In the News

EASTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Congressman Richard Neal met with companies on Monday who received assistance from the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program.

Neal heard from four Easthampton companies who shared their stories of how they benefited from the program.

Companies like Rock Valley Tool, Riverside Industries, Nini's Ristorante, and Abandoned Building Brewery all received assistance made possible by the CARES Act.

"The CARES Act, which passed about four months ago, meant that 10,423 small businesses in central and western Massachusetts received aid...the avereage loan in this district, as a matter of fact, 80 percent of the loans in this district, were for under $150,000,"

Congressman Neal said five million businesses have taken advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program.

Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle talked about the importance of this program to the overall economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.