Creating opportunities for people to live, work, & thrive on the Lower Cape |
|
Inside Scoop - November 2021 |
|
Bringing you the latest tools to help your business.
During this season of gratitude, we want to thank our funders and partners, especially, Mass Growth Capital Corporation, Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation Trust, Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, Rockland Trust, Santander Bank, SCORE Cape Cod, WE CAN and the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance. We also want to thank all the small business owners and entrepreneurs who utilized CDP's services, whether it was a QuickBooks help session, attending a workshop, or applying for financial assistance through small business loans and professional services grants. You are the reason we are here nurturing the launch and growth of small businesses, working towards our goal of creating a diverse year-round community of people who can afford to live, work and thrive here.
We have included resources to help you grow or stabilize and learn about topics important to your business.
November's Inside Scoop:
- Facebook - Maximize Your Results Without Spending Money on December 2nd
- Marketing-It's More Than Advertising on December 7th
- SEED Webinar-Building Your Small Business Website: 7 Key Elements to Enhance Your Business's Online Presence on December 2nd
- Creating a Covid-19 Vaccination Policy-what you need to know
- Resources for Veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs
- Update to MGCC Small Business Grant Programs
- SBA Supplemental Shuttered Venue Operators Grants
- SBA EIDL Enhancements
- SBA PPP Forgiveness Portal
- QuickBooks Help
- QuickBooks Online Workshop starts January 11th
- CDP Business Assistance staff is here to help - Make an appointment now
- SCORE Recorded Webinar: 2021 Year-End Tax Planning for Your Business
- Do you need a microloan?
- Cape Cod Businesses: COVID-19 Economic Impacts November 2021 Survey
As always, if there is a business topic that comes up for which you need more information or assistance, please email or call. CDP staff will help find resources to answer your questions.
Stay Safe & Well!
Pam & Tricia
|
|
Thursday, December 2
9:00am - 10:00 am
Building Your Small Business Website:
7 Key Elements to Enhance Your
Business's Online Presence
How effective is your business website? In this free, virtual workshop, participants will learn about designing and building a successful website for their small businesses. Robin Clapp of Web Design by Robin will cover the seven key elements of web design essential to the success of every small business with an online presence. All workshop attendees will be provided with the presentation to keep as a reference, as well as additional resources.
Please call (508) 822-1020 x318 or email with any questions.
|
|
Creating a Covid-19 Vaccination Policy-what you need to know
On November 2. 2021, Karyn H. Rhodes SHRM-SCP, SPHR, VP/Director Complete HR Solutions presented a timely workshop on the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 in the workplace, especially the question of vaccination policies in the workplace. Ms. Rhodes' workshop anticipated OSHA's announcement, two days later, of a new emergency temporary standard ("ETS") to protect more than 84 million workers from the spread of the coronavirus on the job. Under this ETS, covered employers must develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work. While the language of the ETS specifically states that it applies to employers with 100+ employees, Ms. Rhodes believes it will also apply to employers with fewer employees for the simple reason that all employers must provide a safe workplace, free from hazards on the job, and COVID-19 is a hazard. So, what should small business owners do?
Create and enforce a written COVID-19 policy – Written policies should specify to whom the policy applies (Ms. Rhodes recommends having it apply to all employees to avoid any confusion and/or allegations of disparate treatment), as well as the consequences for employees who fail to comply. Employers are recommended to:
-
Verify proof of vaccination and consider whether to keep a copy in a confidential file or indicate that proof has been verified.
-
Masks - Consider where and when masks will be required: whenever on premises; only indoors; only if in common spaces and/or unable to socially distance.
-
Visitors or contractors - if allowed on premises, what requirements will they be subjected to?
-
If there are Employees who are not fully vaccinated due to valid religious or medical exemptions, consider:
- Can you reasonably accommodate those Employees by allowing them to work at home or in a separate work space?
- Will you require testing for those Employees and, if so, how often?
- Will unvaccinated Employees be required to wear a mask at all times and be socially distanced (remember to consider if the employees can use the break room, communal bathrooms and other common spaces)?
Need a template to create a written COVID-19 policy? Ms. Rhodes suggested using the NY Hero Act as a template.
Create a travel policy specifying your safety rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated employees in accordance with the CDC guidelines. Determine if you will have any testing, mask or quarantine protocol upon return if travel is allowed.
Ms. Rhodes also reviewed the federal and state COVID-19 sick leave policies. The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, the federal policy allowing up to 80 hours of paid sick leave where employees were unable to work because of COVID-19 exposure or illness, expired on December 31, 2020. Massachusetts extended its COVID-19 Temporary Emergency Sick Leave Program through April 1, 2022 (or until the program runs out of money). This state program allows up to a total of 40 hours to be paid (cumulative, not per year). Ms. Rhodes noted that questions about who will pay for testing and the time spent for testing, if any, remain open questions.
Ms. Rhodes ended the presentation by noting the grim impact of COVID-19 on Employees’ mental health, with reports of depression and overdoses skyrocketing. In addition, this pandemic is disproportionately impacting women, whether due to having to leave the workforce to care for children who were home from school or the high-rate of female healthcare workers. Employers should consider if they can alter work schedules or offer remote work to address these challenges. Ms. Rhodes also stressed the benefit of Employee Assistance Plans in addressing these challenges.
|
|
Resources for Veterans Who Are Small Business
Owners and Entrepreneurs
In honor of Veterans Day and National Veterans Small Business Week earlier this month, we wish to highlight the business resources available to Veterans and their families:
Community Development Partnership stands ready to assist Veterans with their business needs, including Business Counseling (1:1 Support, QuickBooks Help, SCORE Mentoring and Workshops),as well as Small Business Loans and Professional Services Grants. Please contact Pam or Tricia today to discuss your specific business needs.
|
|
Two Grant Programs
for Small Business Owners
Prospective applicants need to directly partner with an organization from MGCC’s network of Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) providers who will serve as a sponsor to eligible small businesses.
The CDP is an approved SBTA provider and sponsor.
Please read more about both programs below and follow the links. If you determine that either of these programs is a fit for your business, please contact pam@capecdp.org or call 508-240-7873 x18.
|
|
Crowd Funding Matching Grant
MGCC is partnering with a crowdfunding platform, Patronicity, to assist low to moderate-income and underserved entrepreneurs, and small business owners with meeting capital needs of their business through matching grants. The objective of the BIZ-M-POWER grant is to provide entrepreneurs with new knowledge and skills for growing their business and advancing toward innovative approaches to obtaining capital through the earned support of local residents, neighborhoods, community members, and stakeholders alike by raising funding to match the amount requested in their grant application. Eligible MA-based small businesses that have been nominated by MGCC’s SBTA providers may be funded up to $20,000.
|
|
Digital Capacity Building Grant Program - Updated 11/15/21
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) launched its Grant Program for the Development of Digital Capabilities on June 15, 2021. With our support, this grant program can potentially provide funding (up to $5k) for tools and services to develop digital capabilities for your small business. MGCC will make these funds available for eligible businesses until funding is fully disbursed.
11/15/21 Update: MGCC previously required eligible small business applicants to pay 20% of their project costs and MGCC would cover 80% of their project costs UP TO $5,000. NOW, MGCC will cover up to $5,000 without requiring the 20% from the business owner. For those small business owners who already signed the grant application with the 80/20 split, please contact Pam.
|
|
Current SBA COVID Relief Programs |
|
The supplemental award period remains open, and SBA continues sending supplemental invitations to eligible SVOG awardees. Applicants can choose to apply for any amount up to 50% of their original SVOG amount, with a $10 million cap of the initial and supplemental awards combined, according to the law. The supplemental awards also allow SVOG recipients to extend the time to use their grant funds for expenses accrued through June 30, 2022 and lengthen their budget period to 18 months from the initial grant’s award date.
For additional information on SBA’s Economic Relief programs, visit COVID-19 relief options. Further, the SBA’s resource partners, including SCORE Mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, are available to provide entities with individual guidance on their applications.
|
|
-
The COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA increased the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
-
Additional funds for EIDL recipients. Recipients of EIDL funds can apply for an increase up to the amount the borrower qualifies or the $2,000,000 cap, whichever is lower. The amount of loan increase that you are eligible for is determined by the loan amount that you would be eligible for if you applied today minus the loan (including any increases) that you have already received. You may apply for an additional increase even if you have already applied for and received previous loan increase.
-
Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.
-
Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
-
Simplification of affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
To learn about eligibility and application requirements and how to apply, visit sba.gov/eidl. Applications must be received by December 31, 2021. All eligible applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program borrowers:
If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using our online portal. Follow the steps below.
-
Find out if your lender is participating.
-
Watch a video about how to use the portal.
-
Apply for forgiveness.
|
|
2021 Year-End Tax Planning for Your Business - Recorded Webinar
In the final quarter of this challenging year, there is still time to take actions that can favorably impact your bottom line and your tax bill for 2021.
These measures relate to your employees, your customers, your equipment, and your operations. They reflect big changes made by the American Rescue Plan Act and other legislation (including extension of the Paycheck Protection Program), as well IRS pronouncements.
Whether you work with a CPA or go it alone, learn which tax breaks apply to you and how to nail them down now before time runs out.
In this webinar you will learn:
- Year-end actions to reduce your 2021 tax bill
- Best business practices to avoid problems with the IRS
- Strategies for potential tax changes to come
- Necessary actions to get ready for 2022
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Barbara Weltman is a small business expert, prolific author and trusted advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurs. She also serves on the advisory board of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.
|
|
QuickBooks Help tailored to your needs!
Did you struggle putting your records together to give your accountant?
Do you use QuickBooks but need to learn how it can do a better job for you and provide you with the information you need when you need it?
CDP Staff offers QuickBooks help. Follow the link below and schedule an appointment to get your business on track.
|
|
QuickBooks Online Workshop
Begins January 11th
Join Crystal Mucci, owner of CRM Bookkeeping & Consulting and a SCORE Subject Matter Expert to learn how to correctly set up your QuickBooks Online and then how to navigate the program.
Topics include how to: write checks; collect money; estimate; invoice; track time; pay bills; make bank deposits; run reports; set up budgets; set up loans; buy and depreciate equipment; send out collections letters; turn estimates into invoices; memorize transactions and more. The final workshop will include a Q&A session, to address items that participants may need further work on.
This workshop is a good opportunity for:
- businesses who have never used QuickBooks Online to get an introduction to how it works
- to ask questions and better understand the record keeping process
- for those using QuickBooks Online and want some training or have questions.
This workshop is available to all levels, even if you are using another method or program, come see if QuickBooks Online is right for you.
This is a 3 session workshop, held via Zoom
- Tuesday, January 11th 10:00 - 11:30 AM
- Tuesday, January 18th 10:00 - 11:30 AM
- Tuesday, January 25th 10:00 - 11:30 AM
|
|
The CDP offers Individual Business Guidance in a number of ways.
How can we help your business?
|
|
Individual Business Guidance
Are you self-employed, a solopreneur or a small business owner, and live or work on the Lower Cape?
The CDP offers individual business guidance for all types of businesses.
What are your business needs?
|
|
Professional Services Grants Still Available for 2021.
Many businesses are finding the need to change their business model in these turbulent times. The CDP has Grant Funds available to help business owners hire specialized consultants to quickly implement these changes whether in technology, legal or marketing.
Make an appointment to learn more and to help stabilize or grow your business.
|
|
Individual Mentoring through SCORE
SCORE offers individual mentoring across the Cape. The CDP partners with SCORE to offer mentoring on the Lower Cape. Due to COVID19 all SCORE Mentoring Session are currently being help remotely. Please register with SCORE using the link below.
|
|
 |
Need a microloan?
The CDP has microloans up to $50,000 for small businesses on the Lower Cape. Visit our website for complete program details and eligibility requirements.
We are able to lend to businesses that have a limited credit history, are too new to obtain a bank loan or need help developing a business plan or cash flow projections. We even work with local banks offering loan packaging to potential applicants.
|
|
|
|
Cape Cod Commission and Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Launch Fourth Survey of COVID-19 Business Impacts
Continuing an economic impact discovery effort that began in the spring of 2020 following the onset of pandemic-related restrictions, the Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce have issued a fourth online survey to Cape Cod businesses and non-profits.
The first pair of surveys, conducted in the summer and fall of 2020, provided critical information on immediate impacts to the region’s business community and insight into the support necessary for businesses and organizations to adapt. A third survey, issued in January 2021, sought to better understand the impacts of the pandemic over the course of the year and included specific questions about how they were fairing in the off-season.
This fourth follow-up survey will evaluate the extended effects of the pandemic, including for the 2021 summer season and examining the impacts of vaccinations on the workforce. Results will reveal more about changes to operations, effects on revenue, impacts to the workforce, and both financial and non-financial needs.
Data collected will inform the Cape Cod Commission’s economic resiliency planning efforts, which includes development of a regional economic resilience plan to address identified needs, and direct technical assistance to businesses by the Cape Cod Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.
Survey data collected to date can be leveraged by businesses, towns, and other organizations in grant applications and reports, as it documents the initial impacts of the pandemic as well as those felt during Cape Cod’s peak summer season. Results of the first three surveys are available at www.datacapecod.com.
Responses are held confidentially, and results are reported out in aggregate. Business owners and non-profit leaders from throughout the region, including past survey participants, are encouraged to respond. The survey will be open through late November, with results expected to be published in December.
|
|
The CDP's small business and technical assistance programs are made possible by the following funders: |
|
Mass Growth Capital Corporation
Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation Trust
Rockland Trust
Santander Bank
|
|
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
