Unlimited Digital Access - Start Today for 50% Off - Offer Expires 4/30/24

Coronavirus in Worcester: Some small businesses are eligible for $10,000 grants, application process begins Monday

By

Officials in Worcester announced Thursday evening that small businesses in the city are eligible for $10,000 grants due to the financial impact caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Joe Petty said that work done by City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. and Peter Dunn, of the city’s Economic Development Office, led $500,000 in grants through the Department Housing and Urban Development. The Community Development Block Grants are available to small businesses in Worcester.

Applications for the grants will be available online through the city’s website (worcesterma.gov/coronavirus) starting Monday.

Businesses are eligible to receive a maximum of $10,000, Petty said.

To be considered for a grant, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Business owners must have low to moderate-income status.
  • The businesses must be in Worcester.
  • Businesses have to experience a loss of 50% or more due to COVID-19 since March 10.
  • A business must have less than $2 million in gross receipts.

"Funding is limited but we’re hoping to provide some relief to at least 50 businesses that are significantly vulnerable,” Petty said.

If future Community Development Block Grants are made available through a federal stimulus package, Petty said he hopes to add funds to the program and expand it to more businesses.

“We are streamlining the process to the best of our ability knowing that time is of the essence for these businesses,” Petty said.

Related Content:

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.