Microenterprise Assistance Program grant program closes Oct. 23

CDBG-CV Microenterprise Assistance Program, Round II

Program overview:

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering funds from the Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV) program to 23 municipalities for microenterprise assistance.

These special CDBG-CV funds were appropriated through the CARES Act of 2020 and are being awarded to Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CDBG-CV Microenterprise Assistance grant funding will support qualifying microenterprises adversely impacted by COVID-19, giving priority to minority status owned business (Minority, Women, Veteran, Disability, LBGTQ+).

GRANT PROGRAM TIMELINE:

• 10/02/2020 at 9:00 a.m. – Application opens.
• 10/23/2020 at 5:00 p.m. – Application closes.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Your application must be filled out and submitted along with attachments as stated in “Required Documentation” electronically through MGCC’s online platform (https://massgcc.submittable.com/submit).

Hard copies or electronic copies submitted in any other way, such as mailed in or emailed, will not be considered.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:

• Business must have a physical establishment in one of the following cities/towns: Ashland, Beverly, Burlington, Canton, Concord, Dedham, Essex, Lexington, Manchester by the Sea, Marlborough, Melrose, Milton, Natick, North Reading, Norwood, Randolph, Reading, Sharon, Southborough, Stoneham, Watertown, Winchester or Woburn.
• Business must be a microenterprise (a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer employees, 1 or more of whom owns the enterprise).
• Business owner(s) must qualify under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) Limited Clientele national objective criteria. All owners of the business must earn an annual income equal to or less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) based on family size.
• Business must be a for-profit entity (sole proprietorship, partnerships, corporations, or LLCs).
• Business must provide goods or services to multiple clients or customers.
• Business must be able to document a loss of income equal to or greater than requested assistance due to COVID-19.
• Business must be currently in operation and have been established prior to 1/1/2019.
• Business must be in good standing with the state and city/town:
  • Business must be current on all taxes due through 3/1/2020; and
  • Have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable; and
  • Not a party to litigation involving the Commonwealth or municipality you operate in.
• Ineligible businesses:
  • Real estate rentals/sales businesses;
  • Businesses owned by persons under age 18;
  • Businesses that are chains;
  • Liquor stores;
  • Weapons/firearms dealers;
  • Lobbyists; or
  • Cannabis-related businesses.

AMOUNT OF FUNDING:

Up to $10,000 per business with demonstrated costs greater than or equal to the amount requested. Grants may be requested in increments of $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000.

APPROVED USE OF FUNDS:

Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, utilities, technical assistance, general support and stabilization of the business. Funds may also be used for purchasing personal protection equipment (PPE).

NON-APPROVED USE OF FUNDS:

Microenterprise Assistance grant funds may not be used for major equipment purchases, purchase of real property, construction activities, business expansion, or lobbying

FUNDING SOURCE:

Funding for this program will be provided through your town/city’s CDBG-CV funds, which are allocated by DHCD.

AWARD PROCESS:

After the application period closes, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will review all applications to determine eligibility. All eligible applicants will be reviewed by their respective city/town in which their business is located for final recommendations, confirming that they are up to date on their taxes and certifications. MGCC will award and disburse grants based upon eligibility criteria and city/town determinations.

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