PARTNER RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENT: In April 2023, the State of Massachusetts, through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, announced the return of a grant program to help businesses continuing to recover after the worst effects of the pandemic. While most artists we work with will not qualify for this program, these funds could be a significant system of support for those businesses who do.
If you are a creative business and think you are eligible, please reach out, and we can help you apply! Contact us at: assetsforartists@massmoca.org.
INCLUSIVE GRANT PROGRAM
Will award grants from $10,000 - $75,000 (capped at the equivalent of 3 months of 2021 operating expenses). Funds can be used for payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, costs relating to business needs caused by the pandemic or for future pandemic-related mitigation (e.g. an outdoor dining patio). Funds cannot cover expenses that have already been supported by another state- or federal-funded program such as PPP, EIDL, SVOG etc.
TO QUALIFY, THE BUSINESS MUST…
Be any ONE of the following: minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, or focus on markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups or underserved markets.
historically underrepresented groups or underserved markets
Have at least 2 full-time-equivalent employees (including the business owner).
Have expenses between $40,000 - $2,500,000 and at least $40,000 in income in 2021.
Have been established prior to 9/30/20 and must still be operational.
Be based in the state of Massachusetts.
Be owned by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Have experienced negative economic impact from the current public health crisis.
Not have received a previous MGCC COVID-19 recovery grant (Note: Biz-M-Power & Empower Digital grants do not count).
Nonprofits are not eligible.
If you'd like to apply for this grant, you can reach out to us at assetsforartists@massmoca.org. Our Program Director Blair Benjamin will be helping creative businesses through the application process.