The Five Minute Read
Accounting classes, support for small businesses
LOWELL — In addition to American Rescue Plan Act monies through the city of Lowell to help small businesses recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Entrepreneurship Center at Community Teamwork is launching a new program, Quickbooks for Small Businesses.
The program offers small businesses educational training and usage of the accounting software to enhance their ability to manage and grow their companies. The five-week class is offered in a hybrid format, and includes an introductory meeting on customization of Quickbooks. The course also requires a two-year, one-onone coaching and support commitment on implementing the accounting system into the company’s business model.
The first year is fully paid for by the E-center. The $600 training for the second year covers the cost of the annual Quickbooks subscription unless the business already has a subscription, in which case, the second year of coaching and support is free. Applications for the first program cohort close March 31.
“We recognized the strong need for small businesses in our community to develop their capacity for financial reporting, as this is often a barrier for their growth and financial stability,” Director Charles Smith said.
The Quickbooks Program for small businesses was made possible by a $10,000 Grant from The TD Bank Charitable Fund to support small businesses, with the strategic goal of supporting disadvantaged, minority and woman-owned businesses, specifically in Gateway Cities. For information, call 978-654-5731.
‘Degrowth and the Green New Deal’
Boston-based ecological organizer Andrew Ahern presents an overview on the concept of “degrowth: what it is, why it’s necessary and how to understand its impact” during an online class held Wednesday, March 15, at 4 p.m. To register for the free program, bit.ly/3jdlfjy. For information, call 978448-0299 or nrwa@nashuariverwatershed.org.
Black heritage trail presentation
Enjoy a virtual lunchtime lecture from the Boston African American National Historic Site with
“Explore the Black Heritage Trail,” Wednesday, March 15, at noon. The hourlong presentation led by National Park Ranger Shawn
Quigley takes viewers on a tour of the showcase residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on and near the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during and after the American Civil War. Registration is required at bit.
ly/42maujv. For information, call the Tewksbury Public Library, 978-6404490.
COVID-19 clinics
LOWELL — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to offer a $75 gift card in
March to people who get boosted or vaccinated at the following clinics in Lowell:
• Lowell General Hospital Saints Campus, 1 Hospital Drive, Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, March 18, Iglesia Pentecostes Camino
a la Victoria, 2 Merrimack St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, 465 School St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, March 31, Center for Hope and Healing, 15 Hurd St., from 3 to 7 p.m.
No ID or health insurance is required. To find additional clinics that are offering the $75 gift cards, visit mass.gov/getboosted. The gift card offer is only available at clinics on the Get Boosted webpage, while supplies last. For information, call 211 or 877-211-6277.