March 10, 2021

Dear friends,

We are thrilled to be in communication with you all this March. This month’s newsletter includes upcoming workshops from CFNE and its partners, as well as a few key highlights from the New Covid Relief Bill. We hope these resources serve as a springboard for your ongoing efforts.
 
If you, or someone you know, can benefit from any of these resources, be sure to share!
We also encourage you to share with us any updates or ideas on how we can better serve your co-op or community. 

Upcoming Workshops

March 17 @ 12:00 PM -1:30 pm | Free
What distinguishes your co-op and creates value? Whether you are trying to build your business’s customer base, attract new residents for your housing co-op, or keep existing members engaged with your mission, you need a clear and compelling message that can cut through the noise. Join our Community Engagement Facilitator, Johan Matthews, on March 17 from 12-1:30 pm for the first of our interactive lunch-and-learn monthly workshops. Click here to register.
P5 Learning Series: Open Book Management
March 25 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Free

In this workshop, presenter Melanie Reid from Columinate will review the potential benefits of Open Book Management and the elements needed for its successful adaptation into a cooperative business model. Brought to you in partnership with the Cooperative Maine Business Alliance(CMBA). Click here to register.
A Seat At The Table
Cooperative Principles # 1 + 2
April 14 @ 12:00 PM -1:30 PM | Free
Cooperatives are voluntary, democratic organizations. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always feel that way. How might you ensure voluntary and open membership, without discrimination, to persons willing to accept the responsibilities of membership? How might you create the conditions for shared decision making and accountability? This session, facilitated by CFNE’s Johan Matthews & Carolyn Edsell Vetter, explores the importance of providing your members with a seat at the table. Click here to register.
What's in the March Relief Bill?

Though not yet signed into law, here are a few highlights from President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill poised to be approved by the house this week:

  • $70 billion to increase vaccine distribution and coronavirus testing
  • $1,400 stimulus checks capped at individuals making less than $80,000 per year and households earning $160,000.
  • $300 per week jobless benefits to continue through September.
  • $50 Billion for small businesses. Including:
  • -$7 Billion for PPP 
  • -$28.6 Billion for restaurants
PPP Funding Reminder:
Apply thru March 31, 2021

After a 14-day exclusivity period (2/24 - 3/9) for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is once again open to all eligible entities March 10 through March 31, 2021. This forgivable loan program may be valuable help for businesses whose revenue has been reduced due to the pandemic. If you have questions about your co-op’s eligibility or the terms of the loan, or need help filling out an application, please contact us.

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

While this e-newsletter is focused on providing valuable content to cooperatives, please also check out our Winter Newsletter for updates on CFNE’s strategic plan and other work. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter using this Link.

Wishing you life, love and liberation in the coming spring.
In cooperation,
Micha Josephy
Executive Director
Cooperative Fund of New England www.coopfund.coop