Resources for Small businesses during the Pandemic
Locally, Visit the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation at https://qvcdc.org/
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce to Give $5,000 Grants to Small Businesses Info here
- Mass Cultural Council established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support individual artists and independent teaching artists/humanists/scientists living in Massachusetts whose creative practices and incomes are adversely impacted by COVID-19. Info here
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Citizens Bank are pleased to announce the LISC Small Business Recovery Grant Program which will provide grants to hard-hit small businesses in Massachusetts to weather the immediate financial impact of closures and social distancing measures required to slow the spread of the coronavirus. LISC will offer grants of up to $10,000 to address immediate financial peril, limit layoffs, avoid gaps in employee benefits or insurance, mitigate economic instability and increase the likelihood of business survival. Info here
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency. Info here
$1,000 to help your small business reopenLawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) and Tufts Health Plan are collaborating to support small businesses affected by the public health crisis. Eligible small businesses affected by the coronavirus can apply for $1000 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE); technology allowing their employees to work safely remotely; and other health and wellness-related support to help their reopening. Click here
Business Resources
- WorkShare is a program that offers a smart alternative to layoffs. Employees work reduced hours while collecting unemployment benefits to supplement their lower wages
- Western Mass Economic Council – List of resources
- Massachusetts Resources and Guidance for Small Businesses
- Employers Association of the Northeast
- COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources-A list specifically designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community. This includes, but is not limited to, actors, designers, producers, technicians, stage managers, musicians, composers, choreographers, visual artists, filmmakers, craft artists, teaching artists, dancers, writers & playwrights, photographers, etc.
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Main Street Improvements
The Ware Business and Civic Association has formed a construction mitigation committee that is meeting every other week with Town of Ware representatives. Comments, concerns and potential issues regarding upcoming construction will be logged and addressed with the town and construction company.
Construction Time Line
