asandoval@bedfordma.gov for one-one assistance.

The SBA Massachusetts branch gave a very helpful presentation this week to the Middlesex 3 Coalition and partners on the current programs, which can be viewed here: SBA Webinar on EIDL and PPP and YouTube .
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Helping Others
If you are able, consider helping others in need during this difficult time through donations to the Bedford Food Bank or donations of PPE to community partners in need. Click here for further information on the Bedford Food Bank .
Free Online Assistance
Our local partners are providing many free online meetings and webinars. This Friday, check out this free event by the Middlesex 3 Coalition:
  • M3 Business Leadership Series, How Will Marketing Strategies Evolve During and After COVID-19
  When: Friday, April 17, 2020 Time: 10:00 AM
Dine Local!
Bedford has so many great options for restaurant delivery and takeout. The Bedford Take Out website at www.bedfordtakeout.com is continually updated with a list of current restaurants that are open, and offering takeout and delivery to support our local restaurants.
Town of Bedford | www.bedfordma.gov