COVID-19: Small Business & Community Resources

REOPENING MASSACHUSETTS

Reopening Massachusetts. The Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19.

When can my business reopen? The following detailed commentary is related to the Executive Order signed by Governor Baker on May 18, 2020. This document is intended to provide additional information on businesses and activities summarized in the Reopening Massachusetts report.  This is not an exhaustive list of all possible businesses that can open in each phase; it may be updated from time to time. For additional information please visit the Reopening Massachusetts website.

Unless otherwise stated, businesses expected to be allowed to open in future phases will be subject to certain limitations and guidelines that will be provided at a later date.  All businesses are required to follow Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards and Sector specific safety protocols and best practices.  All of this information is subject to revision based on the latest public health data.

Reopening: Four-Phase Approach. The Massachusetts economy will be reopened using a four-phase approach, based on public health guidance.

General business guidance. Information to help businesses meet the self-certification requirement to reopen. All businesses must meet these requirements before reopening. Businesses operating to provide Essential Services, as defined in the Governor’s March 23, 2020 Executive Order, updated on March 31, April 28 and May 15, may remain open and have until May 25, 2020 to comply with these mandatory safety standards.

    • Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces. These new standards will apply universally to all workplaces that are open in Phase 1, and are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to employees and customers.
    • Reopening plan Template – Template that satisfies the written control plan requirement for self-certification
    • Compliance attestation poster – Poster that customer facing businesses are required to print, sign, and post in an area within the business premises that is visible to workers and visitors
    • Employer poster and Worker posters – Posters that businesses can print and display within the business premises to describe the rules for maintaining social distancing, hygiene protocols, and cleaning and disinfecting

Readiness and Capabilities Dashboard. COVID-19 Response Reporting. Daily and cumulative data on Massachusetts COVID-19 cases and testing, and weekly data on confirmed cases by city/town and residents subject to COVID-19 quarantine.

Data Dashboard -Starting on May 18, the COVID-19 Command Center will give updates on six key public health indicators.

Find Vendors: Purchasing Hygienic or Protective Supplies for the Workplace.These resources are provided to help inform employers and employees about supplies needed to return to workplaces, and connect businesses with manufacturers and distributors. In order to operate in Reopening Phase 1 and all future phases, certain supplies are required.

 

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

In response to the current coronavirus crisis, as a public service to the Wellfleet business community and vitality of our town, the Wellfleet Chamber is offering all businesses and non-profit organizations located in the Town of Wellfleet the opportunity to submit items for inclusion in our Chamber newsletters and announcements during the COVID-19 crisis. We are all in this together, and we wish to bolster our businesses as much as possible during these hard times– to the benefit of all. Send us an email with your ad/promotion/poster, [email protected]

The Town of Wellfleet has put together a COVID-19 Small Business Owner Guide with specifics on the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, Small Business Debt Relief Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants, Counseling & Training, Contracting, Small Business Tax Provisions, Small Business Administration Toolkit.

Small Business Administration Coronavirus Relief Options include:

Paycheck Protection Program. An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Small businesses should apply for PPP as soon as possible and prior to June 30th to allow the lender time to get SBA approval/a loan number before the deadline at the end of the month.

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. The Act’s adjustments to the PPP program will ensure many additional businesses can qualify to receive forgiveness of their loans. Additional guidance from the Small Business Administration and Treasury for loan recipients and lenders is forthcoming.

EIDL Loan Advance. This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. SBA has reopened the portal and is again accepting applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and EIDL Advance. Businesses can submit applications here.

SBA Express Bridge Loans. Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.

SBA Debt Relief. The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Small Business Counseling Services:  Community Development Partnership, SCORE Cape Cod, The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center.

The Community Development Partnership (CDP) has the pulse on programs to help small businesses navigate this crisis, and is continually working on identifying new programs and trainings to help our local businesses as we move into recovery. CDP has compiled a list of resources to help small business during this unprecedented crisis. Sign up here to receive CDP’s small business updates in your inbox. If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, please contact Pam Andersen at [email protected]

SCORE Cape Cod & the Islands is here to help small businesses. On Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket they have 50+ mentors committed to help you work through the unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus outbreak. In addition to online resources and webinarsSCORE business mentors are available for remote mentoring to provide expert guidance. You can schedule an appointment for remote mentoring via Phone, Email and Video. Call 508-775-4884 or go to Mentoring Request. It’s free. It’s confidential.

• U.S. Chamber Foundation is launching the Save Small Business Fund with Vistaprint to provide assistance to small businesses and local chambers of commerce impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Chamber Foundation will distribute $5,000 grants to small employers in the U.S. and its territories. Eligibility is based on zip-code, and currently South Wellfleet (02663) is covered while Wellfleet (02667) is not– check back and we will update this page if the situation changes. *Grants are no longer available through this fund.

Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan. Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help your small business through the process.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is sharing information at Cape Cod & COVID-19.

• Cape Cod Young Professionals has a list of resources for Cape Cod’s businesses, non-profits, young adults and families.

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance

WorkShare is a program offered by DUA that offers a smart alternative to layoffs. Employees work reduced hours while collecting unemployment benefits to supplement their lower wages.

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to partnering with the business community to navigate the outbreak of COVID-19: Mass.Gov COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses.

Click here for information on a Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

Better Business Bureau tips and COVID-19 resources.

 

Town of Wellfleet

 

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 571
Wellfleet, MA 02667

508-349-2510

[email protected]

HOURS OF OPERATION

Summer: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Spring/Fall Weekends: 10:00am - 4:00pm

VISIT US

1410 Route 6, Wellfleet, MA 02667