MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program has a new funding round to support economic recovery from COVID-19 through community placemaking. The purpose is to support projects that create destinations for residents and visitors to shop or dine. Eligible applicants, such as non-profits and other community groups, can apply for seed grants (between $250 to $7,500) or implementation grants (up to $10,000 unmatched, or up to $50,000 matched by crowdfunding donations).  Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until June 30,2021.

For more details, go to: https://www.massdevelopment.com/what-we-offer/real-estate-services/commonwealth-places

To help the Commonwealth’s small businesses, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a new financial assistance program (link to press release).

The Mass. Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering the state’s Sector-Specific Relief Grant Program for Massachusetts Businesses, which seeks to award grants to businesses in need of financial support due to COVID-19 pandemic related loss of income.

The industry sectors given preference for this program include:

• Restaurants and bars
• Indoor recreation or entertainment establishments
• Gyms or fitness centers
• Personal services
• Event support professionals
• Brick-and-mortar retailers

Applications are due January 15, 2021. For details go to: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses