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SPACE Grants

The City is working to identify creative ways to bring people back to commercial districts to revitalize our local economy.

The application for the third round of SPACE Grants is closed on Friday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m. An application review process will take place from May to June. Grantees will be notified during the Summer of 2024. 

We are seeking to fill vacant storefronts and help small business owners secure new storefront space or expand to a space by subsidizing the costs associated with operating expenses.

The SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant Program prioritizes helping our small businesses, with a priority for industries that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These prioritized businesses include, but are not limited to:
  • food service and production, restaurants
  • childcare
  • repair and maintenance and laundry services (i.e., laundromats, dry cleaning)
  • retail
  • art, entertainment, creative economy, and
  • fitness, wellness (including spas and salons), and recreation.

Please note: Liquor stores, cannabis establishments, office spaces, franchises, and lab spaces will not be considered for this program.

Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility:

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a grant:

  1. Business must be incorporated in a Qualified Census Tract or one of the prioritized businesses mentioned above.
  2. Fewer than twenty-five (25) employees (not including the business owner).
  3. Business owners must provide proof of a Boston business address (e.g., a signed lease, business permit / license / title, utility bill in which the business is named directly, or other home office documentation). 
  4. Business and business owner must be in good-standing with the City of Boston
  5. Business must provide a copy of its up to date Business Certificate

Each application will be reviewed utilizing this score card criteria. In addition, for the final round of SPACE Grants, businesses must have a signed lease from the past year, between January 2023 through March 2024, to be eligible. Businesses can be newly opened or nearly opened. 

Benefits:

PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOPS

Were you unable to join us for our Business Planning Workshop? Watch the recording online!

business planning workshop

Were you unable to join us for our Commercial Leasing Workshop? Watch the recording online!

Commercial Leasing Workshop

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Yes, as long as the nonprofit fits the eligibility criteria listed on the website and application.

Unfortunately, no. This is a grant program serving Boston business owners, and the incorporated address must be within the City to qualify.

No. This is a city-wide program with a focus on commercial hubs, so that includes Main Street districts and other commercial corridors in our neighborhoods. The business you are looking to open does need to be in the City of Boston.

LIST OF GRANTEES

These 37 grantees in the second round were awarded a total of $4,575,000 for rent, build-out, and start-up costs for their business as they fill vacancies across the City in addition to wrap-around technical assistance through our Small Business Technical Assistance Program.

For more details about the first round of the program, view the SPACE Grant press release from April 3, 2024.

Jadu

Lisboa Cafe and Mini-Market

Little Crafters Child Care Center

Little Steps Family Care

Maroon Cafe and Bookstore

Newbury Yarns

Nubian Markets 

Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor 

Pink Carrot

Romper Room Family Childcare

Russ & Mimi’s

Ruthie’s Juice Cafe 

Salvaged Roots Hair & Beauty

Selam Eritrean Cuisine 

Side Presents

SPARK FM

sweeties, LLC

The Pyramid Lounge

Tom Yum Yang

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