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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Economic Development Division announce the New Small Business Vitality grant program. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the program is designed to foster the vitality and growth of small businesses, providing essential support to budding entrepreneurs. The New Small Business Vitality Grant offers up to 12 months of rental support for new physical storefronts up to a maximum of $50,000. 

“It’s well known that the startup costs and initial challenges of opening a new small business are a precarious time for budding business owners, and we also know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our squares, main streets, and local economy. So, it’s a win-win to support new businesses that create jobs and offer services to our community while also paying local taxes to fund city needs,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “We’ve pumped more than $4 Million into our local businesses since 2020 to help them get through the many challenges of the pandemic. This program now aims to put our newer businesses on strong footing as they come in to fill our vacant storefronts and support the vitality of our squares and main streets.”

Eligibility is limited to newly established commercial storefronts, with a start date no earlier than January 2023. The application will be open from April 15 to May 15, 2024. The application is available in English and Spanish and support and outreach will be conducted in other languages.

The New Small Business Vitality Grant beneficiaries will receive reimbursements for both past and impending rent payments. To qualify, businesses must employ fewer than 20 full-time staff and engage in a lease agreement at the time of application. Grant amounts are tailored to individual needs, based on fair market rental prices. In return for this financial support, grant recipients are expected to prioritize hiring within the Somerville community, particularly focusing on individuals from low to moderate-income backgrounds when feasible and appropriate. Additionally, businesses are required to strive to maintain operational status for a minimum of one-year post-grant receipt. Please note, this program is exclusive to physical brick and mortar locations and funds are limited; home-based enterprises do not qualify.  

“With past grants, Somerville was able to support many small businesses through the Covid pandemic. Our team in Economic Development is excited that we can now extend financial support to the new businesses that are joining our dynamic business districts. The squares of Somerville are alive with amazing small business experiences – we encourage everyone to come discover what new businesses have to offer and explore what’s new in your longstanding favorites too,” said Rachel Nadkarni, Director of Economic Development.  

How to Apply: 

Visit bit.ly/vitalitygrant to apply by Wednesday, May 15, 2024. For more information, please email SomervilleSBVGSupport@iparametrics.com or call 857-557-6002.

— City of Somerville