Re-FRESH Program
The Revitalization of Food Restaurants and Establishments to Stabilize Holistically program or Re-FRESH is an effort to support brick and mortar micro businesses negatively effected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our goal is to create stability amongst small food businesses, restaurants, taverns, and bars. Over the course of 8 months, business owners will create a plan to reactivate their business, creating goals to recover from setbacks. Our office will provide wrap-around support services through our strong technical assistance partners. Services include:
- Working one-on-one with a business coach,
- offering support and advice
- creating comprehensive marketing plans
- and more.
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Have questions? Contact:
About the Program
Eligibility
Eligible businesses include food businesses, restaurants, bars, taverns, and juice shops. Businesses that are located in low-to-moderate-income communities will be prioritized.
In addition, businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
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The business must employ 25 or fewer individuals, including the business owner.
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The business must earn no more than $2 million in annual revenue.
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The business must have faced an economic hardship directly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. This could include, but is not limited to:
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If the small business was impacted by declines in revenues or business closures due to the pandemic.
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If the small business faced greater difficulty accessing credit than prior to the pandemic.
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If the small business faced increased costs to starting the business due to the pandemic.
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If the small business had lost expected startup capital due to the pandemic.
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The business must have a commercial or mobile space in the City of Boston (home-based businesses are not eligible for this program).
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If deemed necessary by program, the business must complete the Re-FRESH Program trainings.
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Business must be in Good Standing with the City of Boston with no back taxes owed on property, personal property, or motor excise.
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Signed commitment letter and grant agreement to participate fully in the program if accepted.
Business may receive up to $15,000. Small Business Development may award full funding, partial funding, or no funding.
Important Dates:
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Grant application launch: Monday, November 27, 2023
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Info session: (To be determined)
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Application deadline: Friday, December 15, 2023
Multilingual applications are now available:
Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole)
Español (Spanish)
Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
廣東話 (Traditional Chinese)
TIẾNG VIỆT (Vietnamese)
Apply
Application Requirements
Businesses must submit a complete application by December 15th, 2023
which will include the following:
- Valid certificate of occupancy (as appropriate)
- Valid business certificate from the City of Boston OR your 2022 or 2023 annual report for your Massachusetts state-registered corporation
- Budget template provided in application
- Letter of community support from a neighborhood or community group (OPTIONAL)
- Copy of 2022 IRS filing for business tax
- Valid Supplier ID
- Completed program application
*Please note that funds cannot be used for owner's salary but can be used for employees' salary*
General Program Policies
- Grant funds must be used only in association with business establishments located within the City of Boston
- Grant funds are awarded to a business and not to an individual
- Read the full terms and conditions of this grant
- Language accommodations
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Food businesses in Qualified Census Tracts may be prioritized but all are welcome to apply
Who's Involved:
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Have questions? Contact:
