Resources for Local Businesses
Topsfield is committed to helping businesses through this challenge. This page will be updated as information becomes available.
Reopening - Employee Training Resources
Town Administrator Kevin Harutunian and Health Agent Wendy Hansbury invited local business owners to a Video Conference Call on June 10 at 2:15 PM to learn more about the Phase II Reopenings.Please contact the Topsfield Board of Health 978-887-1520; health@topsfield-ma.gov if you have questions or concerns.
On May 18th, Governor Baker announced the reopening plan for non-essential businesses. It will be part of a four phased approach implemented from many considerations including health based metrics. Some businesses will be able to open immediately, some on May 25th, and others at a future date. All businesses must meet these requirements before reopening. Essential businesses already operating have until May 25th to comply with these mandatory safety standards.
Please follow the link to the state website to find information about what businesses are able to open in phase one, templates for businesses to use for self-certification, and required posters for the business’s physical spaces.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
Please email a copy of the self-certification for the business to the local Board of Health to facilitate compliance with these guidelines at www.health@topsfield-ma.gov or mail to Board of Health, 8 W Common St., Topsfield, MA 01983.
4/27/2020 Paycheck Protection Program
This legislation is a $484B package which will replenish the dollars in the SBA’s PPP and EIDL programs, as well as provide additional funding for hospitals and coronavirus testing.
The Paycheck Protection Program will receive an additional $310B to offer relief to small businesses. Of this total, $60B will be set aside to fund PPP loans made by small and community financial institutions to reach underbanked communities. We will share additional information on which financial institutions are eligible for this set aside funding as it becomes available.
Next steps for businesses:
The SBA will accept PPP applications from lenders beginning Monday, April 27th at 10:30 am. It is critically important that we all encourage the small businesses in our communities to work with their lender to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program as soon as possible. Businesses can access the SBA’s Find A Lender tool or consult the SBA Massachusetts District Office’s list of participating Paycheck Protection Program lenders.
The SBA will offer virtual sessions to support small businesses all week. Sign up for SBA email updates to receive notice of these programs. Businesses should also consult SBA Resource Partners, who offer remote counseling and coaching.
Refer any small businesses in need of application translation services to Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)’s online resources. This website provides a list of technical assistance providers who can help businesses apply for PPP in languages other than English..
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Loan Advance offerings have also received additional funding through this legislation, totaling $60B ($50B for the EIDL program and $10B for the Loan Advance). We will provide additional information as it becomes available.
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES DURING COVID-19
This week, Governor Baker signed a bill establishing a moratorium on non-essential evictions and residential foreclosures. This law provides temporary protections for both residential tenants and small businesses that are unable to pay rent, in an effort to stabilize homes and commercial spaces during the COVID-19 crisis. The law also prohibits proceedings on residential foreclosures during the COVID-19 crisis.
While this bill does not relieve a residential or commercial tenant of their responsibility to pay their rent or mortgage, it does offer protection for those who are unable to make these payments as result of the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
Under this legislation, a landlord cannot file a complaint in court to evict an eligible small business for a non-essential purpose (i.e. a purpose that does not pose a health or safety risk). Eligible small businesses are businesses which operate only in Massachusetts, have 150 or fewer employees, and are not publicly traded. This moratorium will last for either four months following the bill’s signing on April 20, 2020, or until 45 days after the emergency declaration expires (whichever is sooner, and unless extended by the Governor).
The new law does not eliminate or reduce an obligation to pay rent. Businesses that are able to pay rent should continue to do so, and should work collaboratively with their landlords when they are unable to pay rent due.
Under this legislation, landlords may not apply late fees or negatively report to credit bureaus if the tenant sends a timely notice that the non-payment of rent was the result of a financial hardship caused by COVID-19. Evictions may still proceed when a tenant’s lease violation creates a health or safety risk for others.
Eligible small businesses can use the Form of Notice – COVID-19 Hardship – Small Business Tenant and the Documentation of Financial Hardship – Small Business Tenant forms to provide the required notice to their landlord of their inability to pay rent. Access these forms and Emergency Regulations here.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Live
As Secretary Acosta noted yesterday, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) announced the launch of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program on 4/20. 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. Workers who have previously exhausted their UI benefits may access Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) by applying for PUA.
Read about PUA here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assistance
Apply for PUA benefits here: https://ui-cares-act.mass.gov/PUA/_/?_ga=2.207742354.100715919.158738983...
4/21/2020
Unemployment and Worker Assistance - IMPORTANT UPDATE
Beginning 4/20/2020, many individuals who are currently out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic will now be able to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which will provide up to 39 weeks of
Covered workers include:
Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
Those seeking part-time employment
Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits
Claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law
All accepted applications will initially receive the minimum weekly benefit amount, plus an additional $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) weekly benefit. Once a worker's wages are verified, weekly benefit amounts may increase.
Currently, the system will be able to process benefits retroactive to the week ending March 14, 2020. Eligible workers will be able to request additional retroactive payment back to January 27, 2020 once approved.
To apply online, visit https://mass.gov/pua.
Small Business
The U.S. Small Business Administration is soliciting comments on a proposed interim final rule to allow for principal loan forgiveness to Paycheck Protection Program participants. The interim rule goes into effect April 15 to maximize economic benefits to small businesses, and public comment is open through May 15.
The Associated Industries of Massachusetts have compiled a central COVID-19 resource page for Massachusetts business owners. To learn more, visit here.
For regional resources and information, visit the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission's dedicated COVID-19 employer resource page.
4/19/2020 State Provides Guidance for Essential Workers
SBA Press Release 4/16/2020: Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Federal Stimulus Bill, "CARES Act" was signed into law by the President late on March 27, 2020.
Order Suspending Permitting Deadlines and Extending the Validity of State Permits
Fact sheets on the legislation's expanded benefits relative to unemployment compensation.
Supports for small businesses.
Federal guidance:
U.S. Small Business Administration disaster relief page:
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
The IRS has declared that Tax Day is now July 15, 2020; Treasury, IRS extend filing deadline and federal tax payments regardless of amount: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidance:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-bu...
Questions/concerns, please contact Town Administrator Kevin Harutunian Tel: 978-887-1500; email: kharutunian@topsfield-ma.gov