The State of Massachusetts, through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, has two grant programs available for small businesses. As of February 2022, both programs have been updated with new funding guidelines.

TO QUALIFY, THE BUSINESS STILL MUST…

Be based in the state of Massachusetts.
Be owned by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Be the business owner’s primary source of income.
Have fewer than 20 employees.
Have no more than $2.5 million in annual revenue.
Non-profit entities do not quality.
NEW: Have their application approved and processed by the program deadline of June 30, 2023

The two grant opportunities are:

1. Empower Digital Capabilities Grant, up to $10,000 to implement a "Digital Development Plan" -- for e-website or commerce consulting, digital marketing, etc. For this grant, the applicant does not need to operate a brick and mortar store—you are still eligible if your business is based in your studio or house.

UPDATE 2/8/23: Applicants can now request up to $10,000, including up to $5,000 for “capital expenses” to support your Digital Development Plan (e.g. digital camera, laptop, point-of-sale hardware) and up to $5,000 for digital services (e.g. website redesign, marketing plan, online sales plan).

2. "Biz-M-Power" Crowdfunding Matching Grant, from $1,500 - $40,000 to support and incentivize crowdfunding campaigns to raise capital for business growth. NOTE: AT THIS TIME, BIZ-M-POWER IS STILL ONLY OPEN TO THOSE WHO OPERATE A BRICK-AND-MORTAR “PUBLIC-FACING” LOCATION.

UPDATE 2/8/23: MGCC will now match $2 for every $1 crowdfunded up to $40,000 ($20,000 crowdfunded).

If you'd like to explore either of these opportunities, you can reach out to us at assetsforartists@massmoca.org. Our Program Director Blair Benjamin will be helping creative businesses through the application process and can serve as your required “SBTA sponsor” for the digital grant.