Economic Development

City of Methuen Economic Development Committee Meeting Date: July 20, 2020 5:30 PM Via Zoom Conference 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL ○ Meeting called to order by Councilor Zeigler, 5:30 PM ○ Councilor Finocchiaro present, Councilor Zeigler present, Councilor Dizoglio present, Director Buckley absent 2. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA ○ Motion to accept agenda by Councilor Dizoglio, seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro. All present. 3. UPDATE ON ESTABLISHING A SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM UTILIZING CDBG FUNDING ○ Councilor Zeigler states Methuen was awarded opportunity for this small business grant. Grant is for $400,000. Parameters for grant are very restrictive in regards to the definition of a small business ○ Councilor Zeigler states Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce has offered to work with the EDC to provide technical assistance for dispersing these grants ○ Councilor Finocchiaro stresses importance of getting familiar with requirements for this grant. Recommends additional assistance in helping small businesses accessing this grant ○ Councilor Dizoglio agrees with help from Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, encourages collaboration between departments ○ Councilor Zeigler says meetings with the MVCC will be coordinated within the next couple of weeks 4. UPDATE ON THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY LISTING PROJECT ○ Councilor Zeigler states 1680 businesses in Methuen have been confirmed so far, next step will be reaching out to businesses to see if  they would like to be included in a city directory and/or business listing 5. DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING WEBINARS/WORKSHOPS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES ○ Councilor Zeigler states that webinars/workshops will roll out once coordination with Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce takes place. ○ Councilor Zeigler states deadline for Paycheck Protection Program is now August 8. Northeastern Massachusetts Chapter of Score holding webinar on July 28 to assist with applying to PPP loans 6. ADJOURN ○ Motion to adjourn by Councilor Zeigler ○ Motioned by Councilor Dizoglio, seconded by Councilor Finocchiaro ○ All in favor, meeting adjourned 5:50 PM