Funding & Resources for Small Business During COVID-19 Crisis

Disaster Assistance for CWE Clients

In our commitment to women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout New England, we have been and will continue to adapt our programs and resources to support you and your business during the pandemic. Below, find important information such as State Reopening Plans, CWE contacts per state, Tips (such as Evaluating Your Loan Needs, Safeguarding Your Information), and Loans & Grants Resources (national and state-wide). We aim to keep resources current but always check the source for the most up-to-date information.

Government, State & Legal Resources

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Center for Disease Controls (CDC) provides Workplace Prevention Strategies for Businesses here and the basics on COVID such as spreading infection and the Delta Variant here.  The CDC offers health and science updates here such as available vaccines, Quarantine & Isolation, Omicron Variant, Vaccine Updates and Cases & Data for Your County.

State Reopening Plans

Select your state name to view reopening plans and information during COVID-19.
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont

Federal COVID Resources Consolidated (Updated 2022 Resources)

Federal Resources for Small Businesses provides access to a consolidation of COVID-19 related information and resources from multiple federal agencies, including: Relief, Loans, Grants, & Financial Assistance;Tax Credit & Filing; Health & Safety Info.; Small Business & Financial Learning; Minority-, Women-, LGBTQ-, & Veteran-Owned Businesses Info; Federal Contracting; Disaster Resiliency & Reopening; and Cybersecurity, Remote, & Online Business. www.covid-sb.org/home

Labor & Litigation

COVID-19 Litigation provides useful resources regarding labor and employment law within the COVID environment and how different jurisdictions are addressing the pandemic. The Littler site provides information such as:

Keep in mind, the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, with new governmental measures announced frequently. Recommended best practices are to  consult with counsel for the latest developments and updated guidance on this topic. CWE clients are welcome to request a consultation with one of our legal specialists. Connect with us here.

ASCENT

A free learning platform for women entrepreneurs from the SBA.  Ascent is packed with in-depth information to help you grow your business.  Learn more here.

CWE Disaster Assistance Tips

Tip 1: Evaluate your loan needs

Figure out cash flow.  Look at where you are now and where you were last year at this time.

  1. What to look for:  Take a look at your Profit & Loss Statement (P&L) from last year.  What did your revenue and expenses look like then?  How much different are they now?
  2. Review the options and make informed decisions.
  • Option A:  If you stay open, how much would it cost?  Run some projections.  Apply the percentage your revenue has decreased since the COVID crisis to your projected sales.  That is what you might expect.  Does that cover what you need it to while continuing to deliver value to your customers?
  • Option B:  If you close, how long can you remain closed before there is a need to generate cash to meet expenses?
  • Option C:  Think creatively. What can you do to manage the expense portion of your P&L?  Have you asked your bank for interest-only repayments on any debt you currently have?  How about asking your landlord to negotiate more lenient payment options?  What can you do about your employees?
  • Be sure to check out the COVID grants, loans and services resources compiled below, taking note of application deadline dates.

Tip 2: You don't have to go it alone

CWE is here to connect you with business counselors throughout this process and beyond.  If you need guidance please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Women's Business Center (WBC) for Assistance.

  • Eastern Massachusetts - English and Spanish - 617-536-0700
  • Central Massachusetts - 508-363-2300
  • New Hampshire - 603-318-7580
  • Rhode Island - English and Spanish - 401-277-0800
  • Vermont - 802-391-4870

Tip 3: Safeguard Your Information

Be on the alert for fraud, email phishing, and bogus requests for personal information!  Times like these bring out the best and unfortunately the worst in some people.  Fear and confusion create an ideal climate for scammers.

Tip 4: Catch and report suspicious emails

  • Inspect emails for grammatical or other errors, even those claiming to be from the CDC or WHO.
  • At no time will you ever receive a call from the IRS, Banks, asking you for your login credentials.
  • Before clicking links, hover over them to see the URL (web address).  If you think it is something of interest, copy the web address and search it to make sure it is legitimate before clicking.
  • If you suspect an email is fraudulent, DO NOT REPLY TO THE EMAIL.  Contact the company or person they are impersonating.  Delete it from your inbox.

Thank you to Citizens Bank for providing useful Tips About Safeguarding Our Information.

National COVID Resources - Loans and Grants

Amber Grants - $10k monthly

WomensNet gives away at least $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money and has expanded their grant-giving to include an additional year-end grant of $25,000 to one of the monthly recipients.

Applying is simple. Just take a few minutes to tell them about yourself and your business dream.  No long, complicated forms to fill out.  The $10,000 Amber Grant recipient is announced by the 23rd of the following month. For more information, please click here.

Other WomensNet Grants - Rolling Applications

WomensNet funds several other women business grants (including Business Category and Non-Profit grants) throughout the year ($450,000 worth). To be considered for all these grants, you only need to fill out one application. (Yes, it’s that simple). Learn more here.  

SOGAL - Black Founders Startup Grant - $5k-$10k

SOGAL is a Black Founders Startup Grant providing several $10,000 and $5,000 cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs who have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion-dollar business. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more here.  

Economic Injury Disaster Loan - Working capital up to $2 million

As of January 1, 2022, the EIDL is no longer accepting new applications but will continue to accept requests for increases, reconsideration, and appeals. Learn more here.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Portal

To help lenders and borrowers in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program, the Small Business Association launched a PPP loan forgiveness portal on August 4, 2021.  The new portal will allow some borrowers with loans up to $150,000 to apply for forgiveness directly with the SBA instead of going through their lender.

Review the PPP Direct Forgiveness portal here to see if you qualify to participate.  The SBA offers live customer service at 877-552-2692. When calling, have your tax identification or PPP SMA Loan number available. Your deadline for submitting a PPP loan forgiveness application ends 10 months after your covered period ends.

As of July 29th, over 600 banks have opted into direct forgiveness which enables over 2.17 million borrowers to apply through the portal. Find the list of participating PPP lenders here.

Southern Smoke Grant Emergency Relief Funding - Relief grants for any food and beverage workers

Southern Smoke offers relief grants offers for any food and beverage worker who is in crisis including restaurant and bar workers (front and back of house), baristas, sommeliers, farmers, ranchers, winemakers, distillers, brewers, and anyone in the “food chain” Business owners are eligible for assistance with personal needs only.  Grants are awarded for most urgent needs including housing costs, medical expenses and/or damages due to an accident or natural disaster. Applicants must be currently employed and working up to 25+ hours a week. If eligible based on circumstances, applicants will be assigned a case manager. For complete details, visit: https://southernsmoke.org/fund/.   Southern Smoke is a nonprofit 501c3 charitable foundation.

Targeted Advanced EIDL

The Targeted Advanced EIDL is no longer accepting new applications

  • As of January 1, 2022, we are not able to accept new applications for COVID EIDL loans or advances. Learn more here.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will continue to review and approve Targeted Advance applications received prior to the December 31, 2021, deadline.
  • As of January 1, 2022, declined Targeted Advance applicants may submit one request for reevaluation. The deadline for reevaluation requests is February 15, 2022.

Employee Retention Credit (tax relief)

The American Rescue Plan extends the availability of the Employee Retention Credit for small businesses through December 2021 and allows businesses to offset their current payroll tax liabilities by up to $7,000 per employee per quarter. This credit of up to $28,000 per employee for 2021 is available to small businesses who have seen their revenues decline, or even been temporarily shuttered, due to COVID. The ERC is now available for all four quarters of 2021. Find full details here.  Brought to you by the American Rescue Plan is provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (tax relief)

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small and midsize employers (fewer than 500 employees), and certain governmental employers, to claim refundable tax credits that reimburse for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave to employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick and family leave for leave from April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021. Sick leave wages paid for COVID-19 related reasons for up to two weeks, limited to $511 per day and $5,110 in the aggregate, at 100 percent of the employee's regular rate of pay. The tax credit for paid family leave wages is equal to the family leave wages paid for up to twelve weeks, limited to $200 per day and $12,000 in the aggregate, at 2/3rds of the employee's regular rate of pay.  For complete details, visit: www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-tax-credits-for-employee-paid-leave-due-to-covid-19.

The second and third calendar quarters ended September 30, 2021. To apply for the ARP tax credit, your filed taxes must be amended. To amend your tax submission, complete the form 941X found here: www.irs.gov/instructions/i941x#en_US_2021_publink100076434

SBA Funding Resources Portal

Browse options available nationally or input a zip code to explore location-specific funding here.

About the Portal:

It’s a free, curated list of thousands of funding sources at the national, state, regional, and local levels designed to support small businesses in accessing capital to recover from COVID-19.  Enter a ZIP code of interest to see which programs in your area you may be eligible for.  Resource availability may change over time.

Submit requested updates, additions, or corrections to the data by emailing the information to econrecovery@sba.gov for evaluation and update.

Local Resources

Check out your local Women Business Center (WBC) for funding programs, resources, and business guidance. Visit: www.sba.gov/local-assistance

Workshare Programs

Program varies per state. Find details on the NCSl website.

Workshare programs let businesses temporarily reduce the hours of their employees, instead of laying them off during economic downturns. Technically referred to as short time compensation, the goal of worksharing programs is to reduce unemployment.

Worksharing should not be confused with job sharing, which allows two part-time employees to share one full-time job. Instead, worksharing allows a full-time worker's hours to be reduced, in lieu of laying off the worker.

Workshare programs benefit businesses, workers and states. Businesses retain their trained workforce, for easy recall to full-time work when economic conditions improve. Workers keep their jobs instead of being laid off and collect reduced unemployment benefits to partially replace their lost wages. States save money by paying only partial unemployment claims, instead of paying full benefits to laid-off workers.

Under approved workshare programs, employees qualify for a percentage of unemployment benefits, equal to the percentage by which their hours have been reduced. For example, an employee whose hours are cut by 10 percent would qualify for 10 percent of the state’s established weekly unemployment benefit amount. While that does not fully replace the lost wages, the amount supplements a worker’s income until they are recalled to full-time work.

Regional Relief - Loans and Grants

Massachusetts

Sector-Specific Relief Grant Program for Massachusetts Small Businesses

The application portal is now closed.  Keep an eye on your email for a correspondence from MGCC, which may contain requests for additional information and/or notice of award. 

MA Small Biz Reopening Guide - Massachusetts Small Business COVID Response Coalition

The MA Small Biz Reopening Guide is a website that helps small business owners in Massachusetts figure out how to reopen their business following the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary safeguards implemented by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including the mandatory closing of many businesses. The site is focused on assisting micro businesses, especially those located in low-to-moderate income areas or otherwise under served communities, including businesses that are owned by people of color, immigrants, and women.  Click here to go to the website.

COVID-19 Recovery Fund - Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC)

The purpose of this new fund is the alleviation of sudden and severe economic dislocation cause4d by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to provide permanent resources to support economic resiliency, and to further the City of Boston 's objectives for long-term economic recovery.  BLDC staff has compiled a list that includes many needs that can be addressed through small business loan assistance.  These need generally fall under two categories:  renovating and activating Boston small businesses.
 
Renovate recognizes the need for a number of new practices and physical improvements small business will have to complete in order to safely open.
 
  • Boston is a city of walking neighborhoods; people walk by rather than drive through. The BLDC will provide financing that allows businesses to change their physical environment with a goal of increasing take out and quick service capabilities.
  • The ability to provide a safe environment that embraces best practices in social distancing and protection for both customers and employees will be key to small business recovery. Businesses will need physical barriers including plexiglass and other solutions that will help comply with social distancing requirements.
  • There will also be a need to renovate existing spaces. This will include reconfigured aisles and alternatives to current seating arrangements. The funding for this new RLF will allow the BLDC to target financing these types of improvements.
  • Businesses also need to address issues related to their HVAC systems. They need to consider installing portable, high efficiency air cleaners, upgrading air filters to the highest efficiency possible, and making other modifications to increase the quantity of outside air and ventilation in offices and other spaces.
  • If a business’s existing HVAC system is beyond its useful life, there may be a need to install a completely new system with features that could include MERV-13 filters, ultraviolet light treatments and other improvements.
     
Activate encompasses a variety of other financing needs for new and existing businesses.  Some examples of activate are:
 
  • Substitute for the lack of, or reduced, bank financing to activate new business projects currently in the pipeline.
  • Assist with funding improvements to a small business’s social media presence to activate sales.
  • Provide working capital to assist businesses as they hire and/or rehire staff and to fund restocking inventory needed to activate sales.
 
The Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC) is a private non-profit corporation that utilizes staff from the Boston Planning and Development Agency to support its operations and is overseen by an independent Board of Trustees. In the last twenty years, the BLDC has provided over $20 million in small business loans. These loans have successfully leveraged over $95 million in other funding and have helped to create or retain over 3,500 Boston jobs. For additional information on the BLDC, please refer to our website at bostonbusinessloans.org. If you have any questions, please contact William Nickerson, the BLDC General Manager. He can be reached by email at bill.nickerson@boston.gov.
 
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - State of Massachusetts
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals wo are unable to work because of COVID-19 related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. This includes: self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others. Note:  You should apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance retroactive to your first week of total or partial unemployment.  Most regular UI claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing, and many are processed within the first week of filing.  Click here for more information and to apply.
 

Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund - First Lady Lauren Baker and the One8 Foundation

First Lady Lauren Baker and the One8 Foundation are teaming up with philanthropists, business leaders, Eastern Bank, The Boston Foundation, and the Foundation for Business Equity to launch the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund to support those across the state most impacted by this health crisis. The Fund will work in concert with regional non-profit leaders, community foundations, leaders on the ground and at the state level to understand the response and relief landscape locally and statewide to strategically fill in where gaps are pronounced. The mission is to ensure essential needs are understood in real time and provide resources for interventions that are effective and impactful.

Who the Fund will Support

  • Frontline healthcare professionals, first responders, and other essential worker assistance
  • Households disproportionately affected by the impact of COVID-19
  • Immigrant and undocumented populations
  • Food insecurity
  • People with disabilities
  • Homeless populations

Fund Criteria

  • Demonstrated ability to act quickly to support non-profit organizations serving vulnerable residents, healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential service providers
  • Well informed with collaborative public/ private partnerships to advise who to fund in their local communities
  • Local partners and grantees have the ability to sustain services over the coming months
  • Ability to monitor progress to inform needs
  • Grantees must provide data on how exactly the funds are used
  • Non-profit partners must be fully vetted to receive funding
  • Leadership of the Fund will make grant decisions
 

Crisis Relief Loans - Capital Good Fund

In response to the current times with COVID-19, Good Fund has developed the Crisis Relief Loan to help those financially impacted.  This loan ranges from $300-$1,500, and had a fifteen-month term with a special 90-day deferment payment period and 5% APR; there is also expedited loan application review.  The Crisis Relief loan can be used for (but is not limited to) paying utilities, covering medical bills, paying rent, and purchasing groceries, and will be available to resident of RI, FL, MA, DE and IL.  To view the Eligibility Check please click here. For more information please click here.

 

MA Regional & Specific Industry

Boston Small Business Relief Fund 2.0

The Small Business Relief Fund 2.0 is designed to help businesses cover business expenses to help their recovery. It will assist businesses that seek to grow beyond the pandemic. Through this fund, business owners are eligible for $10,000 for either the Relief Grant or the Growth Grant.

Businesses can apply for one or both grants, and all grant expenses must be incurred between March 3, 2021 and December 31, 2024. Applications opened on Wednesday, September 8, at 9 a.m. Incomplete applications will not be processed. To learn more and apply for the fund, click here.

Boston Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The Restaurant Revitalization Program (RRP) is a three-month pilot to provide a much-needed lifeline to restaurants as they recover from COVID-19. This Fund will support restaurants located in the City of Boston. Businesses will receive $5,000 to cover any business-related expense. These funds are not required to be tied to rent or payroll.

Applications opened on Wednesday, September 8, at 9 a.m. and will close on Friday, September 24, at 11:59 p.m. Please note: Incomplete applications will not be processed. To learn more and apply for the fund, click here.

Boston Financial Relief - Handbook for Small Business Owners - City of Boston

In response to the quantity and scope of small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has assembled the following resource guide to support business owners in navigating the many capital programs at the local, state, federal, and private level.

As many programs are still evolving, this handbook will be updated regularly in weeks ahead. However, interested parties should refer to the website of any named organization / program for the latest details.

This handbook contains examples of capital programs available, it does not contain an exhaustive list of such programs. If you know of or operate a funding source that does not appear in this  handbook and would like to be included, please email austin.williams@boston.gov.

Please note that the City of Boston will not be a party to and shall not be held liable for any agreement or contract that may result from the use of this handbook.  Click here for the Handbook

Women & Minority Owned Small Business Support - Small Business Strong

Small Business Strong is a nonprofit organization empowered to help women and minority owned small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They provide expedited, pro-bono resources to small businesses ranging from access to capital to consulting, business restructuring, business growth, digital marketing and customer engagement plans.
 
Massachusetts women and minority owned small business owners can participate by engaging in one or more of the core elements of Small Business Strong, all free of charge with no strings attached:
  • Online portal with curated content and resources for small businesses
  • Business Advisors who will initially consult with small businesses to understand the impact of COVID-19 and provide general guidance and resources
  • Functional Specialists who will provide more specialized support and deliverables backed by years of experience.

Click here for more information.

Industry-Specific Resources - Small Business Strong

Resources to help with industry-specific COVID-19 related challenges for the retail, food services and hospitality sectors among others. Click on the industry below to view information and resources.

Black Business Relief Program, The Futures Fund - Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) and the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) enhances the economic well being of Black businesses, organizations that serve the Black community, and Black residents of the Commonwealth by advocating for economically progressive policies, convening stakeholders in solutions-based dialogues, and connecting its members to important opportunities and one another. 

COVID-19 presents an unprecedented threat to the survival of small businesses in Massachusetts, the impact of which is compounded for Black-owned businesses that continue to experience longstanding and historic racial discrimination. The survival of these businesses is key to the longterm economic health of the Commonwealth. Over 1,200 Black-owned firms employ 13,000 Massachusetts residents. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the stability of these businesses and thus throws the Black community into financial disarray.

To offer relief for small businesses that are already feeling significant pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BECMA, in partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce and powered by Berkshire Bank, is announcing The Futures Fund to help stabilize existing Black-owned businesses across the Commonwealth. This resource can be used in conjunction with SBA products.

Fund Details

  1. Line of credit for up to $50,000
  2. No payments for 3 months with the option for a 3-month extension
  3. 3% interest

Eligibility Details*

  1. 600 credit score
  2. Annual revenue of $500k/year
  3. 1 year of past financials
  4. 1 year of projected financials
  5. Tax and credit history
  6. A sound plan for getting through the COVID-19 crisis
  7. Business assets (no personal assets)
  8. Ability to explain your profitability
  9. Sound meeting with your referral partner

*We encourage thos who may not meet all eligibility requirements to reach out regardless.  We will work with you to access other resources to stabilize your business.

Additional Resources

In addition to monetary support, recipients will be partnered with technical assistance providers and Berkshire Bank staff (MY Bankers) who will offer their services to help advise and consult these businesses. With sufficient support structures in place, this temporary standstill affords hard-working business owners the unique opportunity to dedicate time to further develop their business. By offering business owners access to comprehensive professional support services, they can emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than ever and ready to represent themselves effectively in the marketplace.Click here for more information.

If your business meets the criteria listed above, please reach out to to info@BECMA.org discuss next steps.

Interest-Free Loan Program - Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)

In collaboration with the Hebrew Free Loan Programs at Jewish Family & Children’s Service and Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, the CJP Interest-Free Loan Program is helping with: small business cost; job training; lifecycle ceremonies (i.e. bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, or funerals); new baby, fertility, and adoption; care of older adults or people with disabilities and more. For more information please click here.

Wells Fargo Relief Aid to Help Wester Massachusetts Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Wells Fargo has announced that Common Capital, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has received $500,000 from its Open for Business Fund to help underserved area small businesses impacted by the economic struggles caused by COVID-19. The funding will aid the CDFI’s ongoing recovery efforts including micro-lending activities, one-on-one coaching, digital marketing training and effective adaption to a COVID economy. Please click here for more information.

COVID Recovery Micro Enterprise Assistance Program - Franklin County CDC

Microenterprise Assistance forgivable loans of up to $10,000 are available to businesses to help cover documented business losses due to the COVID-19 economic shut down that are not covered by other funding programs. Businesses with five or fewer employees may qualify for a forgivable loan funded through the federal CARES Act and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

The Franklin County CDC is implementing the forgivable loan programs for $600,000 for 23 towns in Franklin County administered by the City of Greenfield and for $108,000 for the City of North Adams.

How does the application process work?

Business owners can find applications and forms on the appropriate tabs on this website.

Completed applications (include application, 3 forms and 2019 taxes) will be considered for review every 2 weeks for eligibility in the current round. There will be ongoing rounds until funds are depleted. Visit the FAQ’s to gain a better understanding. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact micro@fccdc.org

There is a small team of reviewers who will review completed applications every 2 weeks. DHCD Criteria will be examined to understand Covid-19 loss and community need plus overall reasonableness for expenses and business stability.

For more information and Town and City Specific Sites please click this link

Fast Track Loan Program - Common Capital

Common Capital and Franklin County CDC (www.fccdc.org; 413-774-7204) are working together to support small businesses in western Massachusetts during this unprecendented time

Common Capital offers a Fast Track Loan Program to address the needs of local businesses that need quick access to capital. This is an alternative to high interest rate credit cards and deceptively-priced and expensive on-line lenders. Loan proceeds may be used for most legitimate business purposes, including purchasing inventory or equipment, and for working capital.

 The Fast Track Program offers a loan decision in two to three business days for loan requests up to $50,000, with funding typically within a week after approval. It is a credit score-based program for businesses in operation at least one year. If approved, you will be eligible for no-cost business assistance from Common Capital staff and consultants. Please click here for more information

Flexible Financing for Small Business - Franklin County CDC (FCCDC)

The FCCDC finances both start-up and existing small businesses for a wide range of purposes.  They lend between $5,000 and $200,000 to both existing and start-up businesses.  The FCCDC partners with the following loan funds and lending programs:  

  • The Four Town Trust Fund provides loans for businesses in Greenfield, Montague, Shelburne and Buckland.
  • The PVGrows Investment Fund provides financing and business assistance to farm and food businesses.  For more information click here.
  • The Ten Town Trust Fund targets businesses located in Ashfield, Bernardston, Charlemont, Erving, Gill, Hawley, Northfield, Warwick, Wendell, and Whately.
  • THE SSED Fund (Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation) is for businesses that require financing for the retention or creation of jobs in Franklin County as well as Athol, Petersham, Phillipston and Royalston.  It is also available to support minority and women-owned businesses.
  • The Rural Development (USDA) Intermediary Lending Program is for established businesses that need gap financing.  Funds may also be available for new and expanding businesses.
  • The Rural Development (USDA) rural Microenterprise Assistance program is for established businesses that need gap financing.  Funds may also be available for new and expanding businesses.

Click here for more information.

Emergency Microloan Program- North Central MA

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has launched an Emergency Micro-loan Program in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist small businesses that need access to funding due to hardship stemming from the outbreak. Loans of up to $20,000 will be awarded to qualifying local businesses that find themselves in a situation where they need access to capital and want to avoid high-interest credit cards or expensive and un-regulated online lenders. If approved, the business is also eligible to receive business assistance from NCMDC staff and consultants. Click here for more information.

COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley - Community Foundation of Western MA (CFWM)

The CFWM is mobilizing its emergence resources toward its new established COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley.  There is no application for this funding.  Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues, making it possible to move resources quickly to adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.  To learn more please click here.

Emergency Small Business Grant Program - City of Framingham, MA

The City of Framingham has established the COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Grant to assist in the stabilization of existing small businesses within the City of Framingham that have had significant business disruption due to the impact of COVID-19.  These grant funds will assist small businesses in the City of Framingham to cover wages, rent, lost of inventory, and other fixed costs.
Eligible Applicants:
  • Have a physical establishment within the City of Framingham.
  • The business owner must be low- to moderate-income (see income thresholds below).
  • Have experienced a loss of revenue of 50% or more due to COVID-19 since March 10th.
  • Have less than $2,000,000 in gross annual receipts.
  • Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgements.

For more information please click here.

City of North Hampton Small Business Emergency Grant Program - Valley Community Development Program

The City of Northampton through Valley Community Development Corporation will provide financial assistance grants to business owners. The purpose of these grants is to provide funds to low-moderate income businesses or businesses with low-moderate income employees to assist them in remaining open, as well as stimulating and adapting their businesses during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

The City is utilizing federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for these grants thus assistance must be compliant with federal regulations. The City is providing $125,000 in grants for this Program. Please click here for eligibility criteria, permitted uses of grant funds and more information.

Restaurant Strong Fund - The Greg Hill Foundation and Samuel Adams 

The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams to support those from the Massachusetts restaurant industry who have been impacted by the COVID-19 closures.  They are raising awareness and funds to provide grants to full-time restaurant workers in Massachusetts who are dependent on wages plus tips to cover basic living expenses and provide for their families.  The Restaurant Strong Fund goal is to provde $1,000 grants to as many qualifying grantees as possible.  To qualify you must be a full-time tipped compensated employee (Minimum of 20 hours total per, week, can be multiple restaurants), employed 3 months or longer at the same location and work in a restaurant, bar, café or nightclub located in Massachusetts. For more information please click here.

Emergency Small Business Grant - City of Fitchburg

The City of Fitchburg has developed a $2,500 grant program for small businesses in the City of Fitchburg.  Preference will be given to businesses that are existing loan customers, businesses with 5 or few employees, and restaurant/retail/entertainment businesses. Businesses must demonstrate business loss as a direct result of COVID-19 outbreak.  Click here for more information.

Additional Resources

Small Business Strong: A new initiative where business owners can access business advisors and functional specialists to support their plan to survive, recover and grow. APPLY HERE to connect with a business advisor. 

Protect MA: An online marketplace that connects Black and Latinx suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE) to potential buyers in the business and residential communities. Sign up as a supplier or buyer of PPE.

Beyond Six-Feet-Apart Accelerator: This program, launched by LISC Boston and the IXL Center, helps minority-owned small businesses get-back-to-business safely. Learn more here.

Advice on avoiding credit problems related to COVID-19

Foisie Business School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, leveraging a regional ecosystem of business resource organizations and teams of students and faculty to help businesses digitally transform from onsite to remote operations and from in-person to online customer engagements.

Lawyers for Civil Rights provides free legal support to qualifying entrepreneurs and small businesses in Massachusetts.

Mass MoCA's Assets for Artisans

Commonwealth Kitchen Small Business Resource Guide

North Central MA Webinar Series

WesternMass List of Business Resources:  Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties.  

Stay in touch with your local CWE Center.  Let us know your concerns, and follow us to stay up to date with available webinars and resources.

 

New Hampshire

Power Forward Grant - New England States
This collaboration offers $25,000 grants plus marketing and design resources for Black- and Brown-owned small businesses across New England. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis until funds run out. Qualified applicants must be Black-owned small businesses with 1 to 25 employees and be based and operating in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, or select areas of Connecticut*. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the impact their small business has on their greater community and showcase how they intend to use the $25,000 grant award. Learn more here.

Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Restaurant owners affected by state- or federally-declared natural disasters can apply for a $10,000 cash grant to help their business recover. Businesses must be independently owned, 3 stores or fewer, revenues <3 million per location, fewer than 50 employees per location. Winter round deadline is January 31st, 2022, Spring round is open from 4/1 thru 6/30. Learn more here.

Comcast Rise Monetary Grant -Funding for underserved populations: Black, Latinx & Asian communities. Next application round is slated for 2022.The Comcast Rise Program provides a grant opportunity to small, U.S. businesses owned by underserved businesses: Black, Latinx and Asian-owned businesses and focus on Black-owned businesses. Additional Eligibility requires independently owned and operated business, registered to conduct business in the US, operating for one or more years and is in the Comcast Business or Effective service area footprint. Comcast RISE was created to invest in the success of these critical businesses by providing valuable and practical support. Stay tuned for more information on the next round of grants, coming soon. Find full Contest Rules here and information here. The program is expected to run again in 2022.

Comcast Rise Marketing & Technology Services - Provides a grant opportunity to small, U.S. businesses owned by underserved businesses: Black, Latinx and Asian-owned businesses and focus on Black-owned businesses; Apply by June 17th, 2022.

The Comcast Rise Program provides complimentary benefits to small, U.S. businesses owned by underserved businesses: Black, Latinx and Asian-owned businesses and focus on Black-owned businesses, to support growth. The program offers consulting in advertising and marketing, Media schedule, Creative Production (30-second TV commercial and 90-day placement), and Technology Makeover (computer equipment, internet, voice & cybersecurity services for 12 months). Eligibility requires independently owned and operated business, registered to conduct business in the US, operating for one or more years and is located in the Comcast Business or Effectv service area footprint. For full details, visit: www.comcastrise.com/apply/.  Find full contest rules here.

Community Development Block Grant - Offset COVID Working Capital Costs
The Community Development Block Grant Program is for businesses that qualify as low-to-moderate enterprises and start-ups (5 or fewer employees). The grant is designed to offset costs associated with preparing for, responding to, or recovering from COVID-19. Qualifying businesses may receive up to $2,500 of indirect grant funding to be applied toward equipment costs, operational expenses, and working capital. Eligible expenses include business costs, such as rent, staffing, equipment purchases, utilities, and PPE. Applicants must be a for-profit entity with five or fewer employees, currently be in operation or, if not in operation, must have an intent to open. Applicants must also meet the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of low- to moderate-income. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding varies depending on geographic location. For more information, visit: https://nhcdfa.org/covid-19-resources/ Contact the NH Community Development Finance Authority, Kevin Peterson at kp@nhcdfa.org to be directed to a regional program office. The Community Development Block Grant is a CARES Direct Grant Program.        

Artist Entrepreneurial Grants -  Develop Business Skills; May 5, 2022
The Artist Entrepreneurial Grant supports artists’ careers in the development of business skills, participation in programs to raise the level and quality of their art and expand market reach. Individual professional New Hampshire artists, makers and creatives, 18 years of age or over, who devote a majority of their time to practicing, performing and/or teaching an arts discipline are eligible to apply. The deadline is May 6, 2022. For complete details and an instructional video, please click here.

Microenterprise Technical Assistance Program - Economic Development Grant

The Microenterprise Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) is augmenting the existing MTAP to provide eligible New Hampshire microenterprises with direct grants up to $2,500. The program helps foster economic development by providing a range of entrepreneurial training and technical assistance services to low- and moderate-income micro-business owners and start-ups (those with fewer than five employees). Applications are on an ongoing basis. For program information, visit: https://nhcdfa.org/covid-19-resources/ or contact NH Community Development Finance Authority, Kevin Peterson at kp@nhcdfa.org.

CDBG Microenterprise Grant Program
Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) serves Coos, Grafton, and Carroll counties (and individuals from other NH counties, if their home county does not have a program).  Awardees may access technical assistance such as: access to classes, WREN membership, market access (within the WREN store), a business listing on the WREN website, and access to one-on-one mentoring sessions with expert instructors (specialities in marketing, accounting, graphic design, web development and more, valued at $2,500 per year) for up to 3 years.

Eligibility criteria includes: Small businesses and depending on three criteria: the likelihood that the emerging or established business will grow its earnings and jobs over time, the current number of employees in the business (5 or less employees at this time), and family size/correlated income. Admissions is on a rolling basis. For complete information, visit: www.wrenworks.org/grants/ 

Stay at Work: Workshare for NH - Allows employees hours to be reduced, in lieu of layoffs, while employees collect unemployment benefits.
WorkShare plans may be submitted by any NH employer whose taxes are currently up to date and who is in good standing with the NH Department of Labor, who is avoiding layoffs (i.e. reducing the number of hours worked). The reduction must be spread equally across all employees and health care benefits must continue Seasonal employment during the off season or as a subsidy for intermittent employment  is not included.

Upon approval of a WorkShare plan an employee must submit either an initial claim or reopen a claim for unemployment compensation and be approved to receive benefits under RSA 282-A. If approved, they will receive a weekly benefit rate, and a written determination detailing the employers and wages used in the base period to calculate the weekly benefit amount. Find complete details here: www.nhes.nh.gov/nhworking/stay/index.htm

Kiva Crowdfunded Microloan - Capital up to $15,000 to underserved business or entrepreneur 
The Kiva Crowdfunded Microloans provides capital up to $15,000 to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive. This microloan is to support those who are financially excluded or create social impact in their communities to start or expand a small business. Examples of uses include starting a new business, investing in equipment, paying for emergency care, and paying for tuition. This microloan has 0% interest for U.S. borrowers. For complete information, visit: www.kiva.org.

Manchester Small Business Grant and Program Assistance
The City of Manchester has re-opened a grant program to help small businesses located in Manchester NH that were affected by COVID-19 funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Grants of up to $10,000 are available to assist with fixed business costs, including rent, utilities, and payroll, accrued during the pandemic, costs associated with transitioning to e-commerce business platforms, outdoor space upgrades, and other technical assistance needs. Although these grants are available to all, preference will be given to minority and women owned businesses. Learn more and apply here

Pathway to Micro Program - Business Assistance
The Pathway to Micro program offers unemployed or under-employed (People who are working part-time but want full-time employment or those with a job that does not fully use their existing skills, experience and education) individuals the opportunity to launch a micro business (1-5 employees) of their own. Participants receive confidential, highly individualized business assistance at no cost. Learn more here. To get started, contact Ben Dion, SBDC's Program Coordinator, at 603-862-2200 or ben.dion@unh.edu.

Technical Assistance For Small Businesses-Strafford County
A Consultant Technical Assistance program to support small businesses as they work to recover from impacts of COVID-19. This program provides FREE technical support to small businesses in the following areas; Website Development, Marketing and Advertising, Graphic Design, Audio Visual Support, Generic IT services, and Cybersecurity. Learn more here.

Greater Nashua Revolving Loan Fund - $1,000 to $50,000 for non-capital expansion uses
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations (under ten employees) in the Greater Nashua area and surrounding territories that face economic difficulty caused by COVID-19. Uses include uses such as operational to technological advancement, however no capital expansion purposes are allowed. Non-banked businesses are invited to apply. Learn more here.  Specific questions can be directed to Tim Cummings, Program Coordinator, at CummingsT@nashuanh.gov

NH Capital Access Program (CAP) - Loan Fund up to $200K; A Loan Guarantee
The Business Finance Authority’s CAP program provides a 100% guarantee on term loans and lines of credit up to $200,000 (new businesses contribute 20% equity) to help provide financing to small businesses (start-ups, non-profits, or established businesses) across the state. Businesses must have <$5 million revenue.  Enrollment requests are submitted by the bank or financial institution to the BFA. Approval time is typically 24 hours. Learn more here.

Credit Enhancements & Loan Guarantees - NH Loans for Growing Small Businesses
The Business Finance Authority provides loan guarantees to help provide financing for companies, with a minimum of 20 employees, who can be successful in New Hampshire, especially those planning to grow their operations. The BFA can provide up to a 75% guarantee on lines of credit and up to a 90% guarantee on term loans (so basically a loan guarantee). Enrollment requests are submitted by the bank/financial institution to the BFA. Learn more here.

Business Finance Authority (BFA) Direct Financing  Risk-Tolerant Loans in NH
The Business Finance Authority provides direct loans ($10K to $1M) to fill lending gaps through New Hampshire’s network of Regional Development Corporations (RDC). The RDC network provides risk-tolerant loans to companies in every corner of the state. Eligibility varies by each Regional Development Corporation. Learn more here.

Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) - Loans $5-50K to Complete Projects leading to Job Creation
The Regional Economic Development Center works in partnership with local lenders, or independently, to help small businesses in New Hampshire secure the funding ($5,000 to $50,000) needed to complete projects leading to job creation. We work closely with entrepreneurs to find the right loan program for them, helping them obtain working capital for; Equipment Acquisition, Inventory, Renovating, or Construction to start or grow their small businesses. Learn more here.

Rhode Island

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for SBA-Guaranteed Loans – Citizens Bank Information

Citizens Bank has established a cross-functional group that is working closely with the SBA, their peers and legal experts to prepare for the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for SBA-guaranteed loans.  They are a preferred SBA lender and will be able to offer this program directly to their customers. 

Citizens launched a webpage where you can sign up to receive an early alert when they are ready to receive your application. By signing up for this early alert, you will be among the first to receive notice that Citizens is ready to take your digital application, thus assuring you that your application will be prioritized.

Citizens Bank expects to receive guidance regarding the PPP for SBA-guaranteed loans this week.  Currently they know that certain documents will be required to apply, including:

  • Payroll tax filings reported to the IRS
  • State income, payroll, and unemployment insurance filings
  • Documentation verifying average monthly payroll amounts from prior periods<
  • Documentation verifying payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent and utility payments you expect to incur over the 2 month period after you receive funding

 

Citizens also expect that the SBA will create application documents and outline any additional requirements for the PPP loan.  In the meantime please click here for a helpful guide and checklist created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with more detail.  While this does not provide a detailed analysis of the PPP or include all of its nuances, it is helpful in describing the program generally.  If you have questions please contact:

I. Vanessa Toledo-Vickers
Vice President | Community Development Market Manager, RI and CT
CRA Officer
Citizens Bank
Providence, RI
P: 401-282-3703
VToledo-Vickers@CitizensBank.com
www.CitizensBank.com

Community Relief - Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank is committing $5 million to support communities and businesses dealing with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.  These resources will back both a number of broad-based community support initiatives across Citizens service area as well as specialized programs focused on providing aid  to small businesses and their workforces. Community organizations and small businesses in Rhode Island will receive $465,000 in funding as part of this program, including $340,000 that will go directly to small businesses across the state.
 
Citizens Bank and the Citizens Charitable Foundation will direct $465,000 in Rhode Island as follows:
 
  • $175,000 to LISC Rhode Island which will award grants to small businesses in Rhode Island to provide emergency relief to mitigate economic impacts. Click here for more information.
  • $165,000 in direct grants to Citizens Bank small business customers in Rhode Island and to help them continue operating and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.  The program will provide $15,000 grants to 11 of the bank's small business customers.  Details of the award program can be found by clicking here.
  • $125,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund administered by the United Way of Rhode Island and The Rhode Island Foundation which is supporting local nonprofits with direct service programs. Click here for more information.
 
In addition to providing new funding, Citizens has removed programmatic restrictions on 2020 funding to non-profit partners to allow support to be diverted to the areas of greatest need.
 

COVID-19 Response - Rhode Island Foundation and the United Way

Rhode Island nonprofit organizations at the forefront of the COVID-19 response can apply for grants from the Rhode Island Foundation/United Way COVID-Response Fund. Click here for the Application.  Click here for the application in Spanish.

Verizon Small Business Recover Fund - Verizon and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

A trailblazing investment of $2.5 million from Verizon is making it possible for LISC to begin offering critical relief and resiliency-building support to small businesses facing immediate financial threat because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The funding will go to make grants of up to $10,000, especially to entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically under-served places who do not have access to flexible, affordable capital.  Verizon will highlight and bolster these efforts through their inaugural “Pay It Forward Live” online concert series.  For more information please click here.  Sign up for updates about the Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund, click here.

BizGrow - Lawyers for Civil Rights and Tufts Health Plan

Lawyers for Civil Rights and Tufts Health Plan are collaborating to provide support to struggling small businesses located in communities in Rhode Island that are particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
Eligible small businesses affected by the pandemic can apply for $1,000 to purchase persoanl protective equipment (PPE); technology allowing their employees to work safely remotely, and other health and wellness related support to help their reopening.  To apply please click on this link.  Completing the application does not guarantee funding, but all applications will be considered.  The deadline to apply is Friday, August 7, 2020 by 5 PM.  Only finalist will be contacted.

Crisis Relief Loans - Capital Good Fund

In response to the current times with COVID-19, Good Fund has developed the Crisis Relief Loan to help those financially impacted.  This loan ranges from $300-$1,500, and had a fifteen-month term with a special 90-day deferment payment period and 5% APR; there is also expedited loan application review.  The Crisis Relief loan can be used for (but is not limited to) paying utilities, covering medical bills, paying rent, and purchasing groceries, and will be available to resident of RI, FL, MA, DE and IL.  To view the Eligibility Check please click here. For more information please click here.

Small Business Grants - Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation

Berkshire Bank has earmarked an incremental $500,000 for small business grants to help businesses that do not have the ability to pay.  They are working with Berkshire Bank Foundation and the Foundation for Business Equity, among others, to deploy these dollars across their banking footprint and to sharing more details about these programs in the short term. Berkshire Bank also understand there will be situations where our customers find themselves or their businesses facing financial difficulties that are unique to them.  In those scenarios where hardship is not relieved by low-interest loans or small business grants, Berkshire Bank is asking their customers to reach out to them to further discuss how they may be of assistance. For more information click here.

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT)

If you are temporarily ceasing or limiting operations as a result of COVID-19, please contact the DLT to discuss how they can provide assistance.  DLT stands ready to help with questions about Unemployment Insurance, Paid Sick and Safe Leave or other programs and resources available.  Request for assistance can be made by emailing DLT.COVID19@dlt.ri.gov or calling 401-462-2020.

If you are unable to work, but your place of business remains open, you may be eligible for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Click here for more information.

If you are out of work and are not being compensated, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI)  Click here for more information.

Regional

Low-Interest Financing for Businesses in Pawtucket, RI – Pawtucket Business Development Corporation (PBDC)

The City of Pawtucket offers businesses located within the City low- interest financing through Pawtucket’s Business Development Corporation (PBDC). This unique financing tool offers loans to small businesses operating in the City of Pawtucket that have been negatively affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Retail, commercial, and entertainment businesses that rely on customers making purchases at their establishments are especially affected; this program is designed to provide relief to those types of businesses. Businesses must demonstrate hardship caused by the COVID19 virus outbreak.  

Under this program, the PBDC will provide emergency micro-loans to businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses with twenty-five (25) or fewer employees are eligible to apply for funds, which will be used to pay for normal businesses expenses that have been made more difficult due to declining revenues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses may apply for up to $10,000 in funds under this loan program. Businesses must have a physical location in the City of Pawtucket and have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19. Funding is limited and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Please click here for more information and to apply.

COVID-19 Job Retention Loan Program for East Providence, RI Businesses - East Providence Economic Development Commission

The COVID-19 Job Retention Loan Program is for East Providence businesses with fewer than five employees able to show that jobs would have been lost without assistance.  Loans are up to $5,000.  For more information please click here.

COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Loan Program for East Providence, RI, Businesses - East Providence Economic Development Commission

The COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Loan Program is for East Providence businesses with fewer than ten employees.  Loans are up to $5,000.  For more information please click here.

 

Resources

Low-Cost Health Insurance - HealthSourceRI

If you lost your health coverage through your job and need to sign up for insurance, you can through HealthSourceRI.  To enroll visit healthsourceri.com or call 1-855-840-4774.  To learn more click here or here in Spanish.

Resources - Rhode Island Commerce

RI Commerce provides information about the SBA Disaster Loans, Tech Support during COVID-19, Business Guidelines, Emergency Grants and Funding and Relief for Employees as well as other pertinent information during the COVID-19 crisis.   Click on the links below to find information about the subject noted.

  • Small business assistance from Rhode Island Commerce, 401-521-HELP (401-521-4357)
  • Emergency Grants and Funding
  • Relief for employees
  • Tech support during COVID-19 - 45-minute tech support sessions for small businesses and sole proprietors via zoom or conference call.
  • Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18  Summary - 3/29/2020- Information about the preparedness and response phases during this COVID 19 crisis. Actions of local, state and federal agencies and organizations to provide immediate and short-term assistance for the needs of business, industry, and economic stabilization.
 

COVID-19 Resources - RI Alliance for Business Resilience

The RI Alliance for Business Resilience provides a list of up-to-date resource documents for businesses provided by the CDC, US Chamber of Commerce and other official sources on COVID-19 virus. Click here for a list of documents.

 

 

 

Vermont

Small Business Grants - Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation

Berkshire Bank has earmarked an incremental $500,000 for small business grants to help businesses that do not have the ability to pay.  They are working with Berkshire Bank Foundation and the Foundation for Business Equity, among others, to deploy these dollars across their banking footprint and to sharing more details about these programs in the short term. Berkshire Bank also understand there will be situations where our customers find themselves or their businesses facing financial difficulties that are unique to them.  In those scenarios where hardship is not relieved by low-interest loans or small business grants, Berkshire Bank is asking their customers to reach out to them to further discuss how they may be of assistance. For more information click here.

Regional & Specific Industries

 
Emergency Loans - Vermont Farm Fund (VFF)

The VFF seeks to minimize the hurdles to secure a loan and receive funds to begin the recovery process.  The maximium Emergency Loan amount is currently $10,000.  This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 24 months with a flexible payment schedule.  Click here for more information.

Vermont Rapid Response Artist Relief Fund - The Vermont Arts Council

The Vermont Arts Council has established a Vermont Rapid Response Artist Relief Fund to respond to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on artists across the state.  There is information and resources for artists and organizations as well as a guide for creating virtual art experiences during this time of social distancing. Click here for more information.

Guidance

Restart Vermont Technical Assistance (ReVTA) - Vermont Economic Development

The Vermont Legislature allocated $2.5 million of federal CARES Act funding for small business technical support in Act 137. On September 18, 2020, Governor Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development announced that the RDCs of Vermont would be tasked with deploying $1,400,000 in technical assistance funding for small businesses across the state under the Restart Vermont Technical Assistance Program (ReVTA).

The funding for the ReVTA program is aimed at assisting Vermont businesses and non-profits who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. To be eligible you must be a Vermont entity conducting activities in Vermont. You may be asked to demonstrate that you operate out of a Vermont property, pay employees who conduct work with Vermont, or have sales and customers in Vermont.

The Regional Development Corporations of Vermont have created Recovery Navigator positions in each region of the state. The Navigators will engage one-on-one with businesses impacted by the pandemic to discern a recovery solution and identify an appropriate technical assistance provider from a network of for-profit and non-profit service providers. Once a recovery path has been determined, the regional Navigator will help connect the business with an appropriate TA provider and together they will develop a Scope of Work.

Once the work is completed, the technical assistance provider will be paid by the grant program. All activities within the Scope of Work must be completed by December 4, 2020. Average TA award is expected to be $3,000.

What is Technical Assistance?

ReVTA allows for a collaborative approach between the business and their Navigator in order to determine what technical assistance project will provide enduring value helping a business to overcome negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technical assistance (TA) is the process of providing targeted support to an organization with a development need or problem.  It is commonly referred to as consulting. TA is one of the most effective methods for building the capacity of an organization for example; sharing information and expertise, instructions, skills, training, transmission of knowledge, and technical expertise.

What could constitute TA Per Section 6 (b) (2) of H. 966 of the 2020 Vermont Legislative Session includes assistance and education with:

  • Business operations, financial management, and grant writing;
  • Digital strategies;
  • Architecture and Physical Space Design; 
  • Reconfiguring manufacturing equipment and processes and incorporating safety measures; 
  • Technology and Software Consulting; and 
  • Legal and Other Professional Services.   

What would not constitute TA is:  

  • Construction and/or Renovation Projects 
  • Working Capital Needs and/or payment for Equipment, Materials or Supplies 
  • Advertising such as print, voice, digital, etc.

The TA provided under this program will allow a business to make significant changes to their business to overcome the impacts of COVID-19.  As an example, a proposal might include free online retail platforms for businesses to expand their ability to sell goods during a stay home order, consulting services to a restaurant on how to redesign a kitchen or dining area for safe operations or increase the profitability of take-out service, marketing assistance to reach new customers, or new product development work to broaden a company’s viability during the crisis.

What businesses are eligible to receive technical assistance?

The funding for the ReVTA program is aimed at assisting Vermont businesses and non-profits.  To be eligible you must be a Vermont entity conducting activities in Vermont.  You may be asked to demonstrate that you operate out of a Vermont property, pay employees who conduct work with Vermont, or have sales and customers in Vermont. Any Vermont-domiciled business impacted by COVID-19, with a recovery path that can be advanced through professional technical assistance, is eligible. Non-profit employers may apply under this program with requirements similar to for-profit applicants.

How does a business participate in the program?
Any for-profit or non-profit business seeking a technical assistance solution to COVID-19 impacts may find more detail on this website. Completed registrations are shared to regional Navigators who will follow up with the business.

How do technical assistance providers participate in the program?
Technical assistance providers must register as vendors. Any for-profit or non-profit technical assistance provider seeking to participate may find more detail and register on this website. A complete vendor registry will be maintained and made available through this web site.

For more information and how to participate please click here.

COVID-19 Guidance for Vermont Businesses - State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Click here for the latest guidance available for Vermont businesses.

COVID-19: Information for Employees and Employers - State of Vermont Department of Labor

Click here for resources for Employers and other information.
Click here for resources for Employees and other information..

 

Insurance

COVID-19 and Business Income Insurance - State of Vermont Department of Financial Regulation

The Department of Financial Regulation had developed a guidance document to address numerous questions from the business community as it relates to the Coronavirus and Business Income Insurance.  Please click here for more information.

Planning Guides

Disaster Recovery Guide for Business - Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC)

The VtSBDC Disaster Recovery Guide for Business contains all the steps small business owners need to take, and all the information one would need to gather post-disaster.  Click here for the Disaster Recovery Guide

Legal

 
 
 

COVID Resources for Veterans

Veterans - New England
If you are a veteran or military business owner in New England, please let the New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NEVCC) know if you need assistance. Check the NEVCC website for a list of resources and information.

Vharmony™️

Vharmony™️ matchmaking services are free to every veteran registering with VBP.  Each veterans/spouse is provided an experienced Success Champion (entrepreneur coach) at the appropriate time, who will mentor them through the entire process, including seeking out suitable funding options. The program connects veterans/spouses seeking to acquire established businesses with business owners wanting to divest.  Our “vharmony™️” service includes a caseworker to facilitate the often-challenging road to purchase, as well as a seasoned business mentor after the completed transaction. Find complete details here: https://veteranbusinessproject.org/veteran-interest-form/

PATRIOTlink

Code Of Support Foundation

Code Of Support Foundation (COSF) helps those in need navigate and access critical services by providing one-on-one support. Through our digital PATRIOTlink platform and our direct Case Coordination services, COSF connects veterans and caregivers to the people and resources they need to live full, healthy lives. For more information, visit: www.patriotlink.org/

Warrior Rising

We focus on the individual vetrepreneur. We start by helping veterans identify their needs at a given stage in their business development. Next, we assess the obstacles they are facing and give recommendations on a sound course of action to pursue to overcome them.

Whether it is instruction, mentoring, access to funding opportunities, or reconnecting to the sense of community that existed in the military, we ensure that our veterans are not walking the path to success alone or in the dark. Let us help you in starting a Veteran-owned Business. Learn more here

The StreetShares Foundation and Loans

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the StreetShares Foundation’s mission is “to inspire, educate and support the military entrepreneurial community.” One crucial way they advocate for military-owned businesses is through their grant program, which awards up to $15,000 to veteran entrepreneurs; this year, they sponsored a Female Founders Veteran Small Business Award Grant Program. Learn more here to find out when the next round of grants opens.

Other Notable Resources

Contact CWE's regional business centers for assistance.

Rapid Response Program

Rapid Response Program assists NH employers with layoff advice, recruitment services, information on employment and labor laws, hiring incentives, disability resources and other services and benefits, as well as assisting NH employees dislocated due to layoff or closing of business.

For NH Employers: NH Works offers assistance to employers to avoid layoffs, and also offers assistance to dislocated workers. It also offers recruitment services, information on employment and labor laws, hiring incentives, disability resources and other services and benefits. These services are provided at no cost to you.  www.nhworks.org/rapid-response/

For NH Employees: A team of local NH Works Center staff meet with the individuals to discuss the programs and opportunities available to dislocated workers, including unemployment insurance, job retraining, health and human service programs and vocational rehabilitation assistance and counseling. Rapid Response helps workers design a plan for re-employment, including retraining, and helps address the many questions a dislocated worker has regarding state and federal programs.  View the quick Re-Employment Services brochure here.

Grants Available from IFund Women

IFundWomen has a wide variety of grants available to their members, from their monthly "pay-it-forward" grant to those from generous partners like Barbara Corcoran, & Systane, Visa, Adidas, Unilever, and more.  Visit IFundWomen for a list of grants.

Sign up for your local SBA Newsletter to receive updates as they become available.

Stay Abreast of SBA & Treasury Updates: SBA.gov/PPP or Treasury.gov/CARES