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October 3, 2023
Winter is Coming… Learn How to Save on Your Energy Bills
October 24th, 2023 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Steps to increase energy efficiency and reduce expenses!
RAM and NFIB/MA are co-hosting a free virtual event on how small business owners can take steps to increase energy efficiency and reduce their expenses. Learn from energy experts about the programs and benefits available to small employers to help lower energy bills.
This event is FREE! However, advanced registration is required.
Topic: Energy Costs
When: Tuesday, October 24th | 8:30 - 9:00 am EDT
Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
The Food Show 2023 has got 95 diverse food businesses lined up to share their passion for food, culture, and community at the CommonWealth Kitchen Food Show.
SBA Declaration of a Disaster - August 8 Rainstorms
The Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the Commonwealth on September 20, 2023. This Declaration concerns the rainstorms that occurred on August 8th, 2023. Click on these links to see the Declaration and a Fact Sheet related to disaster loans individuals and business owners are eligible to apply for. Individuals residing in and businesses operating in Essex County, Middlesex County, and Suffolk County are eligible for the following disaster loans:
- Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
- Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
The Application Filing Deadline for the Business Physical Damage Loans and Home Disaster Loans is November 20, 2023. The Application Filing Deadline for the Economic Injury Loans is June 20, 2024.
Applicants for these loans may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
In addition, applicants may still apply in person at Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Lawrence at the Lawrence Senior Center located at 155 Haverhill Street. This DLOC will be open Tuesday – Friday, October 3-6, 9:00am-6:00pm as well as Saturday, October 7, 10:00am-2:00pm.
State Increases Paid Family and Medical Leave Contribution Rate for 2024
Most Massachusetts employers must make payroll withholdings on behalf of their workforce to comply with the state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law. The rate of contribution for the program is determined annually for January 1 through December 31 by the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML). DFML recently announced that effective January 1, 2024, the contribution rate on eligible employee wages will be increased to .88%. RAM members are reminded that the law requires that employers annually notify their current employees of the new contribution rate 30 days in advance of the rate change. The notice may be provided electronically and does not require an updated signature. For more information please visit the DFML website.
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