Massachusetts Business and Commerce Grants

City of New Bedford Enhanced Facade Improvement Program in Massachusetts offers a Facade Grant to owners and tenants of commercial properties to enhance or restore the original character of their buildings. The program aims to facilitate commercial revitalization, stimulate private investment, preserve and beautify New Bedford’s Commercial Districts, and create a pleasant walking environment. The objective is to assist in substantially beautifying the entire facade or elevation of a commercial building while promoting retail activities, encouraging neighborhood character and architectural design, and using quality materials with good design concepts. Applications prepared by tenants must be signed and submitted by the building owner.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities in Massachusetts and Indiana to help businesses access training and assistance for securing government contracts.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

This funding opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations in Worcester to develop projects that address the opioid overdose crisis through prevention, harm reduction, treatment access, and recovery support, with a focus on underserved populations.

The Chelsea Neighborhood Market & Food Business Grant Program aims to bolster the local food economy in Chelsea, MA, in response to increased food insecurity and economic turbulence exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the program provides $100,000 over three years to support Chelsea residents who are first-time entrepreneurs and food business owners interested in becoming vendors at Chelsea Neighborhood Market. The market, intended to create entrepreneurial opportunities and expand food retail options, will be located near residential areas and accessible by public transport. Eligibility is determined based on residency in Chelsea, operation or intention to operate a Chelsea-based food business, and a commitment to being a market vendor for at least three months. APPLY BY APRIL 9, 2024 FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON A ROLLING BASIS UNTIL FUNDING IS EXPENDED.

This grant provides funding for innovative arts and culture projects that address community challenges and enhance the vibrancy of New Bedford, Massachusetts, benefiting its residents, visitors, and businesses.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that partner with startups to advance and scale innovative clean energy technologies in Massachusetts, helping them navigate challenges to achieve commercial success.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This grant provides financial assistance to new, small, for-profit businesses in Cambridge that have recently signed a commercial lease, helping them cover their initial rent costs to support local economic recovery.

This grant provides funding to state agricultural agencies and their partners to explore new market opportunities and improve marketing systems for U.S. food and agricultural products, benefiting multiple producers and agribusinesses.

This program provides funding to support projects that improve the lives of low- to moderate-income residents in Brookline through affordable housing, public services, and community development initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations that serve the residents of Marlborough, Massachusetts, focusing on economic growth, quality of life improvements, and youth initiatives.

This grant provides financial and technical support to organizations in Massachusetts focused on protecting farmland, improving access to it, and enhancing farm viability, particularly for historically underserved farmers.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits focused on community development initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, and Texas.

This program provides financial support and business planning assistance to commercial farms in Massachusetts to improve their operations and ensure long-term sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.