Businesses across the City of Worcester, especially small businesses, have been impacted by the effects of the Coronavirus pandemmic. To help lessen the strain, businesses can take advantage of a variety of local, state and federal assistance programs and grants.
If you are an employer in Central Massachusetts and have an immediate need to fill critical positions, the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board can connect you with those looking for employment.
State Announces 9:30 PM Curfew on Alcohol Sales; Insurance Relief for Sec. 12 Establishments Closed During the Pandemic
For more information, please refer to the November 6, 2020 ABCC Advisory.
Worcester Maintains 6 Person Table Limit and Prohibits Bar Seating at Restaurants
The City Manager issued an executive order maintaining the current standard of allowing no more than 6 people to dine at a restaurant table and prohibiting bar seating in restaurants. This executive order will remain in effect until such time that the City moves from a red to a yellow state designation.
Find helpful tips on how you can promote your business and make the most of your business reopening!
*Download and print out these helpful signs for your business!
*Speacial thanks to the World Smile Foundation and the Family of Harvey Ball for allowing use of the original Harvey Ball Smiley Face.
Pursuant to the Governor's June 2, 2020 Order and the City Manager's June 3, 2020 Executive Order, the City of Worcester is accepting applications for the temporary extension of restaurants to provide for outdoor table service. Once reviewed and approved by the Worcester License Commission, restaurants will be able to offer expanded outdoor dining options under Phase II of the Commonwealth's re-opening plan. This expedited application process will significantly decrease the timeframe for extending existing restaurants into outdoor spaces, and additionally offer expanded opportunities for outdoor dining.
To facilitate the expedited application process, the Worcester License Commission is scheduling additional meetings to review and process applications under the City's temporary outdoor dining program.
There is no fee to apply for a temporary outdoor dining extension:
For more information, email OutdoorDining@worcesterma.gov (preferred) or call 508-799-1400 x31440.
Numerous Federal, State and Local programs and policy changes have been introduced to provide small business assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reach the City's Economic Development Office staff, email development@worcesterma.gov
The City of Worcester (City) has established the COVID-19 Small Business Resiliency Grant to assist in the stabilization of existing small businesses within the City of Worcester that have had significant business disruption due to the impact of COVID-19. These grant funds will assist small business in the City of Worcester to cover wages, rent, loss of inventory, and other fixed costs. Grants are capped at $5,000 per business.
*NOTE: The second round of applications closed on Wednesday, May 6:
The City's grant staff speak Spanish, Vietnamese, Albanian and Portuguese. The City also has access to translation assistance for additional languages. Please email a request for assistance to development@worcesterma.gov.
The City of Worcester is suspending until further notice all Microloan payments due to the City for small businesses within the City of Worcester that have participated in our microloan program.
The CARES Act established several new temporary SBA programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak:
The Baker-Polito Administration announced state tax relief to support businesses. This tax relief includes postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax and room occupancy taxes that would be due in March, April and May so that they will instead be due on June 20. 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.
