Massachusetts Business and Commerce Grants

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.

The Cambridge Small Business E-Commerce Grant is a program initiated by the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to provide relief to local businesses significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant's primary objective is to assist Cambridge businesses in maintaining competitiveness, addressing the increased reliance on online ordering and shopping that emerged during the pandemic restrictions. This program directly aligns with a mission to support local economic resilience and adapt to evolving market demands, particularly for small businesses that may lack the resources to pivot effectively to digital operations. The City of Cambridge, as the donor, is strategically investing in its local economy to mitigate the long-term impact of the pandemic on its small business community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are non-franchise businesses located and operating in Cambridge, MA, with 25 or fewer full-time employees, established on or before March 3, 2021, and still in operation. A key criterion for eligibility is the demonstration of lost sales or revenue between 2019 (pre-COVID-19) or 2020 and 2021 through business tax returns or profit and loss statements. The program also specifically targets businesses that need a website, an e-commerce or online ordering/booking system, or a new point-of-sale, scheduling, or register system that can connect to a website, or those that have recently upgraded these systems after March 3, 2021. This focus ensures that the grant reaches businesses most in need of digital transformation to remain viable. The grant prioritizes improvements in e-commerce, software, and point-of-sale systems, offering up to $4,000 for these upgrades. Additionally, it supports training to empower business owners to manage and update their e-commerce websites independently. The expected outcomes include enhanced online presence for local businesses, increased capacity for online sales and operations, and a more competitive small business sector in Cambridge. Measurable results would include the number of businesses that establish or upgrade their e-commerce capabilities, the adoption rates of new software and POS systems, and potentially, the ability of these businesses to demonstrate a recovery or increase in sales/revenue post-grant utilization by December 31, 2024. The underlying theory of change for this program is that by providing targeted financial assistance and support for digital transformation, the City of Cambridge can directly address the economic challenges faced by its small businesses due to the pandemic. By enabling these businesses to adapt to the shift towards online commerce, the grant aims to not only prevent closures but also foster long-term growth and stability. The strategic priorities of the City of Cambridge, as evidenced by this grant, include local economic development, community resilience, and ensuring that its small businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and community organizations in Boston that create public events and initiatives to help small businesses grow and engage with the community during Small Business Month.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Cape Ann region to support projects that promote community vitality, economic development, and education.

This initiative provides funding to Massachusetts municipalities and select non-profit organizations to support economic development projects, including revitalizing vacant storefronts and enhancing commercial spaces in designated districts.