COVID-19: Resources for businesses
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The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has compiled updates and guidance for businesses and job seekers in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and things are changing daily. We are committed to helping businesses, employers, and employees during this situation. We would like to learn more about how your business is being impacted and how we can support you:
Receive free daily text messages with updates and information regarding COVID-19.
Text BOSCOVID to phone #888-777 to opt-in. We also have text alerts in 10 other languages.
Reopening information sessions
Info sessions| Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 26 | 11 a.m. |
How to build a virtual business (Appointment scheduling, contactless payment, etc.) |
| Wednesday, May 27 | 2 p.m. | Legal Overview |
| Thursday, May 28 | 2 p.m. | Utilizing online platforms |
| Friday, May 29 | 1 p.m. |
(Will include how to plan with PPP funds) |
| Friday, May 29 | 3 p.m. | Healthy Spaces |
Food Service Businesses
You should be operating through takeout and delivery ONLY as of March 24.
City of Boston resources for restaurants and bars- Guidance on sale of groceries at restaurants
- Support Boston's open restaurants
- Licensing Board Advisory
- Inspectional Services restaurant guidelines
- Licensing Board Advisory - wine and malt beverage takeout/delivery
-
No establishment may serve food or alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption.
- Establishments may only serve patrons food, wine, and beer via takeout and delivery. Any restriction or regulation prohibiting takeout is temporarily lifted.
- No restaurant (with or without an alcoholic beverages license), bar, club, private club, social club, or entertainment venue may at any time allow more than ten (10) people in the licensed premise, including staff.
- Establishments must abide by the Centers for Disease Control's social distancing policies.
- Beer gardens are closed until this public health crisis is over.
We created a guidebook to serve as a resource amidst COVID-19 disruptions to business. The City of Boston is not a party to any agreement or contract that may result from the use of this guidebook. By downloading this guidebook, you agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and assume the defense of the City, its officers, agents or employees, with counsel acceptable to City, which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld, from all liabilities, suits, claims, losses, and costs or any other damages against them or any of them arising from any act or omission of the signatories of the agreement.
If you agree with these terms, download the guidebook.
The City has created temporary takeout pickup zones - get one today!
Delivery Employee Template for EmployersWe created a template that may be used only as an example of an agreement for the conversion of job duties. The City of Boston is not a party to any agreement or contract that may result from the use of this template. By downloading this template, you agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and assume the defense of the City, its officers, agents or employees, with counsel acceptable to City, which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld, from all liabilities, suits, claims, losses, and costs or any other damages against them or any of them arising from any act or omission of the signatories of the agreement.
If you agree with these terms, download the template.
Have questions? Please complete our takeout support form:
Recordings
RecordingsSeeking clarity
Review Governor Baker's Reopening Massachusetts Plan
Neighborhood Business Managers and staff can help.
Review CDC Guidelines for businesses and employers.
Find and support Boston's essential businesses that remain open.
Warning on scams
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is aware of potential scams on small business owners during this unprecedented time. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. To learn more, please visit the SBA website.
Additional Assistance Programs
Additional Help- City of Boston Artist Relief Fund
- Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston
- Lawyers for Civil Rights - Legal Support
- Boston Foundation COVID-19
- Chicken & Rice Guys: Tips for Handling a Crisis
- Commonwealth Kitchen food business resource guide
- Boston Public Health Commission
- City of Boston coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission
- Economic Injury Disaster Fund
- Mass Growth Capital - COVID Relief Fund
- Mass Dept Unemployment COVID-19 measures
- Division of Insurance
- Boston Federal Reserve: Market Mutual Liquidity Fund
- Attorney General’s Office Resources
- National Grid COVID-19 Response
- Eversource COVID-19 Response
- Massachusetts Business Taxpayer Information
- US Chamber of Commerce: Emergency Loans - Small Business Guide and Checklist
- Centers for Disease Control guidance for businesses
- Small Business Association Disaster Loan
- USBG National Charity Foundation
- CORE: Restaurant employee help
- ICSC retailer updates guide
- National Main Streets COVID-19 resources
- Disaster Unemployment Insurance
- IRS Tax Information: Tax Day is now July 15 (You STILL need to file by or file an extension by April 15)