COVID-19 Resources & Relief Efforts

We will continue to update this post as new policies and initiatives become available. Review information from their sources as policies can and will change.

Please contact us if you have any recommendations or requests.

For information on where to donate PPE (personal protective equipment) and other supplies to healthcare providers, visit the page here.

Massachusetts Unemployment

The Commonwealth is waiving the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits and has expanded eligibility for individuals impacted by virus-related closures.

Info & Apply: Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance
DUA is holding Virtual Town Halls to help answer questions.
mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-dua-virtual-town-halls

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) providing benefits for self-employed, independent contractors, and others in MA is now online.

Guide to PUA
mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-pandemic-unemployment-assistance
Info & Apply
ui-cares-act.mass.gov/PUA/_/

SBA Programs & PPP Updates

The SBA and qualified lenders have updated recovery programs for small businesses, including non-profits and independent contractors, with various incentives, loan forgiveness, and repayment options.

SBA Overview of Coronavirus Relief Options
sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

Paycheck Protection Program Updates

On Friday June 5th, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law. This will allow businesses significantly more time and flexibility to keep employees on payroll. Info at the link below.

content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSBA/bulletins/28e2022

The PPP loan forgiveness application has been made available for Borrowers to submit with their Lender. Borrowers may also complete this application electronically through their Lender.

bit.ly/ppp-loan-forgiveness-application

The SBA is still accepting applications for PPP Loans through June 30th.

sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

Massachusetts WorkShare Program

WorkShare is a program that offers an alternative to layoffs. Employees work reduced hours while collecting unemployment benefits to supplement their lower wages.

mass.gov/topics/workshare-program
Helpful video outlining WorkShare for employers
mass.gov/workshare-for-employers
MA COVID-19 Resources & Guidance for Businesses
mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses

Small Business Financial Relief Handbook

An excellent guide assembled by the City of Boston with an overview of local, state, federal, and private relief programs.

bit.ly/2RswYL8

Tax Filing & Payments Delayed

The IRS has moved the deadline to file taxes from April 15 to July 15. Individual taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.

IRS updates regarding coronavirus tax relief
irs.gov/coronavirus
Looking for the status of your Economic Impact Payment?
irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has extended the deadline to file income taxes from April 15 to July 15.

MA Department of Revenue
mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue

Massachusetts Health Connector

An extended enrollment period is now available through June 23, 2020 for qualified Massachusetts residents who are uninsured.

mahealthconnector.org

Arts & Business Council of Boston

The Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston is offering a range of information and support services including calls with their Support Team to discuss CARES Act relief initiatives, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and SBA loans.

artsandbusinesscouncil.org/covid-19

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)

VLA has assembled an emergency response panel of law firms to advise artists and arts organizations on contracts, insurance, unemployment and labor issues. The VLA is waiving service fees for artists and organizations suffering financial hardship due to the coronavirus.

Email: vla@artsandbusinesscouncil.org. Phone: 617-350-7600.

KPM & Associates Resource Center

Kevin P. Martin & Associates has created a resource center for businesses – including film and television production companies and non-profits, on taxes, film incentives, and more.

kpm-us.com/covid-19-resources-page

Boston Artists Relief Fund

The City of Boston, Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture is accepting applications from artists whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by COVID.

boston.gov/news/boston-establishes-artist-relief-fund-response-coronavirus

Cambridge Artists Relief Fund

The Cambridge Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Cambridge is accepting applications to address the urgent need of arts and culture nonprofits, artists, and performers.