What Small Businesses Need Now

"A month ago, if you had told me that schools and colleges would be closed, graduations postponed, all NCAA and pro sports cancelled, restaurants and bars forcibly shuttered, non-‘essential’ businesses closed down, and gatherings of more than 10 persons forbidden, I would have thought you were cooking up an elaborate April Fool’s joke. If you had added that it would be impossible to purchase chicken, beef, eggs, or toilet paper, I would have asked what you were smoking.

Sigh. If only.

We’re living in some deeply weird times, which are presenting some unique challenges, none more so than for small businesses. Restaurants- my heart just breaks for them. Pubs and diners may be able to-barely-scrape by with takeout, but fine dining restaurants are not set up for that. Many of them will simply not survive this.

What Small Businesses Need Now

And what about other businesses that have been forced to close? Clothing stores, toy stores, book stores, nail and hair salons…yeah, way too many to name. Small businesses are fragile. More than 50% of new small businesses fail in the first year-in normal circumstances. Being forced to close your doors is not a normal circumstance. No money coming in, while rent, utilities, insurance, and other liabilities still need to be paid? That’s a small business nightmare.

The coronavirus relief bill that (finally) passed Congress will help, but will it be in time, and will it be enough? Honestly, we all need to do our part to ensure that the small businesses that keep our communities vital can hang on until this is over.

So please, if you can, order takeout from a local restaurant. Contact services you usually use (hair, nails, massage, etc) and buy a gift certificate. They’ll get the money now, you can use the service later. Before buying something from Amazon, see if a local merchant would be willing to deliver that item to you. If a shop is still open, but you don’t want to enter a public space, ask if they’ll do curbside pickup for you. Each of these is a small gesture, but a multitude of small gestures just may save these businesses.

Eventually, this too shall pass. Let’s help make sure our treasured small businesses survive to see that day."

Ann Williams - Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits  https://pourrichardswine.com/

Shared with permission
https://pourrichardswine.com/whats-new/what-small-businesses-need-now/

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

The Town of Franklin recognizes the impact the COVID-19 restrictions and closures are having on businesses and their employees. We have compiled a list of resources to guide you through the changing landscape. This document will be updated as new information and updates become available.

● Department of Unemployment Insurance (Department of Labor Relations). Read all of the information, latest updates and apply for unemployment assistance here
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Find the unemployment application here
https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

● Guidance and Directives for Businesses & Employers: Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-


● The Rapid Response Program works closely with companies to avoid layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry. To find out more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-layoff-aversion

● SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available statewide. Massachusetts received approval for the disaster declaration for small businesses and private non-profits to apply for the SBA EIDL loan program. Visit the SBA’s Disaster guidance web page: www.sba.gov/disaster Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications to mail in forms here https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

● MA Growth Capital Corporation:$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 on the fund and will administer it. Here is a link:
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund
How to Apply: Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

● The IRS extended the tax deadline to July 15, 2020. Find details here
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed

● The Center for Disease Control: CDC’s Guidance for Business during the
COVID-19 Outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.htm

● Massachusetts Department of Revenue COVID-19 Information: Important updates from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/important-covid-19-coronavirus-response-update-from-dor

● The Federal Reserve Board announced a Market Mutual Liquidity Fund
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200320b.htm

● Bulletin 2020-05; Flexibility in the Issuance and Administration of Insurance during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Public Health Crisis; Issued 3/23/2020
https://www.mass.gov/news/bulletin-2020-05-flexibility-in-the-issuance-and-administration-of-insurance-during-covid-19

● Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: Resources during COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.mass.gov/guides/resources-during-covid-19

● National Grid Information for Business customers regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19


Shared from the Town of Franklin page:  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

Shades IN Place: This wasn't the plan! (3/22/20)

Keeping you up to date on the latest...

The Blind Spot March 2020 I hope that you are safe and well during this crazy time. Like me, I bet you did not plan to stay put in your own home this Spring. In fact, I was scheduled to head down to Charlote, NC for a national convention this coming week. But sometimes, life throws a curvy ball at us, doesn't it? We are living an unprecedented time and a global crisis that no one ever considered be possible (other than Hollywood movies) Every business and every person / family will get a punch. Some will feel it harder than others, but nobody is out of the woods.  I am sure that my shade business is not your top priority at this moment. I get that, but please consider supporting the local small businesses in your neighborhood. They have a smaller financial cushion than large corporations. Order food from local restaurants, keep your house cleaner schedule and why not get your shades from a local shady guy? My hope is that since you are spending extra time inside your home, you will notice those twenty-year old mini-blinds must go. All jokes aside, I wish that you and your family stay safe, wash your hands often and consider social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. We are a strong nation and UNITED STATES to fight this pandemic. God Bless America and the World. Roger Magalhaes started in the window coverings industry in 2006 as a part-time installer for a national chain. After only two months, he was asked to leave for "standing out." Clients continuously requested him over the other installers and this didn't sit well with his colleagues. He knew he was on to something! Following this experience, Roger traveled to many parts of the country, acquiring formal training and receiving certifications from respected vendors such as Somfy, Hunter Douglas, Norman Shutters and Lutron. He also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for formal installation training focusing on drapery and other soft treatments. Roger is the owner of Shades IN Place, Inc., located in the Boston area. He has done installations in seven states, as well as Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. He is the founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros, a regular columnist for Window Fashion VISION magazine, a presenter at the International Window Coverings Expo and the installation instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTRACK program. Learn more 508-520-6700   roger@shadesinplace.com   www.shadesinplace.com   ‌ ‌

Shades IN Place Inc. | 76 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by roger@shadesinplace.com in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

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