Hoodline: Mayor Wu Rolls Out Third Round of Boston's SPACE Grant Aiding 32 Small Businesses with ARPA Funds

Benjamin Cortez, Hoodline

Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston has ushered in the third round of the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant, bringing financial aid to 32 new and soon-to-open small businesses across the city. The grant program, backed by over $10.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, focuses on helping these enterprises cover lease-related expenses. With the conclusion of this latest round, the total number of businesses supported rises above 90. According to the City of Boston announcement, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion received over 250 applications for the third round.

"To make Boston a home for everyone, we have worked hard to provide the crucial support that our small and local businesses need," said Mayor Wu, whose administration has injected life back into the city's economic landscape with these grants. The prior two rounds allocated $7.3 million, positioning more than 60 entrepreneurs to create upwards of 600 new jobs. The current distribution channels another $2.875 million to a diverse group of grantees ranging from eateries like Eat Pho LLC in Chinatown to creative spaces such as Noir Essence Studios, LLC in Dorchester, as per the City of Boston.

Notable for its engagement with the community, the SPACE program was birthed from recommendations made by small business owners themselves. It has since been a beacon of opportunity, particularly in major commercial districts such as Downtown and Back Bay. The program has been a tool in fostering neighborhood vibrancy and addressing the racial wealth gap in Boston. "75 percent of SPACE grantees are entrepreneurs of color and over 65 percent are women business owners," explains the City of Boston statement, highlighting the grant's focus on inclusivity. Newly opened grantees, such as Dani’s Queer Bar and Boardeaux, are a testament to the program's impact over recent months.

Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, praised the grantees for their "creativity and entrepreneurial spirit," adding that Boston will reap the benefits from the growth of these businesses. To facilitate their success, the City provides wrap-around services like lease negotiation and marketing support. Tran Le, the owner of Eat Pho, said in a statement obtained by the City of Boston, "The SPACE Grant will help us create a space that brings people together, supports local jobs, and adds to the neighborhood's culinary vibrancy." Similarly, Kurt Mclaughlin, Owner/Partner of Sorrel & Lime, conveyed his gratefulness for the program's significant effect on his business and the community.

Grantees can also tap into resources such as low interest small business loans from the Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC) and tenant improvement contributions from participating landlords. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, along with AIM and RAM, offer free memberships to grantees to support further development. All these efforts are part of the SPACE Grant program, originally announced at the end of 2022, which was enhanced by an additional $1 million of ARPA funding re-appropriated by the Boston City Council in October 2024. For more details on the SPACE Grant program and the full list of current awardees, visit the City of Boston website.

Notable for its engagement with the community, the SPACE program was birthed from recommendations made by small business owners themselves. It has since been a beacon of opportunity, particularly in major commercial districts such as Downtown and Back Bay. The program has been a tool in fostering neighborhood vibrancy and addressing the racial wealth gap in Boston. "75 percent of SPACE grantees are entrepreneurs of color and over 65 percent are women business owners," explains the City of Boston statement, highlighting the grant's focus on inclusivity. Newly opened grantees, such as Dani’s Queer Bar and Boardeaux, are a testament to the program's impact over recent months.

Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, praised the grantees for their "creativity and entrepreneurial spirit," adding that Boston will reap the benefits from the growth of these businesses. To facilitate their success, the City provides wrap-around services like lease negotiation and marketing support. Tran Le, the owner of Eat Pho, said in a statement obtained by the City of Boston, "The SPACE Grant will help us create a space that brings people together, supports local jobs, and adds to the neighborhood's culinary vibrancy." Similarly, Kurt Mclaughlin, Owner/Partner of Sorrel & Lime, conveyed his gratefulness for the program's significant effect on his business and the community.

Grantees can also tap into resources such as low interest small business loans from the Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC) and tenant improvement contributions from participating landlords. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, along with AIM and RAM, offer free memberships to grantees to support further development. All these efforts are part of the SPACE Grant program, originally announced at the end of 2022, which was enhanced by an additional $1 million of ARPA funding re-appropriated by the Boston City Council in October 2024. For more details on the SPACE Grant program and the full list of current awardees, visit the City of Boston website.

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