(BOSTON – 04/06/2023) This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) announced two new grant programs totaling $78 million in funding to support Massachusetts small businesses.

“Small businesses across the Commonwealth have struggled over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and high inflation, but those run by underrepresented groups and those operating in underserved markets have felt the brunt of these historic disruptions,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased to have worked with my colleagues in the Legislature to provide funding for these businesses, and I’m thrilled that the Healey Administration has established a program to get this money where it’s needed the most.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Through these new grant programs, small businesses will have access to much-needed capital and resources to help them grow and thrive. We're grateful to our partners in the Legislature for allocating these critical funds.”

The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $75 million in funding through grants of up to $75,000 for businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, or those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community; businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups; and other underserved markets.

The Independent Movie Theater Grant Program will provide a total of $3 million in funding to support movie theaters in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants can receive $15,000 for each of the first two screens they add at a particular location and $10,000 for each additional screen at a particular location.

These funds will be administered by MGCC and were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Year 2023 Economic Development Bill, which the Legislature passed last year.

Applications are now being accepted for both programs and are available at https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 28, 2023. Businesses interested in applying must fill out and submit the online application along with required documentation.

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