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S.P.A.C.E. Grants

The City is working to identify creative ways to bring people back to commercial districts to revitalize our local economy. We are seeking to fill vacant storefronts and help small business owners secure new storefront space or expand to a space by subsidizing the costs associated with operating expenses.

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Application Update: The current SPACE Application is closed. It will reopen on Monday, October 2, 2023. Please fill out this form if you are interested in learning more and applying.

As we emerge from the pandemic, the City's priority is to identify creative ways to bring people back to commercial districts to revitalize the economy. However, one of the biggest hurdles a small business continues to face is the cost of rent. 



The SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant Program will prioritize helping our small businesses, with a priority for industries that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These prioritized businesses include, but are not limited to:

  • food service and production, restaurants
  • childcare
  • repair and maintenance and laundry services (i.e., laundromats, dry cleaning)
  • retail
  • art, entertainment, creative economy, and
  • fitness, wellness, and recreation.

Please note that liquor stores, cannabis establishments, office spaces, franchises, and lab spaces will not be considered for this program.

LIST OF GRANTEES

Congratulations to our first round of SPACE Grantees!

These 24 grantees were awarded a total of $2,830,000 for rent, build-out, and start-up costs for their business as they fill vacancies across the City in addition to wrap-around technical assistance through our Small Business Technical Assistance Program.

For more details about the first round of the program, you can view the full SPACE Grant press release from July 26, 2023.

Full list of grantees:

Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility:

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a grant:

  1. Business must be incorporated in a Qualified Census Tract or one of the prioritized businesses mentioned above.
  2. Fewer than twenty-five (25) employees (not including the business owner).
  3. Business owners must provide proof of a Boston business address (e.g., a signed lease, business permit / license / title, utility bill in which the business is named directly, or other home office documentation). 
  4. Business and business owner must be in good-standing with the City of Boston
  5. Business must provide a copy of its up to date Business Certificate

Benefits:

  • We will provide grants of up to $200,000 to small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 that are looking to fill vacant commercial space in the City.
  • The grant can be used for start-up costs like rent, infrastructure build-out, security, deposit.
  • The funding will be delivered over the course of 3 years, not all at once.
  • In addition to grant funding, SPACE Grantees will receive wrap-around technical assistance services thanks to the Small Business Technical Assistance Program and free one-year memberships to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) organizations.

APPLICANT WORKSHOPS

Were you unable to join us for our informational session? Watch the recording online!

INFO SESSION VIDEO

Were you unable to join us for our Business Planning Workshop? Watch the recording online!

BUSINESS PLANNING WORKSHOP

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nonprofits eligible for this grant?

Yes, as long as the nonprofit fits the eligibility criteria listed on the website and application.

My business is not incorporated in Boston, but I live in Boston. Would I be eligible for this grant?

Unfortunately, no. This is a grant program serving Boston business owners, and the incorporated address must be within the City to qualify.

I am a small business owner and I recently signed a lease or letter of intent with a landlord, but I still need help with build-out, rent, and start-up costs. Could I be eligible even if I already found a space?

Possibly. This is a new program and we are open to looking through our pool of applicants to see what businesses are the best fit for these grants. We suggest you apply, though if you've already signed a lease, your application might not be as high a priority as others.

Do I have to open my business in downtown Boston if I am interested in applying for a SPACE Grant?

No. This is a city-wide program with a focus on commercial hubs, so that includes Main Street districts and other commercial corridors in our neighborhoods. The business you are looking to open does need to be in the City of Boston.

Who's Involved:

Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
617-635-5729
Mayor's Office
617-635-4500
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