In an effort to support small businesses being able to open and operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of North Andover is now offering Free "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Starter Kits" to small businesses based in North Andover. Funding for the effort was provided by the Merrimack Valley Business Resiliency and Recovery Fund, managed by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). This fund, which was created as a result of the Columbia Gas disaster, works to support a comprehensive set of strategies to support individual business success and the long-term resiliency of the small business ecosystem, which extends to alignment and broad collaboration across the region.

The kits contain:

• 300 disposable face masks; 3-ply with ear loops (six boxes of 50 masks)

• 12 (twelve) 12 oz bottles of hand sanitizer

  • Bottles do not contain pumps. Businesses must have their own dispensers

Each business may obtain one (1) kit. Quantities are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to receive a PPE Starter Kit, a business must be:

• Based in North Andover with a "bricks and mortar" physical presence

  • Home-based State-licensed child care businesses are eligible. Other home-based businesses that require frequent interaction with members of the public will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Have 30 or less full-time equivalent employees

How to Pick Up Your PPE Starter Kit

To pick up your free PPE Starter Kit, contact Andrew Shapiro at: 978-771-2658 or ashapiro@northandoverma.gov.