Small Business

The impact of the efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus hit hard and fast in the Central Massachusetts economy.

Gov. Baker on Monday outlined a stay-at-home advisory and also ordered all non-essential businesses to close their physical operations to workers and customers, taking a step he has resisted for days as other states like New York have implemented similar measures.

The $10-million fund set up Monday by the Gov. Charlie Baker Administration to provide relief to small businesses impacted by the coronavirus was open for three days.

The Gov. Charlie Baker Administration announced on Wednesday measures to provide small tax relief focused on the hospitality sector, as dining rooms and gatherings of 25+ people have been banned in an effort to stem the impact of the coronavirus.

Renee Diaz, the business's owner and founder, said she reduced her 25-employee staff down to herself and four employees.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Central Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the coronavirus.

To inquire about a loan, contact Sandie Cataldo at scataldo@northcentralmass.com or Brendan Hannen at bhannen@northcentralmass.com.

To keep businesses and all WBJ's readers informed on this important issue, WBJ has moved all of its stories in front of its paywall. Readers can read all coronavirus stories without restriction.

A large undeveloped parcel of land has gone on the market in Marlborough, a rare opportunity in an already heavily developed city. News Editor Grant Welker joins co-hosts Brad Kane & Hank Stolz on The Weekly Business Report to discuss the economic development potential for both the city and the real estate market.

A pair of Central Massachusetts lenders won top state honors from the U.S. Small Business Association.