As the COVID-19 outbreak affects many aspects of life, small businesses are among those taking a hard economic hit. During an April 24 interview, Director of Community and Economic Development Chris Ryan outlined the resources Harvard has provided and the steps he plans to take to assist these local businesses.
Ryan has compiled a list of publicly accessible information regarding economic resources for small businesses. Found at https://www.harvard.ma.us/economic-development/pages/coronavirus-economic-assistance, the list is regularly updated as new information becomes available. According to Ryan, he has added information as requested by feedback and surveys, and he invites people to contact him with requests for further information. He noted that the page has been copied by the town of Littleton, which evidently has also found it helpful.
The page’s top heading provides a link to further information about the federal Paycheck Protection Program’s small business loans and a link to the federal application portal. In addition, the page provides links to many other resources for business assistance, such as the 495/Metrowest Partnership, state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, and the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce. It also includes sector-specific resources, especially for agriculture.
On April 23, Ryan organized the first Zoom meeting of an informal economic activity response team. According to Ryan, the group included owners of prominent local businesses, members of the Planning Board, and former members of the now-disbanded Economic Development Analysis Team. Although he did not share the identities of the informal group’s members, he described them as “a really amazing group of people.” Ryan hopes to formalize the group, which could provide a clear line of communication between local businesses, local government, and knowledgeable citizens.
The biggest need? Help with paperwork
According to Ryan, one of the top requests made by the business owners was assistance in understanding and filling out the paperwork necessary for government assistance. Accordingly, Ryan said he would be willing to personally assist any business that requested such aid.
Ryan also hopes to draw inspiration from a grassroots initiative in the town of Waltham: the Waltham Mutual Aid Network. This network allows people and small businesses to make requests for specific aid, and it tries to connect them with people and businesses that are willing and able to assist. The network is organized using Facebook, Google Docs, email, and its own webpage. Its Facebook group currently has more than 650 members.
Harvard does not currently have a network, but Ryan hopes to change that. While no specific plans have been made, he said he hopes to find and partner with someone who possesses the tech-savvy necessary to begin organizing such a network in Harvard.
