MA Small Business Development Center Network: Prepare For Recovery

While focused on the small business owner, the advice can apply more broadly


PREPARE FOR RECOVERY
By Cliff Robbins, MSBDC Senior Business Advisor

"NOW what do I do?" This is the question on every small business persons' mind. Well, this is the time to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus world: Especially because you have probably been forced to shutter or otherwise change your business approach.

1) CFIMITYM - Cash Flow Is More Important Than Your Mother.
Conserve your cash. Act like you're in a turnaround crisis because you probably are [too]. If you haven't done so already, project your cash needs out for the next twelve months. (We can help with that.) Go to MSBDC.org/SEMass and contact an advisor.

2) COMMUNICATE
Talk to your customers; communicate with your bank; invest in your social media; let them know that you're still around; keep them engaged. Try selling gift certificates. This is a great time to try that for future business. Send them emails to let them know you're still here and OKAY!

3) CREATE
Most small business people don't continually create content because they say they just don't have the time. Well, now your schedule is a little more open today, so create some content. Create educational content about your products and services; create instructional videos; create stories that you can share in the near future to tell the world how great your business has been and still is!

4) ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL SERVICES
If you work at people's homes, particularly for services like landscaping, or other home improvement services that are low-touch, get the word out that you're available. If people aren't ready today, the nicer weather will catch up with them quickly once this all starts to sort itself out.

5) PREPARE AND INVEST - Now's the time to get a leg up on the competition:

• Get that new website started, it's going to take a little time to get going, and this downtime will help you modernize.
• Optimize your business for local search, it takes a few weeks for optimizations to happen, so get the leg up once people are ready to leave the house again.
• Sort out the back-end of your business: Your CRM, your customer databases, your online store. Make sure these are all up and running so that you are prepared for the future.

"This too shall pass."

Look at this period as an opportunity to get ahead, and stay focused on growth.

The region sure needs it!

Shared from the Southeast Regional Office MSBDC
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101853174121&ca=27eb69bc-325e-4f7e-beee-d0a98b2711f6

MA Small Business Development Center Network: Prepare For Recovery

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 will have access to capital assistance

"Today (3/16/20), the Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19.

The $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized the fund and will administer it.

“As our administration continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of residents, we recognize the hardships facing the small businesses that create the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This recovery loan fund is a new resource to help small businesses address emergency needs due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Continue reading the article
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-10-million-small-business-recovery-loan-fund


How to Apply:

• Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org. 
• Completed applications can be sent via email to mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”.
• MGCC can be reached by email: mgcc@massgcc.com

Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses

Announcement video link => https://youtu.be/FfzIhhGQKrI

B I N G O, and Bingo was his name oh! #ShopFranklinBINGO

Catching up to sharing this #ShopFranklinBINGO card

Thanks to Melanie Hamblen for creating this excuse to visit some Franklin retail locations!

"Happy March! Happy #ShopFranklinBingo month. Bring this card with you as you #ShopFranklin for the month of March. Have the shop keeper sign and date the square that corresponds to your purchase. Be creative and most of all have fun! 

Turn in one Bingo, or fill up the card. Your BINGO's are entries into raffles. More than one entry is allowed. 

Turn the cards in by April 7 for some awesome prizes. Purchases must be from locally owned, independent businesses."

Download your #ShopFranklinBINGO card here or via the embedded file below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NdEVKi7WCbh8qwRh_2O3ODnTFSxgcUEJ/view?usp=sharing

B I N G O, and bingo was his name oh!

This was shared from the #ShopFranklin Facebook post
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/2628373703939800/

Basic Entrepreneurial Workshops - Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - FREE

SEED Corporation

and

Bristol County Savings Bank

in Cooperation with

U.S. Small Business Administration

United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center

& SCORE

present FREE

Basic Entrepreneurial Workshops

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Registration: 9:00 AM

Session I: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Session II: 1:30 – 4:30 PM

Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Franklin Municipal Building

355 E Central Street, Franklin, MA

Please RSVP by Friday March 20

SESSION I: Learn the Fundamentals of Planning, Preparing for, and Financing Your Business

SESSION II: Learn to Understand Financial Statements and How They Help to Determine the Health of Your Business

________________________________________________________________

To register, contact SEED Corporation at 508-822-1020 x 318 or email jmello@seedecorp.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ILMhkrsDNNPLaCGnwTo-4Ew5GnDRXCx9/view?usp=sharing

Basic Entrepreneurial Workshops - Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - FREE

MSBDC Workshop on February 26 HAS BEEN POSTPONED

DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT, THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE POSTPONED.

WATCH YOUR INBOX FOR AN UPDATE NEXT WEEK WITH A NEW DATE.

Workshop: Are Your Small business Policies and Practices in Compliance?

The workshop had been shared here last week
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/workshop-are-your-small-business.html

Workshop: Are Your Small business Policies and Practices in Compliance?

Greetings!

Are you an entrepreneur just starting with a dream of becoming a small business owner or already a seasoned owner? Join us to learn about the recent changes to existing small business regulations as well as a few new ones. Please help us get the word out to all small business owners by forwarding this email and/or posting a flyer.

Thank you for your help and hope to see you on February 26th,
Anne

Anne Fenton
Client Services Coordinator
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
508.673.9783


Download a copy of the flyer (PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dObl7gEgu78h1d1QwIK260ix_qCtTxri/view?usp=sharing


For an updated listing of the MSBDC seminars and workshops, please visit the MSBDC Southeast Regional Office Event Calendar periodically at www.msbdc.org/semass. For a statewide listing of MSBDC events, please visit www.msbdc.org/training. All seminars are held in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all seminars.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development under Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-18-B-0001 through the University of Massachusetts Amherst. SBDCs are a program supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. The SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities or who need translation services if possible and if requested at least two weeks in advance. The MSBDC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a workshop or clinic due to insufficient enrollment. For further information, contact the Southeast MA SBDC office at 508.673.9783.

Workshop: Are Your Small business Policies and Practices in Compliance?

Franklin Business Roundtable Agenda - Nov 14, 2019

Franklin Business Roundtable

Thursday, November 14, 2019 | 7:45 – 9:30 AM 

Dean College Campus Center = Campanella Board Room

The purpose of the Business Roundtable session is to understand and prioritize needs of local businesses within Franklin as part of the Market Analysis Plan. The roundtable session will be an hour and forty-five minutes long and be held in the Campanella Board Room of Dean College.

INTRODUCTIONS

• Do you own or manage a business in Franklin?

• If yes, why did you choose to do business in Franklin?

• In what part of Franklin is your business?

• Downtown Franklin Commercial District
• The Crossing
• The Mixed Business Innovation District
• Route 140, west of Union Street
• Route 140, east of Ruggles Street
• Other

OVERVIEW OF THE FRANKLIN MARKET ANALYSIS

• Role of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in the Market Analysis
• Franklin Study Project Deliverables
• Town Demographics and Socioeconomic Data

KEY QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. What do you like about Franklin’s downtown? How does the downtown positively affect your business?
2. How could the Town improve its services/processes? Are there opportunities for the Town to change certain processes or regulations to attract desired economic development?
3. Where should the town prioritize its economic development investments and what kind of economic development do you want to see in Franklin?
4. Can and should the Town do more targeted marketing to specific businesses or developers?
5. Do you find that businesses in Franklin do well in comparison to neighboring communities? Why or why not?
6. What is your vision for Franklin’s downtown, The Crossing area and the Mixed Business Innovation District? How could they be improved?

Be sure to take the Economic Development Survey! You can find it on the Town’s Economic Development Site: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-economic-development-survey

Franklin Business Roundtable 11/14/19 from Franklin Matters

Economic Development Survey

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-economic-development-survey

Quickbooks Hands-On Workshop - Dec 11

Quickbooks Hands-On Workshop

Coworking Station of Walpole
55 West Street, Suite 201, Walpole, MA
Workshop by Score Boston

DECEMBER 11, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

http://www.coworkingstation.com/locations/walpole/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUG9CangzWWVmckdXZ1RBeS00VGtPeGtBcEEw/view?usp=sharing

Quickbooks Hands-On Workshop - Dec 11

Lyon Landscape and Nursery: pick and cut your Christmas tree

"I would like to say thank you to all the folks who came to the first annual Xmas tree sale at our farm. The sale exceeded my expectations. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, we have sold out of all our trees for this year.
Next year we will have a larger selection of taller and fuller trees. Best of luck in the New Year."
-Alex Lyon, Lyon Landscape Nursery Inc.

updated Dec 2, 2018

"After 7 years of planting, watering, fertilizing, and mowing, our first crop of Frasier Fir Christmas trees are ready for harvest. I invite all friends, family, and valued customers who have supported my Landscape Contracting business over the years to stop by for a locally grown organic Christmas tree. 

We will be open the next (3) weekends 10 AM - 4 PM starting today. We are located at 250 Bent Street, Franklin MA. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2019!"

Lyon Landscape and Nursery: pick and cut your Christmas tree (courtesy photo)

Visit Lyon Landscape and Nursery on the internet
https://www.lyonlandscapenursery.com/

Shared via Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2215154692098617&set=p.2215154692098617&type=3&theater

FTC Consumer Alerts: New materials on cybersecurity for small business

New materials on cybersecurity for small business by Rosario Méndez Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC If you own a small business, you know it's critical to protect your business from cyber threats. Today (Oct 18, 2018), the FTC launched new cybersecurity resources for small businesses. What better time to check out these new resources than now – it's National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this week's theme is cybersecurity at work. The campaign is co-branded with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/10/new-materials-cybersecurity-small-business?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

"A willingness to accept change"

Franklin has some of the ingredients that helped Hudson: 

• The SNETT rail trail is located just outside of downtown
• Local zoning was changed in 2017 to allow distiller, winery or brewery tasting rooms
• The downtown renovation project was just completed in 2016
• Local businesses and town officials are talking about what needs to be done

What remains to be done now?

"Downtown Hudson was quiet when Michael Kasseris stepped out into the late night air in 2012. 

Behind him was a Main Street space that had once housed a printing shop, a bagel shop and a gifting shop. 

His uncle owned the building. Kasseris and his two business partners had just opened Rail Trail Flatbread Co. -- a trendy new restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza and craft beer. 

He looked around. The downtown stores, tucked inside historic brick buildings, were empty. The parking spaces were empty. There was no foot traffic."

Continue reading the MassLive article about Hudson
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/08/hudson_how_this_small_massachu.html

"It was the historic buildings and their curb appeal, the rail trail, the economy in an upswing,
the streetscaping and a dozen little things that became big things."

Hat tip to Melanie for sharing the article!

"There's a very diverse set of business owners who come out"

"The town will continue its series of workshops with the federal Small Business Association this coming week, as it looks to provide help to businesses throughout the region. 

The session - scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Municipal Building - will feature information on such topics as loan programs, government contracting opportunities and the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the town's community planning office has held several such workshops. 

"One of the things they try to do is provide opportunities for aspiring and current business owners to get accurate information, in real time," he said. "We're giving the opportunity to talk, face-to-face, with the people who administer things like small-business loans."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170120/franklin-to-host-small-business-workshop

Franklin Municipal Building

Previously posted here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/connections-that-work-sba-workshop-jan.html

Connections that work! SBA Workshop - Jan 25

• Looking to Start or Expand your Business?
• Gain a better understanding of SBA Programs and Services

General information will be provided on the following:
MSBDC – Mass Small Business Development Center

SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business

SBA Guaranty Loan Programs:
7(a) Loans - Microloans
SBA Express Loans - 504 Loan Program

Government Contracting Opportunities:
8(a) Business Development - HUBZones (Historically Underutilized Business Zones) - Small Disadvantaged Business - Surety Bonding - Disaster Assistance

CWE – Center for Women and Enterprise

Register online here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connections-that-work-tickets-30342938546

Connections that work! SBA Workshop - Jan 25

• Looking to Start or Expand your Business?
• Gain a better understanding of SBA Programs and Services

General information will be provided on the following:
MSBDC – Mass Small Business Development Center

SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business

SBA Guaranty Loan Programs:
7(a) Loans - Microloans
SBA Express Loans - 504 Loan Program

Government Contracting Opportunities:
8(a) Business Development - HUBZones (Historically Underutilized Business Zones) - Small Disadvantaged Business - Surety Bonding - Disaster Assistance

CWE – Center for Women and Enterprise

Register online here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connections-that-work-tickets-30342938546

Franklin Municipal Building

view the complete information flyer here:

Jane's Frames: You don't want to miss this Once a Year Sale!

End of Year Inventory Clearance Sale!

Inventory Clearance Sale 30% OFF Custom Picture Framing  with our  In-stock Products * Thousands of In-Stock Frame moulding and mats to choose from *Museum Glass not included in sale You won't want to miss this sale! A great chance for Quality Custom Framing  with this Once a Year Sale Offer valid until January 7th 2017!       Share with a friend! Jane's Frames |  www.janesframes.com | 11. E. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038

Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by janeframe@verizon.net in collaboration with Try it free today

#shopFranklin: Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center (video)

#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Cyndi Rich of Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center located in the heart of Franklin, MA. 

Find out how Cyndi started the business and learn how to make a simple FOUR seam project that works for any holiday and takes just a few minutes!

one of the storefront windows at Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center

Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center

Franklin Downtown Partnership Hosts Holiday Stroll December 1

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is hosting its annual holiday party on Thursday, December 1, from 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Franklin’s newly revitalized downtown.

Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for this year’s Holiday Stroll, allowing easy walking between all the festivities on Main, West Central, East Central and Summer streets. Families will find decorated store fronts, entertainment and refreshments, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Post Mark the North Pole Postman, crafts and gingerbread cookie decorating, and gift shopping.

“This event is always so much fun and really gets you in the mood for the holidays,” says Roberta Trahan, event co-organizer. “The Holiday Stroll showcases our businesses beautifully, and the downtown looks festive with the storefronts decorated. This year we have special guests and a new Holiday Stroll Passport that offers shoppers something extra.”

Holiday Stroll December 1

The Holiday Stroll begins at 4:15 p.m. with costumed carolers and refreshments on Dean College’s Dean Hall Common. The tree will be lit at sundown. Visitors don’t need to wait for the tree to be lit to begin their stroll through downtown; vendor booths and shops will be open for business by 4:30 p.m.

The Franklin Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” campaign benefiting the Food Pantry kicks off that day, and red donation bin will be placed at the tree lighting. Bins will also be set up participating downtown businesses.

An all-new Holiday Stroll Passport will help visitors check items off their holiday gift shopping lists. The free passport can be picked up at participating businesses. Visitors will get their passport stamped at each location listed. When the passport is full of stamps it will be entered into a grand prize drawing, which is one $25 gift card from each business listed. Check the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, and Facebook event page for a list of passport business locations.

Several special guests will make appearances at this year’s Holiday Stroll. At Emma’s Quilt Cupboard on Main Street, Post Mark the North Pole Postman will mail letters to Santa and read from a Christmas book he’s written from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Families can follow Candy Cane Lane down East Central Street to Simon’s Furniture where Santa Claus and his elves will hear wish lists from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Franklin Historical Museum at 5 p.m. to treat kids to stories and snacks.

Great entertainers will put everyone into a jolly mood. Jamie Barrett will sing and play guitar at Jane’s Frames. The Saint Mary’s choir will perform holiday favorites on Main Street, and WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast live with giveaways and contests.

At Simon’s Furniture, talented Franklin High School musicians will perform inside while Feet In Motion Dance School students will put on holiday-themed dances and Eric the Wood Carver will create his artwork using a chainsaw and logs outside in the parking lot.

On West Central Street, performers at THE BLACK BOX will perform scenes from three FPAC December shows, including The Nutcracker, Humbug, and a holiday panto entitled A Glass Slipper Christmas.

Check the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, or Facebook event page for entertainment times and location updates.

Kids will enjoy the Touch-A-Truck event at the Franklin Fire Station, and the Historical Museum will have delicious treats when kids come to see Mrs. Claus.

Downtown businesses will open their doors and tempt visitors with refreshments and shopping deals on holiday gifts, services and gift cards. Sponsors and merchants will have booths inside the Depot Plaza building next to Acapulco’s on Main Street, and also at Dean Bank and Simon’s Furniture.

“We’re turning downtown Franklin into ‘Holiday Central’ during our Stroll. Everyone can visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Postman, sing Christmas carols, shop for gifts, and meet friends for dinner, all right here in the center of town,” says Jennifer Hurst, event co-chair.

The Holiday Stroll is made possible by the generous sponsorship of local businesses. Dean Bank and Dean College are Gold sponsors of this event. Silver sponsors are DCU, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Ford, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rescom Exteriors.

Bronze sponsors are Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, BMW Gallery of Norwood, Boston Solar, Flynn/Wirkus/Young Attorneys at Law, Franklin Central Pizza, Franklin Driving School, Franklin Girl Scouts, Simon’s Furniture and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C.

For more information about the Holiday Stroll contact event organizers Roberta Trahan, trahanroberta@gmail.com, and Jennifer Hurst, jhurst@deanbank.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin. For more information about the FDP, please visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, or contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.