Virtually all of these resources are available to anyone, but if you are a local small business, it is still a great idea to join CLF! From: Cambridge Local First <theodora@cambridgelocalfirst.org> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 9:24 PM Subject: Updates and resources for Cambridge Local First members Dear Cambridge Local First members, Good evening! There are a few updates and resources that I wanted to share with you. PPP Funding: The second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding is now live. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has created a web page with resources for smaller businesses, including nonprofits, to aide you in applying to this program. A note: Small businesses that use Square Up can use that application/website to apply for PPP loans. One of our members just did it and said it was very easy — they even tell you the amount you qualify for and verify that they’ve sent the application to the SBA. All you need is your 2019 taxes (filed or not, but they need to be filled out, and some form of photo ID; they asked our member for her driver's license). Apply here. New grant: The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority has launched a Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program modeled after the City of Cambridge's Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant targeting establishments in East Cambridge and Kendall Square, outside of the City's Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) areas. The CRA Program will provide eligible retail, food, personal services, and creative for-profit businesses with a grant up to $6,000 per brick and mortar business. The CRA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides short-term working capital assistance to enable the viability of the business and the retention of jobs during the severe interruption of business related to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing. Grant applications are available starting today and will remain available until May 29, 2020, or until the available funding is utilized. For more information regarding the program eligibility criteria, visit the CRA website. Selling groceries: City of Cambridge will allow licensed restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers The City of Cambridge has issued a temporary emergency order allowing restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. The order creates a new opportunity for Cambridge residents to purchase items such as meats, vegetables, dairy, canned goods and other limited grocery items through pick-up or delivery service from local restaurants throughout the city. See more here. Mask requirements: City of Cambridge issues an emergency order requiring the use of face coverings The City of Cambridge today issued an emergency order requiring that face coverings be worn in all public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, and applies to everyone over the age of five years old, with exceptions in alignment with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control or Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Violations may be punishable by a $300 fine. More information is here. Since masks are now an essential accessory, Esmeralda - Jewelry, Accessories & Gifts has partnered with a small woman-owned apparel manufacturer in Los Angeles, to offer reusable masks for businesses and consumers. Their masks are great for everyday use, and are made in the US with eco-friendly materials. They follow the CDC guidelines and are designed to provide sufficient coverage of the face while maintaining a comfortable fit. They come in sizes toddlers (2+), kids and adult sizes. Go here to buy your mask! Bills owed to the City: The finance department has posted everything here. Join the Restaurant and Shelter Program: The City is contracting with local restaurants to provide bag or boxed meals for lunch and dinner. These meals will then be delivered to shelters and programs that have indicated a strong need for meals. Any restaurant in the city can participate, and email purchasing@cambridgema.gov to get involved. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) counseling and training: The CARES Act dedicated $10 million in funding towards the creation of Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) grants for counseling and training services that are specifically geared toward minority-owned small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The MBDA promotes the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs. For more information about MBDA business centers, click here. To find your local MBDA business center, click here. Small Business Counseling and Training: The CARES Act allocated $265 million in funding for SBA resource partners like Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Women's Business Centers (WBC) to provide free counseling and training to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. SBDCs are a national network of nearly 1,000 centers that provide counseling and training to new and existing businesses. Find out more about SBDCs by clicking here. WBCs are a national network of more than 100 centers that offer counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance and mentoring to entrepreneurs on multiple business development topics. In addition to women, WBCs serve the needs of underserved entrepreneurs, including low-income entrepreneurs. To find out more about WBCs, click here. SBA Express Bridge Loans: If your small business already has a business relationship with an SBA express lender, you can apply for an SBA Express Bridge Loan to access up to $25,000 quickly. For more information from the SBA, click here. MainVest resources: MainVest lists great resources here on revenue-generating strategies. Join our upcoming events: Tomorrow (Wednesday), 6-8 PM: CLF member Rogera Toussaint has organized a discussion on the future of small businesss. Join us! Thursday, 4:30-5:30 PM: Our weekly community conversation. Dial-in information is here. May 5, 1-2 PM: Advocacy Town Hall with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance May 20, 1-1:30 PM: Raising Capital with Crowdfunding for Small Businesses and Startups Thank you! Yours, Theodora Skeadas Executive Director Cambridge Local First