Massachusetts
Small Business Grant Program Reminder
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering the Small Business Grants program, with $50.8 million available. Grant awards range between $25,000 – $75,000, and eligibility criteria and applications are available here.
As part of this grant program, preference is given to small businesses whose owners are women, minorities, veterans, members of other underrepresented groups, or focused on serving the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts, who have been unable to open and those most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Preference is also given to applicants that have not been able to receive aid from other federal programs, including PPP and other relief related to COVID-19.
The program has two distinct funding “doors” based on business size, with different eligibility criteria, which is available online. Applicants must review the information to determine which program to proceed with applying.
MRA Common Question about the grant program
If my application is selected will I have to pay the grant back?
No, as this is a grant, it would not need to be paid back provided all requirements outlined at dispersal get followed.
I can't submit my application until I receive my Certificate of Good Standing from the MA Secretary's Office. Can MRA help expedite this process?
Unfortunately, we cannot help move this process along quicker. We have been advised that hundreds of certificates have been requested from the Secretary of State's office.
I have multiple small business entities, can I apply multiple times?
As we understand it, the grants will be issued as one grant per tax ID.
Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Fraud Update
In recent months the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance has been receiving notifications from employers protesting claims in bulk and reporting likely fraudulent or improper unemployment claims. These notifications have been coming in various forms ranging from letters being written to the Department, employers writing “Fraud” across Department letters and forms and sending them back, and other mechanisms that are inhibiting or preventing the Department from handling these issues in a timely and accurate manner.
Please find notice and guidance here for reporting fraudulent claims.
