SPACE Grant Program
The SPACE Grant program identified creative ways to bring people back to commercial districts to revitalize our local economy.
The SPACE Grant program has ended, as it used ARPA Funding that needed to be allocated by the end of December 2024. Please sign up for the Small Business Newsletter to stay updated on future opportunities.
About SPACE
The SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant Program supported nearly 90 businesses, using over $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help them with expenses related to new lease agreements.
The program provided opportunities for small business owners to open their new or next storefront location in major commercial districts like Downtown and Back Bay, bringing vibrancy to all neighborhoods, and helping to close the racial wealth gap. All recipients received grants of $200,000 or less.
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion developed the SPACE Grant program as a direct result of recommendations made by small business owners. SPACE prioritized industries that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic—food service, childcare, laundry services, retail, creative economy, and fitness.
The City continues to support grantees with technical assistance, connections to developers and landlords, and site selection support. Many SPACE Grantees have applied and received low interest small business loans from the Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC).
Check out the SPACE Grantees
SPACE GRANTEE RIBBON CUTTINGS AND EVENTS
SPACE GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS
VIDEOSProgram History
Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the SPACE Grant program.
$2,830,000 in American Rescue Plan funding will support 24 Boston entrepreneurs opening new storefronts.
$4,575,000 in American Rescue Plan funding will support 37 Boston entrepreneurs.
In this final round, $2,875,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding will support businesses.
