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Showing posts with label Small business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small business. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2022
Rockland Trust: Reminder: Small Business, Big Dreams $20,000 Grand Prize Contest
Friday, May 7, 2021
Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates COVID-19 Business Relief Program, Awards Final Round of Grants
"Today (Thursday 5/06/21), Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, legislators and key partners celebrated the success of the Baker-Polito Administration’s COVID-19 business relief program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC).
Gathering in person at the family- and minority-owned Panela Restaurant in Lowell, a program grantee, the Administration announced the end of the program, which has provided over $687.2 million in direct cash grants to 15,112 businesses across the Commonwealth. Among the awardees included in the final round were 108 additional businesses that received a total of approximately $4.8 million in COVID relief grants."
The full press release can be found online
Direct link to the press conference video -> https://youtu.be/g1m5-809pc8
Sunday, February 21, 2021
#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!
"We are excited to share that 2 new businesses are accepting the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card! You can now use your card at Mirchi Indian Cuisine and at Night Owl Farm!Do you have a Franklin Gift card? Check out the 40 different businesses where you can redeem them! These cards are helping our local economy by boosting local spending AND covering processing costs thanks to our generous sponsor, Dean Bank!Businesses are redeemed 100% of the funds spent at their locations! Random Smile Project has helped make this initiative possible by donating their time and energy to assist with administrative tasks. We are so lucky to live in such a supportive community!Gift cards are always available both online and at Dean Bank. www.franklingiftcard.com #supportlocal #shoplocal #giftlocal"
Shared from the Town of Franklin page on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=461047405262367&id=109645590402552
A full listing of the participating businesses can be found
A full listing of the participating businesses can be found
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| #ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing! |
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
A Franklin Treasure - Elizabeth's Bagels (audio)
FM #457 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 457 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jen Garcia of Elizabeth’s Bagels. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
- A quick background on Elizabeth’s Bagels
- Adjustments made and being made during this COVID-19 pandemic
- As a small businesses some issues with 3rd party delivery companies
Audio file = https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/72225fc3-d171-4ad9-a9c0-8f2f77f1b236/fm-457-elizabethsbagels-20210125.mp3
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Find Elizabeth’s Bagels at 456 West Central Street, Franklin
- webpage = https://elizabethsbagels.com/
- Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeths-Bagels/84301856675
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| A Franklin Treasure - Elizabeth's Bagels (audio) |
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Another business on the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card listing to visit
Another local business has joined the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card program! We welcome Lotus Lash to the list of participating businesses!
Gift cards can be purchased at Dean Bank right in Downtown Franklin or online at www.franklingiftcard.com#LocalBusiness #LocaSupport #ItMatters #ShopLocal #SpendLocal
Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/451347476232360/
You can use the #ThinkFranklinFirst card make your purchase as part of the #ProjectEnvoy eat out/take out, help out effort!
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| Another business on the #thinkfranklinfirst gift card listing to visit |
Monday, February 1, 2021
Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)
FM #449 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 449 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jane Fulton. She is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
- Project Envoy
- Calendar set for February, March, and April
- Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
- This helps out the restaurant during the pandemic
- The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
- A win, win, win for Franklin
The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jane Fulton. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXx1tMqS
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Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/
Link to February calendar = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Envoy-calendar-February.1.27.21.pdf
Hashtag your social post with #ProjectEnvoy #noonegoeshungryFranklin
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio) |
Sunday, January 31, 2021
50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events
| We are excited to offer a wide range of programming including interactive workshops [3 options offered], follow-up networking sessions, 1-1 speed coaching, exciting guest speakers and panel events. February is packed with programming! Mark your calendar! Be sure to visit our website 50plusjobseekers.org for additional details. Interactive Workshop Series: Learn new Job Search Skills and Strategies
G2G Networking Sessions: Session Recap-Homework-Networking-Open Forum Q&A
Special Events Series: Guest Speakers and Panel Events
If you are registered with the 50+ program, you will receive a URL to join the events. Not registered? Register at our website 50plusjobseekers.org Thanks, Ed Lawrence * 50+ Program - Group Leader * Resume-writer for the Framingham Public Library * Principal coach - www.getstart-ed.com
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Friday, January 29, 2021
Vaccine call center to be set up; Gov Baker press conf link on small grant awards
"AMID GROWING frustration with the state’s process for arranging COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Thursday that his administration intends to set up a call center next week for those who need additional help.
On Wednesday, people 75 and over who are not living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities started making appointments for vaccinations. Baker said 45,000 appointments were made over the last two days but the demand far outpaced supply. An estimated 500,000 people over 75 are eligible to obtain the two-dose vaccination, but he said the state has been receiving only 80,000 doses a week, a number bumping up to 100,000 next week."
Continue reading the article online
Maura Healey (@MassAGO):
"First, it was unemployment. The Department of Unemployment had no live call center.
Then, it was workplace safety.
After that, evictions. No system.
We've tried to help those frustrated constituents all year. The vaccine call center should have happened yesterday. "
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassAGO/status/1354882824109752329
Gov Baker Press Conf Link - https://youtu.be/z0IpZCRvFME
Press Release on Small Business Grants
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Town of Franklin, MA: new grant program for MA businesses
"A new grant program is available for Massachusetts businesses from @MassGCC. Applications open tomorrow at noon. Find details here https://t.co/mY1d6or3gg"
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| Town of Franklin, MA: new grant program for MA businesses |
"A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain"
The Boston Globe has the following:
"One moment, Governor Charlie Baker is asking people to lobby their legislators for some relatively modest funding as the state’s well of small-business relief funds runs dry.
The next: Baker unveils $668 million for grants, in particular to help several sectors hit hard by COVID-19 such as restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and hair salons.
The sharp turnabout last week surprised many small-business advocates — not to mention the budget writers in the Legislature.
A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain on the part of Baker’s Administration & Finance team?
Maybe a bit of both."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
FM #425 Fresh Start Market - 12/16/20 (audio)
FM #425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 425 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Fresh Start Market co-owner Bonnie Corso. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the social distancing requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about how Bonnie and her husband Mark have spent many years developing the market which will open in the near future here in Franklin. They will be located in the Liquor World Plaza, in the space where the Shiva Market had been.
We talk about the timeline how they came to bring this to reality. How they used the Market Study developed by MAPC for Franklin to confirm three was an opportunity here.
By way of disclosure: I did purchase a brick on their wall to help share the Franklin Matters Name. I did also contribute as an investor in their venture. We talk about this and how they will be part of the community in bringing a ‘farm to table’ approach to grab and go meals.
While I do believe in what they are doing, this radio program is part of my overall effort to share newsworthy goodness in Franklin. This happens to be a very good example of the stories I think are newsworthy.
Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H13TRRHS
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Follow Fresh Start Market on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartMkt/
On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start.market/
Their investment opportunity page on MainVest https://mainvest.com/b/fresh-start-market-franklin
`
EDC Meeting with the MAPC Market Study presented and discussed
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.html
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session. Here is a cropped photo of Finian shared on the Fresh Start Market Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/p/CJIEFN7gQ29/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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| Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session |
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
$668M available to support businesses in MA
"The Commonwealth has made an additional $668M available to support businesses. @MassGCC will target a portion of these funds to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship & loss of revenue due to #COVID19MA. #MAbiz"
Details: http://ow.ly/P72Z50CVyHy
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassEOHED/status/1343612866801315846
Go direct to grant info: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses
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| $668M available to support businesses in MA |
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Boston Globe: "Baker’s $50 million effort to help small businesses is wildly oversubscribed"
From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Governor Charlie Baker’s two new grant programs to help small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic have been swamped by applications, essentially ensuring there won’t be enough money to go around for everyone who sought the help.
Working through the quasipublic Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp., the Baker administration unveiled two programs in October offering a combined $50.8 million in grants, aimed at helping small businesses endure what’s expected to be a tough winter.
One program, backed by $40 million, offers grants of up to $75,000 for businesses with as many as 50 employees; the other, with $10.8 million, provides grants of up to $25,000 for businesses with five or fewer workers. The latter program also requires that the owners who apply have below-average incomes.
Mass. Growth Capital stopped accepting applications last week. At that point, state officials said, more than 10,000 applications had been received for the two programs, which are being funded by federal dollars. About 37 percent were for the program to help businesses with five or fewer employees, although a few businesses applied to both programs."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Community Compact Connector: Small Business Grants are now open!
COVID-19 Small Business Grants: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) as well as the CARES Act of 2020 and are divided into two programs, Small Business Grants for 5 or fewer employees and Small Business Grants for 50 or fewer employees.
The application opens at 12:00PM on 10/22/2020 and will close at 12:00PM on 11/12/2020. For more information click here https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/covid-19-grants-massachusetts-small-businesses.
To stay informed regarding both existing and upcoming grant opportunities, please bookmark the Community Compact Connector website https://www.mass.gov/community-compact-connector.
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| COVID-19 Small Business Grants |
Friday, September 25, 2020
Micro-Enterprise Grant Program Overview and Application
Small business owners may qualify
- The business must qualify as a microenterprise (a for-profitbusiness that has 5 or fewer employees, including the owner(s).(Note 5 employees means actual people, whether full-or part-time NOT Full-Time-Equivalents (FTEs) that has been adversely affected by Covid-19. The business can be a sole-proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC.;
- The business must have a physical establishment in one of the participating towns:
- Bellingham
- Foxboro
- Franklin
- Medfield
- Walpole
- Wrentham
- The business must be currently in operation and have must have been established prior to January 1, 2019;
Additional qualifications can be found in the following information regarding the Micro-Enterprise Grant Program attached here:
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| Micro-Enterprise Grant Program Overview and Application |
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Business Listening & Networking Sessions Scheduled
"The Franklin (MA) Town Council Economic Development subcommittee invites business owners, key community stakeholders, and citizens to a series of a Business Listening & Networking Sessions."
Please find the flyer and RSVP link here https://t.co/hcbqrS6xpz https://t.co/Ffr74x1rFq
You can get a copy of the flyer here
The Market Study can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf
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| Business Listening & Networking Sessions Scheduled |
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development: Updates
August 7, 2020
Good evening,
Today, the Administration announced new initiatives to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other important updates on the Commonwealth’s reopening. You can read details in the press release, while key components are highlighted below. I’ve also included resources and reminders on SBA programs for your reference.
REVISED GATHERINGS ORDER
Effective Tuesday, August 11, the Baker-Polito Administration will revise the Executive Order on gatherings to reduce the cap on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 individuals. The inside gathering limit will remain at 25 people. Please note: this will now apply to both public and private spaces. Read the revised Executive Order for more details.
PHASE III STEP 2 POSTPONED INDEFINITELY
Due to the recent increase in positive cases, Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely. Refer to the Order Authorizing the Reopening of Phase III Enterprises for a list of businesses in Phase III Step 2.
CHANGE TO RESTAURANT SECTOR-SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS
Restaurant protocols have been updated to state that alcoholic beverages may only be served for on-site consumption if accompanied by orders for food prepared on-site.
CROSS-AGENCY COVID ENFORCEMENT AND INTERVENTION TEAM
The Administration also announced a targeted cross-agency COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will be responsible for ramping up enforcement statewide and coordinating local intervention efforts at the local level in higher risk COVID-19 communities. Read more in the press release.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UPDATES AND RESOURCES
- As you know, tomorrow (August 8) is the deadline for Paycheck Protection Program applications.
- The SBA released a PPP Forgiveness FAQ to support borrowers seeking loan forgiveness this week.
- The SBA Massachusetts District Office also released its Small Business Resource Guide, available online with tools and information to supports businesses in both business-as-usual and pandemic-related support.
- A reminder that SCORE, MSBDC, the Center for Women & Enterprise, and others offer virtual counseling and workshops to support small businesses; find an SBA Resource Partner here.
- If you have not done so already, sign up for Massachusetts District Office email updates, including information about upcoming sessions, here. (The August bulletin with scheduled events for the month is available here.)
From the beginning, we’ve said that every step of the Commonwealth’s reopening will be grounded in positive public health trends. As announced today, we’ve reached what, unchecked, could be an inflection point in the reopening and recovery process – and we all need to buckle down to hold the ground we’ve covered together.
Best,
Mike
Mike Kennealy
Secretary
Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
One Ashburton Place, Room 2101
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| Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development: Updates |
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Get into Government Contracting! MEET THE PTACs on 8/6!
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