December 23, 2020

Governor Announces More than $650 Million
in Small Business Grants

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration launched a $668 million program to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The funds provide a second round of grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation COVID-19 Small Business Program and are intended to provide access to relief to small businesses which applied for, but were not awarded a grant in the program’s first round, as well as to stand up an additional grant program for new applicants which targets restaurants, bars, caterers, indoor recreation and entertainment establishments, gyms and fitness centers, event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.), personal services and retail.
 
Eligible businesses that already applied to the program, will be prioritized for funding first and do not need to reapply.  The online application portal for the new program will open on Thursday, December 31, and will close on Friday, January 15.  Awards are expected to be announced in early February.  The new business relief program would offer grants up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for employee wage and benefits costs, space-related costs, and debt service obligations.
 
More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.  To read the Governor’s full press release please click here.

Updated Model Employee Handbook & 2021 Retail Holiday Calendar

 
In an effort to facilitate compliance with recent and upcoming changes in employment law, RAM has released an updated Model Employee Handbook and 2021 Retail Holiday Calendar.
 
RAM has partnered with employment law expert, Attorney Jaclyn Kugell of Morgan Brown & Joy, to update our Model Employee Handbook to reflect recent changes to federal and Massachusetts law—including the addition of a new section covering the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law.

RAM strongly urges members to read and review this model thoroughly and edit it to create an Employee Handbook that is specifically tailored to the needs of your business.
 
The Model Employee Handbook is a members only benefit and requires that you sign-in to the RAM website to gain access.  Upon review, members with questions or those seeking additional assistance in customizing the policy are advised to contact Attorney Jaclyn Kugell of Morgan Brown & Joy by phone at 617-523-6666 or via email at [email protected] or Attorney Andrea Zoia via email at [email protected].

Effective January 1, 2021: MA Wage and Hour & Paid Family and Medical Leave Law Changes

 
Members are reminded that a number of changes to the Massachusetts Wage and Hour Law and Paid Family and Medical Leave Law are scheduled to become effective January 1, 2021.  To learn more about these changes please click here.