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Business Support Resources Businesses throughout Salem, especially small businesses, have been impacted by the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The following is a list of resources to support your business. We will add resources as we become aware of them. If you would like to share information about a resource that is not listed, please contact Kate Newhall- Smith at [EMAIL REDACTED]. To access the information, click on the name of the resource. Local Creative Collective Creative Collective is a business program designed to provide opportunities, connections, marketing, collaborations, resources and support for the creative industries. The Collective has worked to narrow down the search and information parameters for the current issues surrounding the COVID-19 as it pertains to the creative industries and arts and culture sectors. Destination Salem Destination Salem is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations. Destination Salem is compiling detailed information about Salem’s preparedness for COVID-19, business closures, ways to shop online and in person, and restaurants offering take-out or delivery options. Salem Chamber of Commerce The Salem Chamber serves as the voice for member businesses, representing, advocating and working to enhance the business and civic environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber is serving as a repository for information regarding businesses, which ones are open and how to support all of Salem’s businesses. Salem Main Streets Salem Main Streets' mission is the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business retention, recruitment, and promotion of the downtown district. SMS is with its partners in Salem to do everything it can to provide a one-stop overview of resources that exist to support the downtown business community during this time. ---PAGE BREAK--- Regional Center for Women and Enterprise – Eastern Massachusetts (CWE) The CWE provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women in business to increase professional success, personal growth, and financial independence. The Center has compiled a list of funding opportunities and questions a business owner can go through to determine the best resources to pursue. The Enterprise Center The Enterprise Center is staying informed of the latest news regarding the COVID-19 Virus and monitoring available information from federal, state and other sources. It is also coordinating with the North Shore Alliance and, to the extent possible, mirroring their preventive measures to help stop the spread of this virus. North East Massachusetts SCORE A mentor network that provides one-on-one business counseling, online workshops, webinars, and business support. The North Shore Alliance for Economic Development The North Shore Alliance for Economic Development (Alliance) is staying informed of the latest news regarding the COVID-19 Virus and monitoring available information from federal, state and other sources. It is also coordinating with the Enterprise Center and, to the extent possible, mirroring their preventive measures to help stop the spread of this virus. North Shore Workforce Board The NSWB is currently expanding its distance-learning capacity for career coaching and job search services in an effort to best serve its job seeker and business customers during this challenging time. Small Business Development Center – Northeast Region (SBDC) SBDC advisors can assist businesses with disaster loan applications. The SBDC offers free, confidential one-to-one business assistance, and fee or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing businesses in Massachusetts. State Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) MEMA ensures the state is prepared to withstand, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters. Its website contains up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) MassMep, is part of a national network formed to offer supply chain solutions to manufacturers disrupted by efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus. Pro Bono Legal Advice A coalition of law firms, non-profits and governmental agencies in Massachusetts have joined forces to help businesses and non-profits in the greater Boston area access emergency loans and other sources of relief. Rapid Response Layoff Aversion, Department of Career Assistance For workforce assistance. Rapid Response tries to identify the exact needs of a company in crisis. Once the needs are assessed then the team tries to help the company establish partnerships with other ---PAGE BREAK--- organizations and build networks to help them try and acquire those needs meant to reduce the possibility of layoffs or a plant closure. Unemployment Assistance, Department of Unemployment Assistance To assist individuals who cannot work due to the impact of COVID-19, the Baker-Polito administration has filed emergency legislation and emergency regulations that allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment if their workplace is shut down. These slides explain how to apply in Spanish. WorkShare Program, Department of Unemployment Assistance For workforce assistance. The WorkShare program is an alternative for employers faced with a cut in workforce. Employers can divide available work between affected employees instead of laying off workers. It allows employees to receive a part of their unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while working reduced hours.