Businesses
COVID-19 is continuing to impact on our local businesses and nonprofits, many of whom are still in recovery mode from setbacks and losses experienced over the last two years. All Melrose business owners and nonprofit leaders are invited to reach out to Lauren Grymek, the City’s new Director of Economic Recovery and Business Development, with any ideas, questions and/or feedback, at lgrymek@cityofmelrose.org.
Statewide Small Business Relief Grants Available for Qualifying Melrose Businesses: Application Closes April 4, 2022
Through funds appropriated by the Commonwealth's share of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering two grant programs to support small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The application period closes April 4, 2022 and you may only apply for one grant program below:
- The New Applicant Grant Program was created to provide $25,000,000 in grant assistance to support small businesses that have not previously received financial relief from MGCC’s COVID-19 Relief Grant Programs.
- The Inclusive Grant Program has $50,000,000 available to businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups, underserved markets, and those owned by minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, or those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 to $75,000, and will be capped at the lesser of $75,000 or three months of annualized operating expenses as evidenced by 2020 Federal Tax Returns. Funds can be utilized employee and benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and interest on debt.
Please review eligibility requirements, eligible uses, and the application here: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org. You may reach out directly to Lauren Grymek, with any ideas, questions and/or feedback about the grant program or other related initiatives.
Baker-Polito Administration Launches “HireNow” Hiring and Training Employer Grant Program: Announced March 23, 2022
$4,000/Employee Program Aims to Boost Hiring with Labor Force Participation Rates Still Lower than Pre-Pandemic
The Baker-Polito Administration has launched a new hiring and training employer grant program, “HireNow,” which will help employers quickly hire and train new workers and get more people back to work. The new program provides eligible employers with a $4,000 per employee grant, which can be used to cover training costs or as a signing bonus for new employees. By providing employers with these flexible funds to facilitate quick hiring, the Administration is focusing on addressing continued hiring challenges faced by employers and increasing labor force participation. Employers can learn more about the program and apply at www.mass.gov/hirenow
Stay up to date with local ordinances and programs that impact Melrose businesses. Click on a link below to learn more:
2022 Polystyrene Ordinance - Changes for Melrose Businesses
2022 Merchant (Business) and Employee Parking Pass Information
Business Registration Form for Office of Emergency Management