April 27, 2021
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening
Face Coverings Order to be Relaxed for Some Outdoor Settings
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th. For more detail on these changes please visit the updated website here.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. The program is open to restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and bars, as well as certain bakeries, breweries, wineries, and inns (for these business types, onsite sales to the public must comprise at least 33% of gross receipts). While priority for the grants will be given to small businesses that are owned by women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, all eligible members are strongly urged to apply. The SBA will be opening a dedicated application portal (restaurants.sba.gov) this Friday, April 30th at 9:00 a.m. (EST) to allow businesses to pre-register their account and compile required documents. The portal will then begin accepting applications the following Monday, May 3rd starting at noon. Members are reminded that applications for this program are being considered on a first come first serve basis. It is therefore recommended that all interested members take advantage of the pre-registration process prior to Monday to best position your application once the application process is opened.
Members are urged to sign up to receive email alerts from SBA as additional information becomes available. For more program details, including who is eligible, how to apply, allowable use of funds, and a sample application form, click here.
Cape Cod Employee Shortage -- Media Request
NPR correspondent Tovia Smith is working on a story about the shortage of summer/temporary help. She is interested in speaking with Cape area businesses who are straining to hire and may be considering cutting hours/days open because they can’t staff it all.
Interested members may contact her directly at [email protected] or 617-460-7000.
Reminder: We're bringing Boston to you -- virtually!
Join RAM and Fellow Small Business Owners for
Small Business Day on
May 4 - 5, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM daily.
In addition to the normal challenges that come with being a small business owner, you have navigated shutdowns followed by incremental reopening with new COVID-19 customer and worker safety protocols. You are enduring! Lawmakers need to hear that message!
Will you be a part of bringing the Commonwealth to Beacon Hill? From the comfort of your own personal workspace, join us for Small Business Day 2021, virtually! There is no cost to attend this event. Guests are welcome.
|
