Dear Metro South Community Members,
We want to express our deep gratitude to all our members for their partnership and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented situation. In particular, all of us are grateful for the public and private health care institutions, businesses, and employees who are on the front lines. The Metro South Chamber’s goal in this pandemic is to assist all businesses during this time of economic difficulty. Research, education, consultation, networking and advocacy are where we are focusing our energy and resources. The Chamber’s leaders, through the years, have taken great care to set aside the financial reserves necessary to continue the work of the Chamber. We look forward to our part in honoring a tradition of leadership begun more than a century ago. Currently, Chamber staff are working and accessible remotely. The office is open by appointment per Governor Baker’s orders. In recent weeks, we have pivoted to ZOOM and on-line technology to provide an array of business resources and networking opportunities. While advances and precautions are prudent and necessary, it’s also a time to show the compassion and leadership that the people of Metro South and Massachusetts are known for. It’s a time for us all to support our neighbors and colleagues, and remember that we’re all in this together. Let’s also remember to not let fear overcome our instincts for empathy and humanity. We continue to share updates and resources accessible to our businesses via ZOOM calls on Friday at 2:00 p.m. We are joined by the Mayor of Brockton, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the United States Small Business Administration and special guests providing information and valuable contacts helpful to our business community. The Metro South Chamber has developed a web resource page with current offerings for our business community affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Resources include business assistance loans, labor & employment updates, legislative action, working-from-home guidance, best practices, and services to help maintain communication and keep business moving forward! We urge you to visit the one-stop COVID-19 business resource guide for more information. www.metrosouthchamber.com/resources/covid-19-resource-guide.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Phase IV of Reopening Plan

Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV on March 22; Replaces Travel Order with Travel Advisory

 

The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan on Monday, March 22. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth’s economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts also continues to be a national leader in vaccination rates. The Administration also replaced the Massachusetts Travel Order originally issued in July 2020 with a Travel Advisory, effective March 22. 

In addition, the Administration also announced nearly $31 million in awards to 710 additional small businesses in the tenth round of COVID-19 relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). 

Phase IV, Step 1 and Gathering Changes:

On March 1, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions for several industries and advanced to Step 2 of Phase III of the reopening plan. Since then, hospitalizations dropped by 20% and deaths dropped by 24%. The seven day average of new cases in long-term care facilities dropped by 53%. The positive test rate remains below 2% and has been for several weeks now. The seven day average of new cases is also down over this time by 7%. 

Effective Monday, March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

• Indoor and outdoor stadiums
• Arenas
• Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed.

Travel Order:  

Effective Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory.  

The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.  

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

• Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours. 
• Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. 
• Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.
• Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms). 

Travelers are additionally encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel. 

COVID-19 Business Relief Grants:

The Baker-Polito Administration announced approximately $31 million in awards for 710 additional businesses in the tenth round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). As in prior rounds, each grant recipient meets sector or demographic priorities set for the grant programs administered by MGCC. 

With the addition of this round of grants, the Administration has awarded over $633 million in direct financial support to 14,056 businesses across the Commonwealth. 
Grants for this round were awarded to 327 minority-owned, and 293 women-owned, businesses; 240 recipients are located in Gateway Cities, and 245 businesses awarded grants have not received any prior aid.

Additionally, MGCC will soon be announcing the availability of funding to support small business technical assistance and community development financial institutions.

—–

General Business Guidance: Information to help businesses meet the self-certification requirement to reopen. All businesses must meet these requirements before reopening. Businesses operating to provide Essential Services, as defined in the Governor’s March 23, 2020 Executive Order, updated on March 31, April 28 and May 15, may remain open and have until May 25, 2020 to comply with these mandatory safety standards.

• COVID-19 Control Plan Template – Template that satisfies the written control plan requirement for self-certification
• Compliance Attestation Poster – Poster that customer facing businesses are required to print, sign, and post in an area within the business premises that is visible to workers and visitors
• Employer and Worker Posters – Posters that businesses can print and display within the business premises to describe the rules for maintaining social distancing, hygiene protocols, and cleaning and disinfecting

More helpful links:

• Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative | Iniciativa de Acceso Equitativo al PPP de Massachusetts: The Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is back and it’s better. The Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative (MEPPPAI) is here to help more borrowers access the program’s forgivable loans. If you are a minority-owned or underserved business in Massachusetts, sign up for workshops and information sessions on how to apply for and use PPP funds and find information on how to apply for forgiveness.
• VERY Frequently Asked Questions About the Expanded Employee Retention Credit – Financial Management and Disaster Relief
• Small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy. That’s why we’ve partnered with AARP to launch the Small Business Resource Center for the 50+, a new, free online resource center filled with important resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners. Older entrepreneurs can find support, resources, and practical guidance as they start, manage, and grow their business. 
• Employee Retention Credit: Overview from Citrin Cooperman
• PPP Updates: Overview from Citrin Cooperman
• New Guidance Issued On Next Round Of PPP Loans: An Overview For Small Businesses (Forbes, January 8, 20201)
• [Great insight into new stimulus] Small Business Update: PPP Loans and the Employee Retention Tax Credit (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, January 5, 2021)
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts as a result of drought that began on Aug. 18, 2020. The loans are available in the following counties: Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Plymouth and Suffolk in Massachusetts. (Link to the full press release here.)
  • Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov and should apply under SBA declaration # 16741, not for the COVID-19 incident. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster.
• RAFT Program ($10,000. Grants) (Residential Assistance to Families in Transition), provides short-term emergency financial assistance to help eligible homeowners and renters by assisting with mortgage payments, rent, utility bills, and other costs. For more info, click here.
• Small Business Strong is a private and public sector partnership set up to help women and minority owned small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that our 650,000 Massachusetts small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns, cities, and communities. Small Business Strong provides expedited, pro-bono resources to small businesses ranging from access to capital to consulting, business restructuring, business growth, digital marketing, and customer engagement plans. (July 10, 2020)
• Updated guidelines for non-profits in arts & culture. (July 10, 2020)
• Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund (April 8, 2020)
• COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs (March 25, 2020)
• Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of School and Non-Emergency Child Care Program Closures and Steps to Ensure Housing Stability to Support COVID-19 Response (March 25, 2020)
• Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory for Two Weeks (issued March 23, 2020)
• Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Health Care Resources, Small Business Relief, Other Efforts To Support COVID-19 Response (issued March 20, 2020)
• Guidance Regarding the Order by the Governor Prohibiting Assemblages of More 25 People (issued March 15, 2020)
• $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund: administered by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), to provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Masachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. This fund is being offered with no payments due for the first 6 months, then 30-months of principal and interest payments and no prepayment penalties (annual interest rate of 3.0%)
• Emergency Order (March 15, 2020) limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning March 17 and effective through April 6.
  • The Order does NOT APPLY to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, polling locations, grocery or retail stores, pharmacies, or other spaces where 25+ persons may be in transit.
  • The Order does NOT APPLY to typical office environments, government buildings, or factories where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within arm’s length of one another.
• COVID-19 Guidance and Directives
• Information on the Outbreak of COVID-19
• Preparation in Massachusetts
• FAQ

 

Brockton Neighborhood Health Center & Signature Healthcare

 

 

Small Business Assistance & Resource Center: COVID-19 Video Series

     

• HUB Technical Services: Cyber Security Resources, Working from Home
• SCORE: Small Business Administration / Free SCORE Resources at Your Service
• Wright Technology Group: Tips for Working from Home
• Q&A with U.S. Senator Ed Markey on the COVID-19 Crisis
• MSBDC: Small Business Advice for Recovery Resources

 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

To receive up to $10,000 as a forgivable SBA loan advance to help your business and our regional economy recover from COVID-19, follow this link: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

• Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Application: The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established through the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and amended by the America Rescue Plan Act to provide over $16 billion in economic relief to target industries. The SVOG application is slated to open April 8, 2021. Sign up to be informed when the Application opens.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts as a result of drought that began on Aug. 18, 2020. The loans are available in the following counties: Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Plymouth and Suffolk in Massachusetts. (Link to the full press release here.)
  • Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov and should apply under SBA declaration # 16741, not for the COVID-19 incident. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster.
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Find an eligible lender: use this tool to find nearby lenders eligible to issue a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • PPP Forgiveness FAQs
• Part 31: 6th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Part 31 of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update Series (March 5, 2021)
• Part 30: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update with City, State, and Federal Officials (February 19, 2021)
• Part 29: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update with City, State, and Federal Officials (February 5, 2021)
• Part 28: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update with City, State, and Federal Officials (January 22, 2021)
• Part 27: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update with City, State, and Federal Officials (January 8, 2021)
• Part 26: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update with City, State, and Federal Officials (December 18, 2020)
• Part 25: COVID-19 Economic Update with Massachusetts State Senator, Michael Rodrigues (December 11, 2020)
• Part 24: COVID-19 Update Call (November 13, 2020)
• Part 23: COVID-19 Economic Update call (October 30, 2020)
• Special Zoom Luncheon with Secretary of Housing & Workforce Development, Rosalin Acosta (October 20, 2020)
• Part 22: COVID-19 Return to Work Update Call with Massachusetts Nurses Association (October 16, 2020)
• Part 21: COVID-19 Return to Work Update Call (October 2, 2020) (slides)
• Part 20: COVID-19 Return to Work Update Call with State Representative Claire D. Cronin (September 25, 2020)
• Part 19: COVID-19 Update with SEED and SMBx (September 11, 2020)
• Part 18: COVID-19 Return to Work Update Call with Partridge, Snow & Hahn LLP (August 21, 2020) (slides)
• Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide
• Part 17: COVID-19 Return to Work Update Call (August 7, 2020)
• Part 16: COVID-19 Return to Work Update Call (July 24, 2020)
• Part 15: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Call Update (July 17, 2020)
• Part 14: COVID-19 Business Relief Funding STILL Available, Apply While You Can! (July 10, 2020)
• Part 13: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update / ATHENA Women’s Leadership Award (June 19, 2020)
• Part 12: Weekly COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update (June 12, 2020)
• Part 11: Weekly COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update: Return to Work (June 5, 2020) (grant application)
• COVID-19 Economic Recovery Update with Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senator Ed Markey (May 29, 2020) (slides)
• Weekly COVID-19 Recovery Update: SBA, MOBD, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Reopening Advisory Board, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy / Small Business & Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (May 22, 2020) (slides)
• Weekly COVID-19 Recovery Update: SBA, MOBD, MSBDC, Citrin Cooperman, and Mayor of Brockton Robert F. Sullivan (May 15, 2020) (slides)
• Weekly COVID-19 Recovery Update: SBA, MOBD, SDO, and Mayor of Brockton Robert F. Sullivan (May 8, 2020) (slides)
• COVID-19 Economic Recovery Updates with City, State, and Federal Officials (May 1, 2020)
• $320 Billion in New Money for Small Biz COVID-19 Recovery Update (April 24, 2020) (slides)
• COVID-19 Economic Recovery Updates w/City, State & SBA Lender (April 17, 2020)
• SBA COVID-19 Recovery Funds Update, Expected Next Week (April 10, 2020) (slides)
• SBA Programs for COVID-19 Economic Recovery Webinar: covering EIDL, Express Bridge Loan, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and SBA’s Debt Relief for 7a/504 Loan Programs (April 3, 2020) (slides)
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) overview (March 27, 2020) (slides)
• EIDL Application Checklist
• Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19
• Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
  • SBA Offers Statewide Disaster Assistance to Massachusetts Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) APPLY ONLINE
• EIDL Program (Economic Injury Disaster Loan): EIDL offers Massachusetts businesses who are experiencing hardships resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak access to $2M in emergency loan capital with rates capped at 3.75%.

 

Supply Donation Requests

Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC)
Brockton Visiting Nurse Association (BVNA) 

Funding Options & Other Resources

• FEMA: Exercise Starter Kit for Workshop or Reconstructing Operations
• Verizon and LISC Come Together to Support Small Businesses with COVID-19 Recovery Fund (applications due May 20, 2020)
• NEH CARES: Cultural Organizations
• Save Small Business Fund – U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
• LegalShield: Coronavirus Legal Resource Center
• “Family and Community Resources, Inc. is here to help. If you, or someone you love, are worried about continuing to be quarantined in a home where you do not feel safe, call our 24 Hour Hotline 508-583-6498. Multi-lingual advocates provide the following free, confidential services to survivors and their children including: a 24-Hour Crisis Line, Safety Planning and Crisis Intervention, Transitional Housing Support, Individual & Group Support, Mental Health Counseling and Support for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence. To learn more, call us at 508-583-6498 or go online to www.fcr-ma.org for more information about our programs and services. You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org, and SafeLink 24/7 Crisis Hotline: (877) 785-2000 or (877) 521-2601 (TTY)”
• The Brockton Business Assistance program is designed for businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will aid small businesses in job creation & job retention and to maintain business continuity. Funded through the City of Brockton’s COVID-19 Community Development Block Grant program and managed by the Brockton Redevelopment Authority and MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board, applicants may request up to $10,000 for the proposed need. Applicants can utilize funds to support initiatives that will allow them to continue operating during and/or after the COVID-19 pandemic. Business Assistance Program (free Google account is required to submit application). Review of applications will begin with completed applications as of June 15, 2020. Applications will continue to be reviewed on an “as received” basis until all funds are expended or October 31, 2020, whichever is first. Disbursement of funds will start on July 1, 2020. Click here to learn more: City of Brockton’s COVID-19 Business Assistance

Service Alerts

• U.S. Postal Service
• Massachusetts RMV

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• Reopening Business Digital Resource Center
  • Toolkit
  • Small Business Reopening Playbook
• Coronavirus Emergency Loans – Small Business Guide and Checklist CARES Act
• How Small Businesses will Benefit from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
• Tracker: How Businesses Are Accelerating Production of Critical Medical Supplies to Combat the Coronavirus
• Briefing on Emergency Coronavirus Funding for 501(c)(3) Nonprofits (March 30, 2020 @ 12:30pm)
• Summary of Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response (published February 27, 2020)
• U.S. Chamber Policy Action
• Coronavirus Response Toolkit
• Guidance for Employers
• Workplace Tips for Employees
• Resource Hub for Small Businesses
• Local/State Policy Tracker
• Workplace Flyer
• Business Response
• Corporate Aid Tracker
• Survey on Business Impact
• Resilience in a Box
• More Resources

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

• Updated information regarding unemployment resources
  • Click here to sign up for a virtual town hall via phone or online. A web link to the daily visual presentation can be viewed here.
  • Download the step by step presentation here
• The WorkShare Program, is a tool to help employers avoid layoffs during a downturn.
• The Rapid Response Program, works closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

• MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center’s Private Sector Hotline will be staffed Monday-Friday, from 8AM-4PM, call (508)-820-2094.

SCORE

• Small Business Disaster Preparedness Resources
• Coronavirus Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options?)
• How Small Businesses Can Prepare for the Coronavirus
• Crisis Communications Planning Checklist

Labor & Employment, Municipal, Education, and HR Alerts

• ALERT: SBA Issues Additional FAQ Guidance (May 13, 2020)
• U.S. Department of Education Issues Title IX Regulations (May 8, 2020)
• Negotiating Timelines: Functioning at the Intersection of Idea Principles, Parent Interests, and FAPE (May 5, 2020)
• U.S. Department of Education Submits Idea and 504 Waiver Recommendations to Congress (May 4, 2020)
• Workers’ Compensation Claims and COVID-19 (April 29, 2020)
• Bargaining and Protected Concerted Activities in the Time of COVID-19: Guidance and Lessons for Employers (April 23, 2020)
• Employer Tax Credits for Retention and Leave Payments under the FFCRA and CARES Act (April 21, 2020)
• Omnibus Municipal Relief Law – Part II: Permits, Applications, and Public Hearings (April 7, 2020)
• Omnibus Municipal Relief Law – Part I: Changes to Off Premises Service of Beer and Wine; Advice on Administration and Enforcement (April 7, 2020)
• CARES ACT – $2 Trillion in Coronavirus Relief Including Expanded Unemployment Insurance (March 30, 2020)
• Small Business Administration Assistance will be provided to Massachusetts Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 (March 30, 2020)
• Guidance for Municipalities on Conducting Remote Public Meetings Under the Open Meeting Law and the Relaxed Remote Participation Standards (March 26, 2020)
• Small Business Administration Assistance will be provided to Massachusetts Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 (March 26, 2020)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Post Your Notice And April 1, 2020 Effective Date (March 25, 2020)
• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance on COVID-19 and the FLSA: Installment 3 of the MHTL COVID-19 Client Alert (March 20, 2020)
• Sweeping Federal Legislation Passed Related to COVID-19 (March 20, 2020)
• MA Legislature Passes Relief Bill Waiving the One Week Waiting Period for COVID-19 Related Unemployment Claims (March 18, 2020)
• Corporate and Business Alert (March 2020)
• OSHA Strategies for Dealing with COVID-19 in the Workplace: Installment 2 of the MHTL COVID-19 Client Alter (March 16, 2020)
• Strategies for Dealing with COVID-19 in the Workplace: Installment 1 of the MHTL COVID-19 Client Alert (March 11, 2020)

MassHire Department of Career Services Rapid Response Employer Information

Mass Cultural Council announces COVID-19 Grant Fund for the Creative

MASSCreative COVID-19 Virtual Policy & Action Update

• Video
• Slidedeck
• Resource links
• FAQs

 

How to Work from Home, Effectively

Business doesn’t stop, and neither do we! Now is the perfect time to work on perfecting new ways to connect and work together. New developments call for a new strategy. To that end, we’re refocusing some of our resources to support digital members and community engagement. Be on the lookout for webinars, conference calls, video chats, and more! Below are several resources that are now being widely used, in an effort to keep business moving forward.

ZOOM: Zoom is the top video and web conferencing app. They offer a series of one-minute video introductions to help get you started seamlessly; webinars are also available, and you can request a demo at any time. Their basic (free) package offers 40 minute calls with up to 100 participants. Other packages include unlimited screen time, participants, and more. Forbes: Zoom CEO Eric Yuan is Giving K-12 Schools His Videoconferencing Tools For Free

Free Conference Call: Once you sign up, you will be provided with a Dial-in Number and Access Code for immediate conferencing, and on Online Meeting ID for hosting meetings with Screen Sharing and Video Conferencing. There’s also an app available, making it even more accessible. Simple & easy conference calling right on your mobile device!

Google Remote Work hub: This link includes resources and free tools to help your own teams work smoothly, and to help you stay connected to the communities we serve. Here you’ll find information on how to:

• Work from anywhere: Best practices for effective communication and collaboration while working remotely and meeting via video conferencing.
• Teach from anywhere: Support virtual learning and how workshops from anywhere using collaborative tools.
• Learn from anywhere: Share training content through digital resources to that the people in your community can access online courses and curriculum.

Google has always created a new helpful site for small businesses with additional tips and recommendations to navigate this time of uncertainty for employees and customers.

Other resources:

• Comcast offering ‘Internet Essentials’ package free for low-income customers for 60 days
• Skype for Business

 

Learning from Home

• Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of School and Non-Emergency Child Care Program Closures and Steps to Ensure Housing Stability to Support COVID-19 Response (March 25, 2020)
• Brockton Public Schools
• Follow the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE) for updates!
• Tips for Enabling Distance Learning through Google Suite & Chrome
• Murphy Hesse Toomey & Lehane LLP Education Alert (March 16, 2020)
• Google Museum Views – Take a virtual tour of some of the world’s greatest museums and heritage sites.

 

Restaurant Updates

• Adapting to COVID-19: A Quick Reference for Restaurants and Food Service Environments
• COVID-19 Restaurant Relief : CARE Act Summary
• Commonwealth Kitchen: Running a Food Business in the face of COVID-19 – Resource Guide

Abington Ale House: Take-Out available 11:30am-7:00pm daily
1235 Bedford Street
Abington, MA 02351
(781) 871-6811

Barrett’s Alehouse: Temporarily Closed
674 West Center Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
(508) 510-4204

Brack’s Grille & Tap: Open for Take-Out & Delivery, check availability.
1280 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 271-7777

Buffalo Wild Wings: Open for Take-out & Delivery
486 Westgate Drive
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 559-1409

Cape Cod Cafe, Inc.: Open for Take-Out
979 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 583-9420

George’s: Open for Take-Out, Monday-Sunday 11am-10:30pm
228 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 588-4231

Good Days Restaurant, Inc.: Open for Take-Out Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 8am-7pm
99 South Main Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
(508) 584-0077

Italian Kitchen: Open for Take-Out
1071 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 586-2100

JJ’s Caffe: Temporarily Closed
610 N. Main Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 510-4227

Joe Angelo’s Cafe & Deli: Open for Take-Out & Delivery, 11am-10pm
11 Crescent Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 588-8331

LongHorn Steakhouse: Open for Take-Out
800 US Road, Route 44
Raynham, MA 02767
(508) 821-9246

McDonald’s: Open for Drive-Thru & Take-Out
664 Crescent Street
Brockton, MA 02302
(508) 586-4594

McGuiggan’s Pub:Open for Take-Out, 4-8pm
546 Washington Street
Whitman, MA 02382
(781) 447-7333

Stonebridge Cafe: Open for Take-Out
1285 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 584-5200

Texas Roadhouse: Open for Take-Out
124 Westgate Drive
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 427-6244

Yamato Japanese Steak House: Temporarily Closed
510 Westgate Drive
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 588-8881