By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Northborough – Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce President Karen Chapman addressed the Board of Selectmen at their April 27 meeting to discuss funding resources available to small businesses who may be struggling as a result of COVID-19.
“These are unusual times and it has been very important for me to stay in communication with your town leaders and it’s really important for us to continue to communicate to the business community at large all the financing that’s available for them,” Chapman stated.
“The small business community has taken a huge hit,” she added. “We as a chamber have constantly been communicating to our members through the channels that we have through our mail marketing and social media about what we can do to support them and a lot of that has been about the financing relief programs.”
She referenced the federal Payroll Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, noting that both have been depleted quite quickly.
“The money is going to be gone quickly so we are continuing to work with Congress,” Chapman assured the board.
She urged everyone to lend their voice of support by contacting legislators to let them know more funding is needed for their small business members.
“They are getting hit hard and they are not able to get all the money that is available to them and we are going to continue to rally for that support,” she noted.
The chamber has been able to offer free webinars to those who want to learn about the programs available and they will continue to disseminate information to the community. Other programs offer guidance on how to run a business through a pandemic and managing stress and anxiety.
“If you are not a member of the chamber currently, it is $20 to participate in any program,” Chapman said. “If you want information and to get on our emailing list I invite any business in the community to contact us….We are here to support any business whether you are a member of the chamber or not at this time.”
She announced a social media campaign called “Northborough Business Strong” that is in the process of being rolled-out.
The board was very appreciative of all the efforts made by the chamber.
Selectman Tim Kaelin said that if you have the ability to buy things, to get take-out, purchase gift cards and to tip, please do so.
“The most important thing to these small businesses is cash,” he said.
For more information about the Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce, visit www.corridornine.org.
