COVID-19 Resources

Below are resources for local businesses and residents being affected by COVID:19

Senator Comerford's General Update Page

Essential Services Listing

The state has provided a list of what businesses can continue to operate during the State of Emergency while continuing to practice the necessary precautions.  Essential Services Designation Listing

  • If you do not believe that your specific function is listed you can ask for clarification by sending an email to:  covid19.biz@mass.gov
  • Further, if the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an essential business.
  • Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function should only be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.
  • To request designation as an essential business, please click here.

Federal and State Health Guidance for Employers of Workers

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

State of Massachusetts Executive Orders and Guidance

Federal Economic Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration

U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Save Small Business Fund

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis.All loanterms will be the same for everyone.

  • The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as: The loan proceeds are used to cover payrollcosts, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costsover the 8 week period after the loan is made and employee and compensation levels are maintained.
  • Payrollcosts are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for eachemployee. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
  • Loan payments will be deferred for 6 months.

State Economic Resources

Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development

Local Economic Resources

Western Mass Economic Development Council

Franklin County Community Development Corporation

Franklin Regional Council of Governments