COVID-19 Small Business Resources
COVID-19 VACCINES AND THE WORKPLACE
As we learn more about the Covid-19 (coronavirus), we
recognize that it will have deep and broad impacts for our business community. Our aim is to provide relevant, accurate, and up to date information and resources as the virus fully unfolds.
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With the federal stimulus package solidified for small business recovery under the CARES Act, we continue to navigate the relief options available to the small business community and now begin the process of providing effective tools to use and manage the stimulus funds awarded. As part of these efforts, we want to provide you with as many current resources that will help your small business adequately meet its needs.
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On this page you'll find resources geared towards both obtaining
relief, as well as additional outlets for guidance for managing
funds awarded through the CARES stimulus package.
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PPE Resources for Reopening
Small businesses in the Merrimack Valley are getting a much needed boost as they start the process of reopening with a new initiative aimed at sourcing and distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to maintain compliance with new regulations as they welcome staff and customers back. The program is being piloted in Lawrence and is set to grow in neighboring communities of Andover and North Andover, expanding beyond masks to include other key products such as face shields and sanitizer.
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Follow the link below to read our full press release in partnership with the Essex County Community Foundation, the City of Lawrence, and Towns of North Andover and Andover.
Protect MA
Greater Lawrence
PPE Procurement Project
Small Business Strong Initiative
Protect MA is an online marketplace that connects Massachusetts-based Black and Latinx designers, makers, and manufacturers of non-medical masks, cloth face covers, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) with potential buyers in the business and residential communities. For more information on the phased roll out of this online marketplace, follow the link.
As Lawrence small businesses begin to prepare for reopening, growing concerns over PPE have led local initiatives to tackle the issue head on to ensure that our community has the resources they need to reopen. In response to this, our partnering collaborative Manufacturing Bilingual Solutions has created and plans to maintain a clearinghouse of high need items that are available locally, prioritizing local manufacturers and distributors and including those further afield to ensure that a comprehensive list of available products can be included. Follow the link to access this list, learn more, or have your product listed on their page
'Small Business Strong' is a private and public sector partnership set up to help small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing expedited, pro-bono resources to small businesses. Follow the link below to learn more about their resources aimed at helping all Small Businesses access capital, navigate reopening and support employees.
Want to learn more about available SBA small business relief programs?
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
SBA Disaster Loan Program Comparisons (Spanish)
Provided by Interise + Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
National Resources
The SBA is offering subsidized loans for impacted businesses to keep them afloat. Applicants can learn more online or call SBA’s customer service line at 1(800) 659-2955.
U.S. Chamber is working closely with government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most up-to-date information to prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact​.
​ Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to coronavirus disease​.
Local & State Resources
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Protect MA: PPE Online Marketplace
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MV Open for Business: Merrimack Valley Support
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We Are Lawrence: Information and Resources
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Mill Cities Community Investments: Virtual one on one guidance and training workshops​.
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Commonwealth Kitchen Food Business Tips
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MassHire: Merrimack Valley Career Center:​Employers with jobs vacancies to list should fill out the form found here​.
MV Small Business Coalition
