Centre/South
news & updates
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Outdoor Dining Plans Available from JP Centre/South Main Streets and JP Local First
Business Accounts Available From Wayfair
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JP Centre/South Main Streets and
JP Local First have partnered to provide design and technical assistance for businesses that need help applying for outdoor dining and seating. Several local volunteers have partnered with the design firm of make/do studio (
Samuel Maddox and
Braxton Tanner) to create varying plans to meet business needs. The plans are available for community use, free of charge.
We have also partnered with online merchant
Wayfair to provide business/professional accounts to local businesses, who need to secure furnishings for outdoor areas. Furnishings are available a la carte or to match the design plans from make/do studio.
Alternatives to jersey barriers
: if you are in need of jersey barriers for your outdoor seating, we may have alternatives for you to consider, with recommendations from the Boston Transportation Department. Jersey barriers are required for outdoor seating areas within parking lanes, and have been increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain.
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Phase 3 Step 1 in Boston starts July 13
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Businesses that are reopening in Step 1 of Phase 3 must follow specific guidance. Face coverings, social distancing, sanitization, and hygiene measures remain in place, in addition to updated gathering limitations.
The state is restricting crowds in indoor enclosed spaces to no more than eight people per 1,000 square feet, or 25 people overall; Outdoor spaces can have 100 people.
You can learn more on the state's website.
- Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues:
- Forty percent of individual theater or screening room capacity; For outdoor performances, singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments is discouraged.
- Museums, cultural and historical sites:
- Forty percent capacity; Consider using timed entry tickets/reservations and imposing time limits for visits to ensure compliance with occupancy limits.
- Guided tours:
- Fifty percent capacity for buses or other vehicle (such as a trolley, harbor cruise vessel, or duck boat;) Walking groups of no more than 10 peoples.
- Fitness centers and health clubs:
- Activities such as Weight and resistance training; Cross training; Yoga; Martial arts; Spin classes; Boot camp training; Forty percent capacity; Equipment and exercise areas are spaced out at least 14 feet apart; Distribute hand sanitizer and disposable wipes abundantly throughout the space for workers and customers to disinfect their hands and equipment before and after use.
- Certain indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact:
- Includes batting cages, driving ranges, bowling alleys, go karts, and rock-climbing facilities. Things like roller skating rinks, trampolines, obstacle courses and laser tag will open in part two; Forty percent capacity.
- Professional sports teams, under the authority of league-wide rules, may hold games.
- No fans.
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Temporary Policy for Retail Extensions to Sidewalks
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Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the City of Boston will temporarily allow retail businesses in neighborhood commercial districts to place a moveable table onto the public sidewalk for the purpose of facilitating outdoor transactions.
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Private Outdoor Fitness Classes are allowed in City-owned parks.
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The City of Boston will now allow private fitness classes on City-owned parks. These are non-precedent setting activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Paycheck Protection Program has reopened - FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE
Click here to learn more OR contact your local SBA-approved lender. There are also several online programs that can facilitate a PPP loan. Please NOTE that you will need to apply for
LOAN FORGIVENESS after you receive your loan in order to forgive the payroll and rent amounts.
BE AWARE OF SCAMS! SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or Disaster loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud. You can see a list of
potential frauds and scams here.
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Other funds that are still available ...
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The Runway Project Boston is an organization that provides financing for
African-American entrepreneurs with microloans of up to 20k. The Runway Project has launched in Boston through a partnership with Berkshire Bank.
Loans have 5-yr terms, 4% interest, 2 yrs of interest-only payments and do not consider your credit score. Once you receive a loan from you you also receive 5 years of 1-on-1 business advising.
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Federal and MA State Tax Deadline is July 15
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IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said in a news release that "the IRS understands that those affected by the coronavirus may not be able to pay their balances in full by July 15, but we have many payment options to help taxpayers."
As part of the IRS' "
The People First Initiative," the federal agency is offering a variety of relief options to taxpayers experiencing hardships related to the COVID-19 crisis.
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Scholarships available for Retail Boot Camp
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Center for Women + Enterprise is looking for retail business owners for their Retail Bootcamp Class starting July 13. This class will teach business owners how to install the systems (sales, ops, marketing) that they need to be successful. The class is free (grant funded) and focused on minority business owners in Boston's neighborhoods.
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Tech Goes Home for Small Business
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Tech Goes Home strives to ensure that all residents of the City of Boston are equipped with the tools, training, and access to support 21st -century skill development. This class is for Small Business Owners, specifically very early stage entrepreneurs and those interested in starting a small business.
Click here to learn more and register.
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The class will run via Zoom Webinar from August 11 to September 17th, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00--5:30p.
Applications will be reviewed until the class is full. Selected applicants will be notified by July 27.
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JP Business and Professional Association Seeks Members and Membership Renewal
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The purpose of JP BAPA is to assist in the promotion, improvement and growth of the "Centre Street/South Street" commercial district of Jamaica Plain. Members receive networking and mentorship opportunities, as well as a voice in community projects, issues, and concerns.
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The format will be virtual with a presentation by the design team with a question and answer session afterward. Franklin Park is Boston’s largest open space, a welcoming place for all Boston residents. It’s vital that this action plan reflects the voices of the communities that the park serves.
Community Workshop #2 - Franklin Park Action Plan
Date: Tuesday, July 14
Time: 12:00 pm or 6:30 pm (the same information will be shared at both meetings)
OR Call in: +1 646 558 8656 | Webinar ID: 865 7279 6032 | Password: 773401
OR Call in: +1 646 558 8656 | Webinar ID: 868 6847 5992 | Password: 374068
Questions about meeting accessibility and language interpretation? Would you like to submit comments via email or phone? Contact Lauren Bryant, Project Manager, lauren.bryant@boston.gov or 617-961-3019.
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The Footlight Club Summer Nights Cabaret via Zoom
Sunday, July 12, 1pm. Ticket prices are $5.00 and are
on sale now. Your ticket purchase helps to keep the Footlight Club running even though our doors are temporarily closed.
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JP Movie Night Drive-In Experience Rescheduled
to July 18
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Mattapan Square Main Streets seeking Executive Director
Mattapan Square Main Street Inc. (MSMS) is a volunteer-driven, community-based organization working to attract and enhance public and private investments in the commercial district and foster community spirit and collaboration in Mattapan, Boston's cultural gateway. We are seeking a dynamic and creative leader with a strong work ethic, proven leadership, and community-building skills, combined with effective communication and organization for the Executive Director position.
See job listing here.
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JP Centre/South Main Streets seeks Summer Youth Employee, through BCYF Youth Employment Program
We are seeking a youth employee for the summer, who can assist with our marketing efforts during reopening. This will be a great chance to contribute to the Jamaica Plain small business community and learn skills that can be widely adapted.
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