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| ASHLAND – The deadline to apply for the Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program is approaching. These funds will provide grants to support qualifying microenterprises in 23 cities and towns across the Metropolitan Boston Region, including Ashland,Natick & Marlborough, that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. This program makes a total of $4,950,000 in grants available, which is part of the $19.6 million award through the federally-funded Community Development Block Grant COVID-19(CDBG-CV) program. These special funds were appropriated through the CARES Act of 2020. [broadstreet zone=”59945″] The funding is being utilized to address emergency needs in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, the grant award for these 23 communities will be utilized to award individual grants of up to $10,000 for microenterprise businesses. A microenterprise is defined as a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, including 1 or more of whom owns the enterprise and must be a for-profit entity. Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, utilities and personal protection equipment (PPE). $10,000 grants will be awarded to individual businesses that are considered a microenterprise. A microenterprise is defined as a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer employees (including the sole proprietor) and is a for-profit entity. Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, utilities, technical assistance, general support and stabilization of the business. Funds may also be used for personal protection equipment (PPE). [broadstreet zone=”59946″] Microenterprise Assistance grant funds may not be used for major equipment purchases, purchase of real property, construction activities, business expansion, or lobbying. Applications are available HERE (https://massgcc.submittable.com/submit) and are due by September 25th at 5 p.m.. Businesses interested in applying must meet the following eligibility criteria: Business must be located in one of the following cities/towns: Ashland, Beverly, Burlington, Canton, Concord, Dedham, Essex, Lexington, Manchester by the Sea, Marlborough, Melrose, Milton, Natick, North Reading, Norwood, Randolph, Reading, Sharon, Southborough, Stoneham, Watertown, Winchester or Woburn. Business must be a microenterprise (a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer employees, 1 or more of whom owns the enterprise, as of today) [broadstreet zone=”59947″] Business owner(s) must qualify under the Low-Moderate Income (LMI) Limited Clientele national objective criteria. All owners of the business must earn an annual income equal to or less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) based on family size. If you are a business with 5 employees or fewer and with a household income of under $96,250 you may qualify for a $10,000 grant. Click here to see your eligibility. Business must be a for-profit entity (sole proprietorship, partnerships, corporations, or LLCs).Business must provide goods or services to multiple clients or customers.Business must be able to document a loss of income equal to or greater than requested assistance due to COVID-19. Business must be currently in operation and have been established prior to 01/01/2019. [broadstreet zone=”59948″] Business must be in good standing with the state and city/town: Business must be current on all taxes due through 3/1/2020; and have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable; and not a party to litigation involving the Commonwealth or municipality you operate in. Ineligible businesses: Real estate rentals/sales businesses; Businesses owned by persons under age 18; Businesses that are chains; Liquor stores; Weapons/firearms dealers; Lobbyists; orCannabis-related businesses. For questions, please contact Beth Reynolds at breynolds@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7905. [broadstreet zone=”58610″] |
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