Happy Halloween and welcome to our October edition of the Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association newsletter! We're excited to bring you a selection of opportunities and events designed to inspire, educate, and connect. Inside this issue, you'll find exclusive information on upcoming events, details on grant opportunities that could support your business, and much more!

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN

TASTE OF ASIA PHOTO CONTEST 

Now that the Taste of Asia Photo Contest has concluded, we at MARA are delighted to present a special token of our appreciation! Each participating restaurant will receive two beautifully framed prints from the contest—a small thank you for helping us celebrate Asian culinary artistry. We will ensure these keepsakes are delivered to you in good time for display.

We are deeply grateful for your wonderful participation and the stunning dishes you shared through your lens. May your culinary wonders continue to inspire, and we truly hope to see your creations grace our next photo contest!

With warm thanks,
Your friends at MARA

 

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The Asian American Civic Association (AACA) is promoting the Work Ready English (WRE) program — a free 12-week initiative that helps participants strengthen their English skills while receiving personalized job placement support. The program is open to individuals with a U.S. Passport or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) who have work authorization. Designed to boost confidence and career readiness, WRE provides a supportive environment to help participants achieve stable employment. 

 

The Hourly Track Workforce Training Program, offered by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA), is a free, fully virtual upskilling program designed to help restaurant employees earn essential industry certifications.

 

Program Overview:
Participants complete a package of five required trainings:

ServSafe Alcohol

ServSafe Allergen

ServSafe Food Handler

ServSafe Unconscious Bias

Anti-Harassment Training (via Train321)

 

Format: 100% online, self-paced (about 11 total hours)

Completion Time: 90 days

Languages: English and Spanish

Eligibility: Employees must be 18+, authorized to work in the U.S., and selected by their employer

 

Employer Role:
Managers simply sign one form, have employees complete an e-form, and MRA handles enrollment, tracking, and certification delivery. Upon completion, employers must provide a 1% wage increase (about $0.15 for minimum wage employees) to recognize the upskilling.

 

Additional Info:
Enrollment is rolling, but more sign-ups and completions are needed to keep the program active. A Supervisor Track is also available (20 hours total), including ServSafe Manager, for lead or managerial staff.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives recently approved a measure in the supplemental budget to create a financial hardship waiver for businesses affected by Advance Sales Tax Payment penalties.

 

Since April 2021, businesses with over $150,000 in annual tax liability (such as meals tax) have been required to make advance tax payments. Many small businesses were unaware of this rule and are now facing retroactive penalties averaging $30,000, despite having no actual collection issues.

 

The new provision directs the Department of Revenue (DOR) to establish regulations allowing hardship waivers for these penalties, which were previously not permitted. The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote, and if approved, it will go to the Governor for signature.

 

For more information on Advance Sales tax payment click below: 

Businesses across Massachusetts are urging legislators to address skyrocketing credit card processing fees. Massachusetts is one of only two states that prohibit businesses from adding a convenience fee to help offset the cost of credit or debit card payments.

Restaurant owners also face fees on taxes and tips, further increasing financial strain. Although this policy has existed for years, the pandemic intensified the impact as more consumers rely on card payments. While a 2% fee may seem small to customers, it represents a significant expense for business owners when applied across all transactions.

 

Please join us by sending your state legislators a message letting them know that credit card fees are out of control!

Dear restaurant owners and business providers,

MARA is devoted to be the backbone of the Asian restaurant community and maintain a vibrant platform for Asian restaurants and business/service providers alike. We support our members with information on fund-sourcing, policy interpretation, networking opportunities and public advocacy, to name a few. In today's fast changing environment, MARA will be your ally, and you will never have to face challenges alone.

MARA has partnered with Potencia to offer affordable, one-on-one English tutoring sessions tailored for adult immigrants. These 10-week online programs provide personalized learning, real-life conversation practice, and flexible schedules. At just $5 per session ($50 for 10 sessions), participants receive 1-hour individual lessons with an additional discount available for MARA members.

 

Interested individuals can apply online below or text (617) 580-0176 for more details. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve English skills in a supportive, affordable environment!

Grant & Program Opportunities

(Rolling Deadline) Amber Grant - Women's Net gives away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, they've also expanded their grant-giving to include Marketing Grants, Business Category Grants, as well as two $25,000 Year End Grants.

 

(Rolling Deadline) Free LLC Formation for Moms - Zenbusiness is giving every mom in America the ability to start an LLC for free, plus the cost of your state fee.  

Founded in 2018, Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA) is a non-profit corpo­ration registered at Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It formed a partnership with Massachu­setts Restaurant Association (MRA) in 2020. MARA provides Asian restaurant businesses the resources and guidance needed to advance in the industry. MARA is a platform connecting Asian restaurant members with professional service providers as well as relevant governmental entities to enhance the communication collaboration and mutual benefits. Visit ma-ara.org to join or learn more.