Westfield chamber hopes for more small business relief in stimulus bill

Jan. 6, 2021 | Dennis Hackett
dennis@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD – With a second round of stimulus checks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is hoping they can provide more aid to smaller businesses that have been hard hit by the pandemic.

Chamber President Dino Gravanis said that he was hopeful this next round of stimulus checks focuses on smaller businesses.

“I’m very hopeful that this round will actually go to some of the smaller businesses. My understanding of this new stimulus round is it will go to the businesses that weren’t as lucky to receive a first round of checks. It’s focused more on industries including mom and pops and restaurants as opposed to all businesses,” he said.

During the first stimulus package, Gravanis said many of the chamber’s members did not receive the funding that larger businesses did.

“Some of the feedback that we received from our members and other businesses were that the first round of COVID stimulus checks went to some of the larger businesses that already had relationships with the banks,” he said.

Along with not receiving funding, Gravanis said some of the small businesses that did faced lengthy wait times and difficulties completing the application.

“We heard some stories that it was a little bit difficult for the smaller businesses to receive the stimulus funds that were available. There was a lot of paperwork, they weren’t getting as much help as they needed, so they were relying on other resources to fill out the applications. We heard some of the wait times were lengthy and by the time the applications were approved, some of the funds already dried up,” he said.

Gravanis said that small businesses were the hardest hit by the pandemic and need all the help they can get.

"I know restaurants and Main Street businesses have been hard hit and that’s where most of us get our goods and services from. Main Street businesses are the backbone of our society. At the end of the day the ones that suffer the most are the smaller independent businesses and they definitely need some help,” he said.

He added that the chamber is encouraging all businesses to apply for the grants available through the state.

“I believe the process begins on Dec. 31 and runs through Jan. 15, so we are definitely encouraging our members and businesses to apply for this round. It’s grant money so it’s money that won’t have to be repaid,” Gravanis said.

The grants in question are through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), which will target a portion of these funds to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship and a loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including restaurants, indoor recreation or entertainment establishments, gyms or fitness centers, personal services, event support companies and independent retailers.

Business can receive up to $75,000 but capped at up to three months of operating expenses, as evidenced by 2019 Federal Tax Returns. Grant amounts will be considered for actual expenses for 2020 during the pandemic. Expenses can be considered since March 10, 2020, given that it does not exceed three months of operating expenses evidenced by 2019 Federal Tax Returns.

Approved use of funds include payroll and benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations. Non-approved use of funds include major equipment purchases, purchase of real property, construction activities, business expansion, and lobbying. Also, grantees must prevent the duplication of benefits, which means these grant funds may not be used to pay expenses if another source of financial aid has paid that same expense.

Staff writer Amy Porter contributed to this report.

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