Monday Update
June 1st, 2020
Massachusetts Reopening Guidelines - Restaurant & Lodging Guidance
The Baker-Polito Administration released sector-specific reopening guidance for restaurants and lodging operations, which will be permitted to reopen to the public as part of Phase 2. Please note that Phase 2 has not yet begun; this guidance has been released to assist business owners and operators in planning for reopening before Phase 2 arrives.


All of these documents can also be found in different languages here
Workforce Training Grant Funding Available
Commonwealth Corporation has Workforce Training Grant funding available to businesses of various sizes. COVID-19 has substantially changed procedures and requirements in many business operations, whether they are adapting to being an essential business during the pandemic, newly re-opening with significant restrictions, or planning for a future re-opening. Proper training will be essential to safely altering and resuming operations.
Three Workforce Training Fund programs are available through Commonwealth Corporation:
General Program:
· For businesses of all sizes
· Up to $250,000 can be sought
· Current and newly hired workers can be trained
Express Program:
· For businesses with 100 or fewer employees
· Funding up to $30,000 per calendar year and $3,000 per employee, per course
· Approved businesses can be reimbursed up to 50% of actual training costs
Small Business Direct Access Program:
· For businesses with 100 or fewer employees
· Created for smaller-scale training needs
· Training slots in popular topics are made available free of charge to eligible businesses
Planning For College During COVID-19
Interview With College Bound President, Gregg Cohen
Mike, our College Planning Specialist, recently
interviewed Campus Bound President, Gregg Cohen
who shared his insight on what colleges are facing and
the opportunities that are rising from this situation for students.

Key Tips From Gregg
· Begin the conversation with schools you’re interested in
· Be willing to negotiate
· It's a favorable time to pursue your reach school(s)

Click the video to watch the full interview:
Additional Resources
It’s never too early to start planning for college. These articles share some helpful information for those with questions about financing college.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
What to expect from phase two.
Wednesday, June 3rd, at 10:00am
For most of us we have been staying home and staying lives since the start of our statewide stay-at-home order. During this time states have developed a phased approach to reopen our economy.
Since March, our panel of professionals from Quality Transitions, Brewster & Shuster and WeCanHelpYou.org have been working together helping businesses navigate the waves of information concerning COVID-19.
Zoom Logon Information:
Topic: Weekly COVID-19 Webinar 6.3.20 @ 10:00am
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 891 6753 6243
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) Pre-Certification
Thursday, June 4, 2020 10:00 a.m. - Noon
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This FREE workshop is designed for businesses that are interested in learning how to apply for SDO certification. Attendance at a Pre-Certification Workshop is required before a business may apply for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Veteran Business Enterprise. This workshop will provide information on how to begin the certification process. Certification may help your business to:
• Become more marketable for government entities
• Learn about new government bidding opportunities
• Create Business to Business (B2B) partnerships
MassHire is hosting a virtual Job Fair June 4th at 10:00am to help connect manufacturers with job seekers in the community.
Navigating the Pandemic Workforce Training Grant Funds Available
June 5th 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

If you could have a safety consultant walk you through the development of your pandemic control plan and answer your specific question, would you? If you said yes, you need to listen to this webinar that explains two funding source options for your company to get a significant discount or in one case for free. We will help you navigate through all of the changes you will need to make in your business in order to keep your employees and business safe and healthy.
MassMEP will help your company prepare and apply for training funds through the Workforce Training Fund’s Express & General Grant program.
Our experts will guide you through the application process.
Specific topics covered in this workshop include:
  • Develop a Training Plan
  • Establish Training Objectives
  • Identify Key Performance Indicators
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