Massachusetts Administration’s response to COVID-19

Massachusetts Administration’s response to COVID-19, SBA programs for small businesses, technical assistance offered through Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) and SBA Resource Partners, and implementation of unemployment benefits authorized by the CARES Act.  Below, please find a list of resources,  please feel free to share this content broadly with businesses and individuals in your community.

 

LAPSE OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR SBA CORONA VIRUS RELIEF PROGRAMS  

The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and the EIDL Loan Advance are not accepting new applications, as they have run through the funding authorized by the CARES Act. While the PPP is not actively accepting applications, businesses should consider working with their SBA lender and preparing a loan application in the event that additional funding is made available.

 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES

1. The Small Business Administration’s Boston District Office connects small business owners to information and technical assistance through SBA Resource Partners. These partners can provide remote counseling, workshops, and other support to businesses navigating the impacts of COVID-19 and include:

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): A network of centers that provide counseling and training to help small business owners start, grow and expand their business. Find an SBDC here.

• SCORE: Volunteer business counselors, advisors, and mentors who offer individual free to low cost counseling throughout the U.S. and its territories. Find a SCORE mentor here.

• Women’s Business Centers: WBCs provide free to low cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow and expand their small business. Find a WBC here.

• Veterans Business Outreach Centers: Designed to provide entrepreneurial development services and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. Find a VBOC here.

    2. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) also has dedicated tools to support companies managing the impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses.

• The COVID-19 Small Business Stabilization Network consists of MGCC Small Business Technical Assistance grantees, nonprofit organizations offering small business supports, including lending, financial education, and business coaching. Read about the COVID-19 Small Business Stabilization Network here. You can also consult a list of technical assistance providers participating in the Network.
• Translation Services for Paycheck Protection Program applications are available through MGCC’s partners across the state. This service will be available in 19 languages.  Access Translation Services here. Again, businesses should consider preparing an application in the event that additional funding becomes available.

 

RESOURCES FROM THE DEPT. OF UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

As Secretary Acosta shared on Friday, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has released helpful new resources and guidance to support individuals seeking to claim unemployment benefits.

• Individuals can access information that will walk them through the process and minimize any mistakes that would delay payment at https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19.
• The best way to apply for unemployment benefits is through the online portal at https://uionline.detma.org/Claimant/Core/Login.ASPX. Claimants can now call (877) 626-6800 for additional support.

• There is now a Spanish translation application available, compatible with both desktop and mobile interfaces. Applications will be available in other languages in the near future.

• The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is now accepting applications; this program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19 related reason, but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. This includes the self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others. Individuals can review eligibility scenarios here and apply for PUA here.
• Please visit the Department of Unemployment Assistance’s website to learn more about Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. You can also consult the FAQ for additional information.