The following announcement was sent out by the Watertown Business Coalition:
Dear Watertown Business Community –
Certainly, these are unprecedented times.
At the same time that we are worried about the health of our loved ones, the Coronavirus outbreak has also put the well-being of our businesses at risk. We are trying to pivot to adjust to this strange and constantly changing environment, while trying to find a way to keep paying our employees.
The Watertown Business Coalition wants to help in any way we can. Hardest hit is our core group of followers: restaurants, retail, and “mom and pop” stores. We urge you to all be proactive. Get a jump on preparing for the worst; call you bank contacts, financial planners, and accountants.
Now is the time for the Watertown business community to ask for help and work together. We urge you all to continue to think local. We at the WBC are here to help. What services or resources do you need? What strategies are you using that may be helpful for others? Please reach out to us. You can contact the WBC through our Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/316957169218473/)
The WBC has reached out to Town Councilor Vinnie Piccirilli, who encourages people to contact him with questions you may have about how the Town of Watertown can help. He can be reached at vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov
Be well,
Bob Airasian, 617-515-1560, bob.airasian@nemoves.com
Doug Orifice, 781-335-9100, doug@arsenalfinancial.com
Watertown Business Coalition Leadership Members
ResourcesState and Federal officials have made available some assistance and programs for small businesses impacted by the Corovavirus, including:
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans to assist businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center, 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Visit SBA.gov/disaster for more information.
- The State’s Small Business Recovery Loan Fund – https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund
- The Mass. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program for Small Businesses: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses
- The MEMA Emergency Operations Center’s Private Sector Hotline (available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 508-820-2094.
- Information from the State about unemployment resources: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-
- The WorkShare program, to help employers avoid layoffs during a downturn: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/workshareinformation-for-employers
- The Rapid Response program, which works closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-layoff-aversion