From the Community

Boston Main Streets Foundation Giving Grants to Help JP Small Bizs Impacted by COVID-19

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In an effort to support the storefront small businesses across Boston’s 20 Main Street districts, the Boston Main Streets Foundation (BMSF) has established a $100,000 COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. BMSF is seeking the public’s help to supplement this initiative through online crowdfunding donations. The Boston Main Streets Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will distribute $1,000 grants to affected small businesses that:
• Are located in one of the 20 Boston Main Streets districts
• Are based around face-to-face/in-person contact (i.e. salons, barber shops, storefront retailers)
• Are “non-essential” businesses as defined by Governor Baker's Emergency Order
• Have ten (10) or fewer employees, with preference given to sole proprietors and “microbusinesses” with five (5) or fewer employees
Grants can be used to pay business rent and/or utilities; buy inventory or goods to resell; pay employees or pay the business owner/manager themselves; or pay other business expenses. Any business that receives a grant must submit a W-9 tax form. Applications opened on April 1; apply online at www.bostonmainstreets.org/covid.

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Opinion

Mayor Walsh: Support Small Bizs During Holidays to Keep Our Neighborhoods Thriving All Year Long

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I grew up in a neighborhood of hardworking families, where everything seemed within reach. It was thanks in large part to our incredible small and local businesses. For years, these local landmarks have carried on the traditions of my neighborhood, and generated the prosperity that’s helping Dorchester thrive to this day. I know my experience was not unique. Small businesses are the lifeblood of all Boston’s neighborhoods.They hire locally; they reflect our rich diversity of cultures and languages; and they care deeply about being good neighbors.

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