For the latest recommendations, directives and health information related to the COVID-19 outbreak please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Health and the Center of Disease Control
COVID-19 Economic Resources
For the Southern Worcester County EDO
This webpage was set up to be a one-stop-shop to access the latest material produced by CMRPC for the Southern Worcester County Economic Development Organization. We are working hard to keep you up to date on the latest, federal, state and local resources as they develop. Please also see our other COVID-19 resource pages below.
COVID-19 Response Components
Funds for Small Businesses
Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program
Funded by the Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and administered by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, this award is open to businesses in Southern Worcester County for up to $2,000 to cover business expenses related to COVID-19.
Applications have now closed, applicants will be notified shortly of the status of their application
Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 Microenterprise Assistance Program
CDBG-CV microenterprise assistance grant funding supports microenterprises that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 located in the 6 participating towns. Grants up to $10,000 are provided to qualified businesses to cover expenses to help offset losses and/or expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Build Business Support Resources
Adapting Downtowns to COVID-19
Currently all shared spaces grant application periods have PASSED - we will update this page if/ when any funding sources are renewed.
Planners and town officials can continue to use this page as a resource for ideas on improving social distancing and stimulating local economic activity in downtowns.
Social Media 101
Need help reaching out to your customers online? This guide will walk you through the basics of setting up and using key social media platforms like Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn.
Track Economic Trends
See a list of data sources that is useful for municipalities and local and regional organizations for understanding the effect of COVID-19 on local economies.
See Survey Results
Almost 200 businesses participated in surveys to understand the regional impacts of COVID-19.
Interactive Map of PPP Loans
This interactive map shows PPP Loans over $150,000 in Massachusetts. Zoom into your town to see where the largest federal PPP awards have been made.
Key Data Sources for Central Massachusetts
Contact Us
For questions or comments contact Kerrie Salwa from CMRPC who provided staff support for the Southern Worcester County Economic Development Organization. Kerrie Salwa can be reached via email at ksalwa@cmrpc.org.
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
One Mercantile Street, Suite 520
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone 508.756.7717 Fax 508.792.6818
Southern Worcester County EDO COVID-19 Resources
Sources - Icons from icons8.com Images from Upsplash and The Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation