Operation and Services Update from the MassHire South Shore Workforce Team

Update 3/28/2020

Although the MassHire South Shore Career Centers and Workforce Board facilities in Quincy and Plymouth are closed to the public until further notice our staff remain available remotely to assist businesses and job seekers.  The availability of local, state and federal resources and services are continuously changing.  To obtain the latest information and announcements please visit our organization websites at www.masshiresouthshorecc.com or www.masshiresouthshorewb.com.

If you wish to talk with a staff member you may leave a message at (617) 745-4000 and a member of the MassHire South Shore Workforce Team will return your call.

To stay up to date on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidance and response regarding COVID-19 visit www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.

Immediate assistance on Health and Social/Community Service needs can be obtained by calling the United Way Mass 211 help line at 2-1-1.

General Announcements and Resource Links

Jobseeker and Unemployment Information:

Business Services and Resources:

The MassHire South Shore Business Engagement Team remains available to assist businesses and their hiring needs. Please visit the following link to find a list of services and contact information to receive assistance. https://www.masshiresouthshorecc.com/employers/

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is providing a variety of resources and services to assist businesses during this difficult time. In addition to the list below please visit the following link for a complete and updated list of resources: www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses. 

  • $10M Small Business Recovery Fund Announced by Governor Baker
    The program is currently closed as a result of the high demand. Visit the Mass Growth Capital Corporations (MGCC) website for additional programs and services as they become available: www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.
  • Small Business Administration’s Economic Disaster Loan Program
    Massachusetts small businesses can now access and apply for Economic Impact Disaster Loans at www.sba.gov/disaster.
    The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established a toll-free line to answer questions at 1-800-659-2955.
  • Express Bridge Loan Program to Bridge Long-Term Financing:
    The Small Business Administration is offering an Express Bridge Loan Program to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This program authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses who have applied for and await long-term financing (including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program).
    Small businesses who are already working with an SBA Express Lender may be eligible to apply to this streamlined program. Read general information about this program here; guidance is available here.
    Interested businesses can use the SBA’s Lender Match Tool to find an Express Bridge Loan Lender and apply.
  • The Baker-Polito Administration announced administrative tax relief measures for small local businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. The collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes that would be due in March, April and May are now due on June 20, 2020. Additionally, all penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived.Businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and business that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief with respect to room occupancy taxes.The Department of Revenue is currently drafting emergency regulations to implement these administrative relief measures, and they are expected to be finalized before Friday, March 20, 2020.
  • Non-Essential Services Business Closure Order
  • Governor Baker issued an Emergency Order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public until noon on Tuesday, April 7th. These businesses are encouraged to continue operating through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order.
    Businesses that are NOT covered under this “COVID-19 Essential Services” guidance can submit an online request to be designated as essential for the purposes of the Emergency Order.
    A FAQ responding to questions submitted to EOHED is posted on the EOHED web page. FAQs for Businesses Live on EOHED Website