Monday Update
April 13th, 2020
Common Questions and Answers about the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation ( FPUC)
Looking for answers to questions such as:

-Where is my $600 payment?
-Am I going to get just a one-time payment of $600?
-I certified for the week and reported my part-time earnings, but I made too much money to receive any benefits. Will I still get the $600?
and many, many more.

Click the button below for the answers to your frequently asked questions.
SBA Funds to be Expected in the Coming Weeks
The PPP authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. Loans will be forgiven as long as:

· The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8-week period after the loan is made; and
· Employee and compensation levels are maintained.

Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 annually per employee. Due to the likely high utilization rate, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.

Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.

Where can I apply?
Applications are available through any existing SBA lender or federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and participating Farm Credit System institution. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. Consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. See a list of SBA lenders.

What do I need to apply?
You will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Program loan application and submit the application with the required documentation to an approved lender by June 30, 2020. Click HERE for the application.

What can I use these loans for?
· Payroll costs, including benefits;
· Interest on mortgage obligations, incurred before February 15, 2020;
· Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020; and
· Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020.

PROFESSIONAL AND PASSENGER LICENSE DEADLINE EXTENSIONS AND ONLINE CDL RENEWAL OPTION
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) continues to thoroughly review its licensing protocols and credential requirements to identify and implement additional measures to reduce non-essential travel, reduce the need for customers to visit an RMV Service Center, and ensure proper “social-distancing” for business partners and Massachusetts residents.
The following new changes to service delivery and organizational protocols are now or are about to be in place can be found using the link below:
APPLY ONLINE TODAY!
Please visit SBA.gov/MA for up to date information on loan packages from emergency guaranteed loans up to 10 million dollars and emergency bidge loans $25,000.00 or less. Some include payment deferments are up to 12 months.
Help with immediate relief!
Go Fund Me COVID-19 Medical Face Shield Project
$5,184 raised so far by amazing people like you!
Please help by donating to support this 3D printing project being lead by several Technical High Schools throughout the Northeast. The need for medical shields to protect our front line heroes are in high demand. In order to meet the demand, funds are needed to purchase supplies. The team has been flooded by support across Massachusetts and New York to print face shields and demand is increasing. All donations are appreciated. Stay safe everyone!?

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Webinar Series: Running Your Business in Quarantine
Friday April 10th, 2:00-3:00pm
This week, we have a business consultant joining us for the webinar with Juliana Marulanda of ScaleTime.... This is going to be a good one!
FREE SCORE Webinar
Grow with Google
Using Data to Drive Business Growth
Wednesday | April 15 | 9:00 am
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. A focus on Google Analytics and how to use this tool to make better business
Thirty on Thursday: COVID-19 Q&A with AIM Experts
State & Federal Tax Implications of COVID-19
Thursday, April 16, 2020 11:00 am
As we grapple with a New Reality, a myriad of concerns begin to consume us as we try to survive this crisis. During these unprecedented times, followers will be looking to their leaders for reassurance. And while "Hope is Not a Strategy", it does play an important role as we lead our teams through these challenging times. Join this session to understand the needs of those we influence, whether employees, customers, family, etc.
"In every adversity lies the seed of an equal or greater opportunity." This famous quote from Napoleon Hill looks to the brighter side of a dark situation. During these times, focusing our thoughts in positive ways can help as we are constantly getting bombarded with negative news and information. Come to this session for some positivity and to brainstorm ideas for identifying opportunities for you and your business/career within these challenging times.
Complete and utter disruption has been thrusted upon our lives. As we deal with a New Reality that is constantly evolving with every minute of every hour of each day, maintaining focus can be challenging not knowing what is changing within the world of business or how long it will last. For many, survival is at the forefront of our minds. The stability and predictability of Business as Usual has vanished. And just as Hope is not a Strategy, nor is Panic. This session will focus on brainstorming beyond survival to
recovery.
New Members of the BVCC
Please take moment and check out our most recent new members. Support them if you are able by purchasing gift cards, ordering take-out, or scheduling an appointment for a later date. We thank you all! Welcome New BVCC Members!
?Nor’Easter Roofing Inc. · Rob Chaille · 508-341-3261 · rob@noreasterroofing.com · www.noreasterroofing.com · Roofing

The Crafty Nest DIY · Lesley Woods · 508-341-3781 · Thecraftynestdiy@gmail.com · www.thecraftydiy.com · Retail – Arts and Crafts

Berry Insurance · Kaitlyn Pintarich · 508-528-5200 · kpintarich@berryinsurance.com · www.berryinsurance.com ·

The Candy Shoppe · Todd Wellette · 508-865-0085 · twillette@berizon.net · Retail – Candy Shop

SERVPRO Worcester · Angelique Harvey · 508-757-7885 · Jess.bly@praesdium-security.com · www.praesidium-security.com · Security

Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas · Daniel Shapiro · 781-419-3704 · Daniel.shapiro@olympus.com · www.olympus-ims.com · Industrial Equipment Supplies

Human Power Solutions · Sandra Kearney · 617-575-9959 · skearney@hpowersolutions.com · www.hpowersolutions.com · Consulting
As a reminder, the BVCC Office is closed to in person meetings this week, but please do not hesitate to contact the staff of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are here to ensure your questions get answered, and your business needs are met.

Remote contact info:

Jeannie Hebert President & CEO cell #: (508) 981 5782 jhebert@blackstonevalley.org
Liz O’Neil Programs and Events Coordinator loneil@blackstonevalley.org
Julia Juskavitch Marketing Coordinator jjuskavitch@blackstonevalley.org
Marcia Decker and Judy Curtis Administration bvadmin@blackstonevalley.org