City of Melrose Awards Economic Recovery Grants to 30 Small Businesses, Nonprofits

The office of Mayor Paul Brodeur is proud to announce that the City of Melrose has awarded Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Recovery Grants to 30 Melrose businesses and organizations. The City’s Economic Development Director, Lauren Grymek, launched this new grant program October 2022 to aid Melrose small businesses and nonprofit organizations as they continue to recover financially from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Grant recipient Shannon Mooney, Co-Owner of Sweet Spot Bakery, said, “Sweet Spot truly appreciates the support from the City, as well as from the community, and we hope to be able to be in Melrose for a long time.”

The competitive grant program is now open for a second round and Melrose small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for this round is Friday, April 21, 2023.

Last year, Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur authorized $225,000 of ARPA funding to provide Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Recovery Grants to eligible Melrose small businesses, local non-profit organizations, and arts & cultural entities, as funds are available. Designed to ensure the overall economic health of the City of Melrose, the temporary program aims to help Melrose small businesses and organizations remain open, protect local jobs, and support overall community recovery. Funds are intended to address issues such as staffing challenges, costs associated with implementing COVID-19 safety measures, creating or enhancing digital adaptation, and assistance with general operating costs.

This grant program provides limited financial assistance to eligible applicants to help mitigate the negative financial impacts resulting from the pandemic such as declines in revenues, impacts of periods of business closure or canceled events. A priority is on applicants who can demonstrate financial losses related to the pandemic as well as those applicants serving groups more adversely impacted by the pandemic. 

“In speaking with our small business owners and nonprofit leaders, it is clear that they are still very much in recovery mode and every bit of support helps,” said  Grymek.“These people are among some of the hardest working in our community and contribute greatly to the quality of life here. It's important we as a City continue to support them.”

“Melrose businesses and nonprofits have persevered through an unprecedented time with grace and creativity. They have found new ways to do business and serve customers or fundraise and continue offering programs and opportunities for residents. I am confident these grants will support their continued economic recovery,” said Mayor Brodeur.

How to Apply for a Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Recovery Grants

To receive application materials, contact Lauren Grymek at lgrymek@cityofmelrose.org or 781-979-4117. Hard copies are also available at the Mayor’s Office, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 562 Main Street. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 21, 2023. More information about this grant program is available on the City’s website www.cityofmelrose.org/business.

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet certain criteria including being based in Melrose, have no more than 35 employees and be in good standing with the City and State.

Melrose Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Recovery Grants Recipients