This story originally appeared in the Worcester Telegram April 4, 2020
By Auburn Chamber of Commerce
Supporting local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic is important to their survival, and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce is offering resources and guidance. There are many ways for area residents to support local businesses during the crisis.
Curbside and Takeout Delivery
Many restaurants are still open for takeout during the mandatory shutdown. Takeout is a great option to enjoy favorite restaurants while staying safe and avoiding crowds.
Buy a Gift Card
Another way to still support local businesses that may not be open during the crisis is to buy a gift card that you can use once social distancing is no longer needed.
Leave a Positive Review
Do you have a favorite local business? If so, this is a great time to leave a positive review to encourage business owners and help direct traffic to their business once the threat of COVID-19 subsides.
Special offers
In addition to offering assistance and listing resources for local businesses, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce is also providing on its website special offers and information from chamber member businesses.
For more information, visit the chamber website at https://www.auburnchamberma.org/
Business Resources
Auburn Economic Development Coordinator Shannon Regan, a member of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce board of directors, said the town administration understands it is important to support local businesses, especially during economic uncertainty.
Regan listed several resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19. She said the town will continue to post updates regarding available aid for affected businesses. If you have any questions or concerns about your business please email Regan at: sregan@town.auburn.ma.us.
Baker-Polito Administration — $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund
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 less than 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first six months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. has capitalized the fund and will administer it.
For more information and the application, visit www.mass.gov/news/ baker-polito-administration- announces-10-million- small-businessrecovery- loan-fund
Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Small businesses, private nonprofits of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the coronavirus since Jan. 31 may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of coronavirus. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for private nonprofits is 2.75%. SBA offers loans with longterm repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.
For more information please go to: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce extended chamber services to all businesses in Greater Worcester, regardless of membership. Those interested in learning about programs available to businesses can contact Alex Guardiola, director of government affairs and public policy, at aguardiola@worcesterchamber.org or call (508) 753-2924, ext. 222.
For more information, visit https://www.worcesterchamber.org/covid-19-coronavirusresponse-assistance/
