Stay Connected
Stay Informed
With Union Square Main Streets
Are you a business in Union Square? Do you receive our “Union Square Business Leader” emails? If not, let us know.
With the City of Somerville
Visit the City’s Novel Coronavirus Resources for Businesses as your centralized point of access to resources, information, and support in this difficult time. (To avoid duplication, USMS will use this page to highlight resources not captured on the City’s page)
Be sure you subscribe to:
1. The City’s Business E-Newsletter
2. City Alerts. View previous newsletters here.
3. NEW: Calendar of COVID webinars, online trainings, and virtual events including Business Town Halls
Join City hosted virtual town halls for business owners to ask questions and share concerns Thursdays at 3pm.
Reunion de Negocios e Linea • La Ciudad de Somerville invita a negocios, empresarios, y trabajadores a conversar con el equipo de Desarrollo.
Para mas información en Español sobre todos los recursos disponibles para los pequeños negocios en Somerville, por favor contacte a Daniela Carrillo de la Oficina de Economic Development en dcarrillo@somervillema.gov.
También puede contactarnos al (617) 625 6600 ext. 2546.Para obter uma cópia deste panfleto em Português, entrar em contato com 617-666-3311 ou por e-mail SomerVivaPort@SomervilleMA.gov.
Pou yon kopi infòmasyon sa an Kreyòl Ayisyen, tanpri rele 617-666-3311 oubyen voye on email nan SomerViv@SomervilleMA.gov.
The most current information about COVID-19 in Somerville is posted on the City of Somerville’s Novel Coronavirus Preparedness and Information website.
With the State
Gov. Baker announced "stay-at-home" policies that state any non-essential business "are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order."
The Governor's office has advised that if the function of a given business is not listed on the "essential services" list, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an essential business.
Mass.gov is regularly updating its COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses page.
National Restaurant Association’s Restaurants Act is a grassroots website for the restaurant industry, including information for restaurants, employees, customers, and industry partners.
With National Agencies (more resources below)
SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus
U.S. Chamber Resources with the most up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
Resources for You and Your Employees
Mental Health Resources provided by Centering Healthcare
Somerville Support Now provided by Looking Glass Counseling
Industry-Specific Resources
Emergency Funds for Boston-Area Service Workers
Bartender and Barback Emergency Assistance Fund
The Greg Hill Foundation Restaurant Strong Fund
The Boston Music Maker Relief Fund
Camberville Hospitality Workers Fund Brought to you by Union Square’s very own Naomi Levy of Variety Bar!
Establish or Bolster Your Online Offerings
Hosting a virtual experience out of Union Square? Share details with us here so we can help promote. (Never a cost)
USMS is working with Katerina Liakos who can support you in a number of areas if you are open for delivery/pick up or are thinking about it:
Cost Benefit Analysis
what is actually profitable?
labor/ staffing considerations
projecting profit margins
adjusting business hours
Creating a Marketable Menu
optimizing your existing supply chain
what items have the highest demand as take-out dishes?
what type of prep is necessary?
graphic design
Support Transition to Delivery/Take-Out Platforms
Marketing Strategies
Looking to establish or build out your e-commerce capabilities but not sure what it will take? Union Square's very own Truly Good Design is offering free consultations. Contact Andy Pyman to learn more.