Helping Bedford Reopen Smoothly

Step Two (2) of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts , began on June 22 to allow additional industries to resume operations under sector-specific guidelines. Businesses and sectors set to begin operating in Step Two of Phase II are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards. The following are eligible to reopen:

Full list and safety protocols available at www.mass.gov/reopening .

In order to give Step 2 businesses time to prepare, the Administration had previously released sector-specific guidance in advance of Phase II for industries including restaurants, close-contact personal services and sectors not otherwise addressed:

Guidance for Restaurants - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants

Guidance for Close-Contact Personal Services - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-close-contact-personal-services

Guidance for Other Industries - https://www.mass.gov/resource/reopening-sector-specific-protocols-and-best-practices

Guidance for Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-sectors-not-otherwise-addressed

Before these sectors can resume operations under the guidelines, businesses must meet all safety standards, create a COVID-19 control plan, and complete a self-certification.

Help our businesses reopen smoothly by following these helpful tips for consumers.

Updates from the SBA

The SBA is once again accepting applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and EIDL Advance. Businesses can submit applications here.

The SBA and Treasury released revised guidance documenting recent changes to the PPP program outlined in the PPP Flexibility Act. Businesses have up to 10 months following the “covered period” of their loan to submit their loan forgiveness form.

Free Webinar on SBA Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness  

Date: June 29, 2020

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Website: RSVP here!

Event Description:

Join the Greater Lowell and Nashoba Chambers for a presentation and Q&A on the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness.

Presented by Lisa Gonzalez Welch and Oreste Varela of the SBA

Main Street Lending Program

The  Main Street Lending Program  is another CARES Act loan program available for small- to medium-sized businesses. This program will be implemented by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and will allow businesses to access loan capital with deferred payments.

This program is now ramping up and has opened up registration for lenders via an online portal. When the program opens applications, eligible businesses will access this loan program through participating lenders. Businesses must have 15,000 or fewer employers and under $5B in 2019 revenue; businesses that receive a loan must also make an effort to maintain payroll. Read more about eligibility, program structure, and access on the  Program Overview for Borrowers  page.

Outdoor Dining Season is Here!

This is the summer to enjoy outdoor dining in Bedford! The Town of Bedford developed a streamlined permitting process for Outdoor Dining Guidelines and Requirements for the summer of 2020 to assist with the Massachusetts reopening plan. Ken’s NY Deli , Flatbread Pizza Company , Minuteman Diner , and Red Heat Tavern have either opened or are in the process of opening new outdoor dining areas onto sidewalks and adjacent parking areas through September 2020. If your restaurant is interested in expanding outdoor dining, please see the Town's outdoor dining guidance and application ( https://www.bedfordma.gov/economic-development/pages/temporary-outdoor-dining-regulations-and-application ). We can set up a time to visit with you to see what works best for your location. Please contact Alyssa Sandoval at asandoval@bedfordma.gov to set up a time for a visit. We continually update Bedford’s list of restaurants including outdoor dining options at www.bedfordtakeout.com .