A day after announcing new business restrictions aimed at preventing a post-Christmas boom of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Charlie Baker said restaurants, retailers and other small businesses hurt by the pandemic will be eligible for grants through a new $668 million small business relief fund operated by the state.
Baker said qualifying businesses will be eligible for grants of up to $75,000 or three-months of operating expenses to help pay for salaries, utilities, rent, debt or other expenses.
The money to pay for the program will come, in part, from the flexibility the new federal stimulus bill passed this week by Congress will give the state to reallocate existing resources. The governor urged President Donald Trump to sign the stimulus bill.
As Businesses Cope With Restrictions, State Offers $668 Mil Relief
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker at the DCU Center, in Worcester, Mass., as it gears up to be used as a COVID-19 field hospital, in this Dec. 3, 2020, file photo.
Nancy Lane/AP
A day after announcing new business restrictions aimed at preventing a post-Christmas boom of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Charlie Baker said restaurants, retailers and other small businesses hurt by the pandemic will be eligible for grants through a new $668 million small business relief fund operated by the state.
Baker said qualifying businesses will be eligible for grants of up to $75,000 or three-months of operating expenses to help pay for salaries, utilities, rent, debt or other expenses.
Gov. Baker announces $668 million relief program for small businesses affected by COVID-19 pandemic Share Updated: 3:44 PM EST Dec 23, 2020
Gov. Baker announces $668 million relief program for small businesses affected by COVID-19 pandemic Share Updated: 3:44 PM EST Dec 23, 2020
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Show Transcript congressional bill does contain critical funding. That will go a long way to supporting people here in Massachusetts, and there is certainly an urgent need for this help. But in addition to that, while we wait for the feds to close the deal, we re launching a $668 million small business relief fund. This money will go to restaurants, retailers and other businesses that have been hit hard by Covic. The program relies in part, I m President Trump signing the bill because it creates some flexibility with respect to how we can use federal funds. But regardless of whether he acts soon, the Commonwealth will begin awarding millions of dollars in n
Small business grants meet small fraction of demand in Mass.
Katie Lannan
BOSTON As Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday announced small business grants that would flow to more than 1,000 small businesses hit by the COVID-19 crisis, he encouraged people interested in seeing more aid to call their state lawmakers and urge them to pass measures that would help more companies in need of assistance.
The nearly $49 million in grants, administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, will go to businesses that are owned by people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities, Baker said.
Further breaking down the awards, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said 94 percent of the 1,158 businesses are minority-owned and 76 percent women-owned, with more than a third of recipients operating in gateway cities. Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said the grantees include 262 personal care providers, 217 restaurants and nearly 100 retailers.
Small biz grants meet small fraction of demand
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker AP PHOTO/CHARLES KRUPA
Published: 12/22/2020 9:17:55 AM
BOSTON – As Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday announced small business grants that would flow to more than 1,000 small businesses hit by the COVID-19 crisis, he encouraged people interested in seeing more aid to call their state lawmakers and urge them to pass measures that would help more companies in need of assistance.
The nearly $49 million in grants, administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, will go to businesses that are owned by people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities, Baker said.