Updates to Two Grants For Creative Businesses Across The Commonwealth

The State of Massachusetts, through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, has two grant programs available for small businesses.

As of February 2023, both programs have been updated with expanded funding guidelines and a final program deadline of June 30, 2023.

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.

The two grant opportunities are:

1. "Biz-M-Power" Crowdfunding Matching Grant, from $3,000 - $40,000 to support and incentivize crowdfunding campaigns to raise capital for business growth.

NOTE: BIZ-M-POWER IS ONLY OPEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE A WORKSPACE OR STOREFRONT THAT IS NOT THEIR HOME AND THAT IS AT LEAST INTERMITTENTLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

2/8/23 Update: MGCC will now match $2 for every $1 the applicant crowdfunds (previously 1:1) and will fund up to $40,000 (to match $20,000 raised).

2. Empower Digital Capabilities Grant CLOSED

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.

vv THE EMPOWER DIGITAL CAPABILITIES GRANT IS NOW CLOSED vv

2. Empower Digital Capabilities Grant, up to $10,000 (previously a max of $5k) to implement a "Digital Development Plan" -- for e-website or commerce consulting, digital marketing, etc. This grant is open to both brick and mortar businesses as well as businesses that operate out of the owner’s home or studio.

2/8/23 Update: Applicants can now request up to $5k for digital services (e.g. new website design, marketing strategy, online sales plan) and may now also request up to $5k for capital expenses that will support their digital plan (e.g. new laptop, tablet, point-of-sale system, digital camera, etc).