Business Resources

Business News

Baker-Polito Administration announced a $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

The fund provided financial relief to small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. As of 3/19/20, they are no longer taking applications but advise applying to the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program

→ Apply to the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program

WorkShare Program (Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development)

In terms of employer-related services, the WorkShare program is one of the state’s primary tools to help small businesses avoid layoffs during a downturn.

→ View More information on the Workshare Program program

Tax Relief for Businesses

The Baker-Polito Administration is announcing tax penalty relief to support businesses affected by COVID-19

The Department of Revenue today announced that it will waive any late-file or late-pay penalties for returns and payment due for meals and room occupancy taxes between March 20 and May 31, 2020.

SBA announces automatic deferments through 12/31/2020

Small Business Administration’s Administrator, Jovita Carranza, announced automatic deferments through December 31, 2020 for borrowers still paying back SBA loans from previous disasters.

→ View More in the Press Release

Amherst Area

What's Open in Amherst?

This list is actively maintained by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.

→ View What's Open List

COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce collected COVID-19 business resources.

→ View COVID-19 Business Resources

Small Business

Amherst Small Business COVID Recovery Grants Program

The town of Amherst has been awarded federal funds through the CARES Act.

→ View Valley Community Development Site

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to partnering with the business community to navigate the outbreak of COVID-19.

→ View the Baker-Polito Resources & Guidance

Additional Resources

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL & TRACING VOLUNTEERS
Health Care Professional Volunteer for COVID-19 Relief

Please do not volunteer if you have had any contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Volunteers must provide their own transportation.

→ Volunteer as a Health Care Professional

AMHERST BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
The Relief and Resiliency Microgrant Program

The Downtown Amherst Foundation expands its focus to all of Amherst, MA with the launch of The Relief and Resiliency Microgrant Program.

→ View Relief & Resiliency Microgrant Program






  • The COVID-19 RELIEF for Small Businesses Act of 2020 was filed in the House, calling for the relaxing of loan requirements for small businesses, increased access to capital and Recovery Grants, which would provide up to $100,000 to small businesses that can demonstrate losses due to the outbreak. “The bill would create a new grant program to award up to $100,000 to small businesses that can demonstrate losses due to the outbreak. The grants may be used to address any purpose that would have been allowable under the EIDL program, including:

    • providing paid sick leave to employees unable to work due to the direct effect of the coronavirus (COVID–19);

    • maintaining payroll to retain employees during business disruptions or substantial slowdowns;

    • meeting increased costs to obtain materials unavailable from the applicant’s original source due to interrupted supply chains;

    • making rent or mortgage payments; and

    • repaying obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses.


  • Governor Charlie Baker announced administrative tax relief to benefit small businesses, including postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes that would be due in March, April and May so that they will instead be due on June 20, 2020. Additionally, all penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived.

    • Further: Businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and business that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief with respect to room occupancy taxes.