Chamber Connection
April 2020
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Dear Chamber,
Due to the impact of COVID-19 locally and globally, our Chamber is working hard to provide you with up-to-date policies and resources to support LGBTQ+ employees, business owners, and community members. Below is an update on how we are responding to COVID-19 and resources to help sustain you and your business throughout the pandemic.
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MALGBTCC COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE
We recently added a
COVID-19 Resources section to our website that our team is updating with the latest programs and announcements as information becomes available. In this section, you will also find the Chamber’s official statement on our COVID-19 Response, which was made after the State’s initial declaration of a state of emergency. Additionally, we have hosted membership-wide calls to review these resources and answer questions from business owners on how to best navigate this situation.
Our Chamber’s top priority is to support our LGBTQ+ businesses through this crisis. To determine how COVID-19 will affect our membership, we recently sent out a survey to find out how they've been impacted to date.
The published report shows that the overwhelming majority of respondents (89%) expected to feel a negative financial impact as a result of the crisis, as customers curbed spending, contracts were postponed or cancelled, sources of merchandise and inventory slowed production and/or transport, and the overall economy took a general downturn.
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SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS
Our internal team has stepped into the new roles of resource navigators, assisting each member business access appropriate loan and grant programs. Members we help navigate through these relief programs will also gain access to a network of volunteer professional support and advisory services, such as LGBTQ-identified attorneys, accountants, bankers, executive coaches, branding experts, and SCORE mentors. This network has offered their time and expertise to help members emerge from the COVID-19 crisis in a strong position. If you would like to donate your time to help support LGBTQ+ business owners, please contact us
via email.
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SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF OPTIONS
In addition to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — each of which are government-funded relief programs — the Chamber has partnered with allied banks and organizations to create additional relief options for LGBTQ-owned and staffed businesses in response to COVID-19.
The
Futures Fund is a COVID-19 Relief Fund launched by our Chamber in partnership with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and powered by Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank has set aside $3 million of available capital to create a direct line of credit of $50,000 for businesses in need of financial support and flexibility. The Fund will have a low interest rate of 3%, with 3 months of no payment required and a 3-month extension possible after that period. This resource can be used in conjunction with SBA products.
The
LGBTQ Business Resilience Fund will act as a lifeline for businesses and micro-businesses that are considered unbankable, may not qualify for existing loan programs, or have experienced severe financial impact due to COVID-19. Funds will be rewarded in the form of small capital grants to businesses as decided by the LGBT Business Network Board of Directors. These funds are limited and are meant for Chamber members who cannot access alternative loan and relief options. Not all Chamber members are eligible for this grant. If you or your business would like to contribute to this fund, please contact us
via email.
In order to qualify for either of these programs, your business must be a member of the Chamber and complete the
COVID-19 Needs Assessment survey. Once we receive your survey, you will be matched with a resource navigator as a main point of contact.
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HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
ADDITIONAL FUNDING & RESOURCE COMPILATIONS
ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESPONSE GUIDES
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
This week, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts launched Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment. The CARES Act also creates a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUC) that provides an additional $600 weekly benefit to those eligible for PUA.
This program is separate from
regular unemployment benefits. The new program extends eligibility to individuals who are self-employed, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors, along with many others who normally do not qualify for unemployment benefits. You can find additional information provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts about program details, eligibility requirements, and requested materials
by visiting the Mass.gov website. If you are ready to begin your application,
visit this webpage.
DUA VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS
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STAY CONNECTED
This is an incredibly stressful and frustrating time for many of you. New information is released daily that at times contradicts information distributed just the week before. We will do our best to communicate clearly and transparently, and help you navigate every resource available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us
via email at any time.
Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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A NOTE FROM ASK WHAT MATTERS!? ON MAINTAINING WELL-BEING
The average person has 60,000 daily thoughts and 70% of them are negative. Add a pandemic into the mix, along with non-stop news cycles and social media, and adrenaline and cortisol kick into overdrive to wreak havoc on our well-being and immune system. Here are some tips for enhancing your well-being:
- Stop and Ask What Matters?! Research shows that when you know what matters to you in your life, the serotonin and dopamine (your “happy” neurotransmitters that combat adrenaline and cortisol) increase in your body. So, what matters to you?
- Reach In: What can you do physically, emotionally, or spiritually to give yourself a lift?
- Reach Out: Stay connected! Many of us are working remotely. Reach out to family and friends with a phone call, or even better, a video call.
- Plan: Beyond all of the planning recommended by health officials, put a plan together to maintain your well-being. No doubt there is uncertainty all around us, but painting a mental image of your desired future can give your well-being a boost. Think about the steps you can take to get there.
- Act: Take an immediate action to promote your Well-Being. Is obsessing over social media posts making you more anxious and tanking your well-being? Take a break and use that time to read a book or watch one of your favorite movies.
Ask What Matters?! is a Chamber member. To learn more about the business and services please
visit their website.
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Now more than ever, let's turn towards our community, buy from LGBTQ-owned businesses, and support those who need it most. Juan Arroyave,
Kikos Coffee Managing Partner, felt the impact of COVID-19 when cafes and shops began canceling coffee orders. In a quick pivot, Juan realized that even though cafes may be closed, the public still needs its coffee! Following strict food and health regulations, Juan began dropping off orders and offering same day signature coffee delivery to customers in the Greater Boston area.
Support an LGBTQ+ business and try Kikos 100% Colombian coffee today. Use promo code STAYSAFE for 14% off.
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Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston recently launched an initiative for LGBTQ+ and questioning children (ages 6–18) to be matched 1:1 with an LGBTQ+ adult mentor (21+). They are actively recruiting “Littles” and “Bigs” who live in the Greater Boston area (including Boston, Newton, Needham, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville.) Matches make a twice-a-month commitment to meet (for now, virtually) for at least a year! Ready to volunteer?
Click here! It only takes 5 minutes to begin the process of changing a life! For more information on volunteer recruitment, contact
tania@jbbbs.org
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