Governor Baker announces Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund | One8 Foundation and Others Kickstart Fund with $13 Million |
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The Governor and First Lady Lauren Baker announced today the launch of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will help support essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations across the state, including Massachusetts residents and immigrants facing homelessness, food insecurity, and loss of critical services as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Fund was conceptualized by the One8 Foundation, who helped establish the fund and provided a lead donation of $1.8 million. The MA COVID-19 Relief Fund is administered by Eastern Bank. The Foundation for Business Equity (FBE) and The Boston Foundation are acting as fiscal sponsors for the Fund. Elissa Flynn-Poppey of Mintz Levin provided invaluable advice and counsel.
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New Grocery Store Customer Limits, Preempts Local Boards of Health; Updated Essential Services FAQs |
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Today, Gov. Baker and the MA Department of Public Health (DPH), issued further guidance relative to grocery stores providing essential services. The guidance is here.
This guidance dictates that a grocery store shall limit occupancy to 40% of its maximum permitted occupancy level, including both customers and employees. Stores with a maximum occupancy of 25 or less are exempt from this requirement. The order prohibits local Boards of Health from enforcing their own stricter limits.
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MDAR: Guidance of the Commissioner of Public Health Regarding Operations of Nurseries, Greenhouses, Garden Centers, and Agricultural Supply Stores |
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The Order designated nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores are as COVID-19 Essential Services. These businesses therefore may continue to operate their brick-and-mortar premises and remain open to the public subject to the limitations specified below. Additionally, workers supporting nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores are deemed included within the COVID-19 Essential Workforce for purposes approved in this guidance. |
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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 bridge loans $25,000.00 or less. Some include payment deferments are up to 12 months.
Help with immediate relief!
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See how the BV Ed Hub is stepping up to help during the COVID -19 Crisis |
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The four 3D printers at the Blackstone Valley Education Hub, or the Ed Hub, in Whitinsville are “running day and night,” said Jeannie Hebert, president and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Ed Hub’s efforts, spearheaded by Hebert and Mark Lyons of Advanced Educational Technologies Labs have resulted in the production and distribution of about 500 face shields to area hospitals and health care facilities, which are very much in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) while combating the coronavirus pandemic.
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“I talked to a doctor and showed her the design,” Lyons said. “She thanked me for saving her life. That’s how important these things are.”
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Go Fund Me COVID-19 Medical Face Shield Project
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!
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Financial Programs Under CARES Act-Free Webinar This Week!
Thursday, April 9, 2020
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
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Join us for this webinar to learn about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act's (CARES Act) provisions relating to economic relief programs for small and medium-sized businesses.
The webinar will provide guidance on eligibility determination, use of proceeds, program specifications, and the application process for the loan programs established by the CARES Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and the Mid-Sized Business Loan Program.
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Thirty on Thursday: COVID-19 Q&A with AIM Experts
Thursday, April 9, 2020, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Free for AIM Members & Non-members
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Thirty on Thursday: COVID-19 Q&A with AIM Experts
State & Federal Tax Implications of COVID-19
Thursday, April 16, 2020 11:00 am
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April 8 2020 11:00am
As humans we are naturally social creatures. We exist best when we are within communities. Social distancing is not part of our DNA, however it has fast become a necessity within today's current situation. Without knowing how long the need for isolation will persist, how can we energize and inspire not only ourselves but others during these unprecedented times. Join us for this conversation on ways to inspire and stay inspired while isolated.
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April 22 2020 11:00am
"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.
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Webinar Series: Running Your Business in Quarantine
Friday April 10th, 2:00-3:00pm
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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.
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.
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April 29 2020 11:00am
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.
For more details and to sign up, please click on the link(s) above. Please note that you need to register for each 60-minute webinar separately.
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InThink Webinar Series Resources |
If you missed the last couple of weekly InThink webinars, don't worry. You can access the presentations using the following links. Please don’t hesitate to email InThink directly with any questions you have at kinthirath@inthink.com
Helpful Resources from Week TWO Webinar:
· Webinar Slides PDF (Attached)
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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! |
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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:
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