General Information
Visit the Mass.gov resources page for information on COVID-19.
Small Business Strong is a partnership between several organizations across the Commonwealth created to provide high-quality services to Massachusetts small businesses to help them bridge through the current economic crisis, with a particular focus on those that are minority- and women-owned, at no cost to small business owners. It provides access to a group of professional volunteers, able to provide guidance and advice on how to best addresses challenges they may be facing, and further consultation in the areas of Finance and Accounting, Operations, Marketing and Digital, Human Resources and Law. Visit the Small Business Strong website at www.smallbstrong.com. Merrimack Valley Strong, an outgrowth of Small Business Strong, is scheduled to launch in August 2021.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance are coordinating with the U.S. Department of Labor to assist workers and employers that are impacted by COVID-19. The latest information, including frequently asked questions, can be found on the Mass.gov resources
Looking for a local resource? The MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Centers are a click away.
Update on Grants and Loans
The US Small Business Association Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
The US Small Business Association is accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) applications from qualified small businesses and US agricultural businesses.
Important Updates for Haverhill Restaurants
Haverhill was awarded additional Community Development Block Grant funding to provide support to local restaurants. The Haverhill Restaurant Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program seeks to defray the costs of meeting COVID-19 protocols. Please use the links below to review the program guidelines and apply for the grant. While the funds are not yet available, the program is accepting new applications.
Haverhill Restaurant Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program Guidelines
Haverhill Restaurant Small Business Grant Program Application
To review updated protocols, please refer to the Restaurant Safety Standards and Checklists found on Mass.gov
On a federal level, the SBA is providing updates about COVID-19 relief programs AND helpful webinars to hone your business skills while you are practicing social distancing. To stay in the loop, subscribe to the SBA e-Newsletter.
The CARES Act makes substantial funding available to support small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. The funding is available through the Small Business Administration. The two primary funding sources are the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To learn more and get answers to frequently asked questions, visit SBA’s Coronavirus Relief Options page.
- Important Information from the EOHED (English)
- Important Information from the EOHED (Spanish)
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
FFRCA Employee Guide (English)
FFRCA Employee Guide (Spanish)
Adapting Manufacturing during COVID-19: A Massachusetts Emergency Response team was established to help manufacturers pivot to produce materials needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Haverhill Community Support: Mayor Fiorentini, State Representative Vargas, and the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce have launched the Haverhill Community Support Form to connect those requesting support with those who can lend a hand.
Small Business Assistance: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has compiled a series of tools and programs to assist with the changing business landscape. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is here, as well as other SBA products and resources.
Supply Chain: Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MassMep, is part of a national network formed to offer supply chain solutions to manufacturers disrupted by efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.