Ashland Business Scene

The Ashland Business Association (ABA), at the time of this writing in mid-March, is canceling or postponing some of its events, like many organizations, due to COVID-19. The ABA is taking this time to assess how it can help its members and the greater Ashland business community.
The organization is discussing holding virtual programs as well as lending an ear and helping members in any way possible. Members can call 508-656-0503 or email info@ashlandbusinessassociation.com with questions or suggestions. The board of directors will try to answer questions or direct members to someone who can help.
“We as a board will be working on meeting our members’ needs during this trying time,” Wendy Pyne, ABA president, said. “We hope that members will reach out to us.”
“While these are unprecedented times, we will all try to have each other’s back in some form or fashion to get through this period together,” Ken Erdelt, ABA board member, said. “This difficult time will pass, and while it is terribly confusing right now, we can be the voice of reason and calm. People are nervous and panicky right now, and while it is understandable, trying to maintain our dignity and respect for each other in our community is important and can make a big difference in helping us all get through this period.”
For more information on the ABA, visit https://ashlandbusinessassociation.com, or contact Membership Chair Denise Loiselle, dloiselle@needhambank.com, 508-259-5161.
Small Business Support
Economic Development Director Beth Reynolds issued an email on March 13 to the Ashland business community saying, “ . . . This is a very unsettling time and I know we all have many questions about what we should currently be doing and what the aftermath will look like as people are being urged to stay home. The affects this will have on our Ashland businesses is still in question, but I know that our community is strong and we will get through this together. I will continue to look for ways we can support you locally and through state resources.”
“The message today is that the MA Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Baker-Polito Administration are working closely with the U.S. SBA to activate the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program which would provide assistance to eligible businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. Affected small businesses and non-profits should download, complete, and submit the SBA EIDL Worksheet (https://lnkd.in/ewF7VBy) & Instructions to expedite activation of the EIDL program.”
“Completed forms can be submitted by email to Disaster.Recovery@mass.gov or by fax to (508) 820-1401. If you do fax the form, please include your email. Please note, this initial survey form is not a SBA loan application. When the EIDL program is activated, you will be contacted to apply directly to the SBA and this website will be updated with application details. For questions, please contact Disaster.Recovery@mass.gov.”
“EIDLs provide small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses until normal operations resume.”