Archive | March, 2021

Federal Grant Programs for Businesses

The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes new funding programs to assist businesses and communities with economic recovery.  One of the new business programs to be launched is the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, as administered by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is developing the program now and will announce details when they become available.

Another new SBA program to be launched soon is the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits include: live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, move theater operators, relevant museum operators, and more. The application period will open on April 8, 2021. Program details on who is eligible to apply, how the grant funds can be used, and more is available at: https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/.

Prospective applicants should note that most federal grant programs require applicants to have a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number and to register with the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM). It may take time to get these tasks completed, so it is advantageous for prospective applicants to get a DUNS number and register with SAM in advance. For more information about how to get a DUNS number and register with SAM, go to: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/basic-requirements.

 

The FRCOG regularly posts updates on available resources and guidance for businesses, nonprofits and communities to support economic recovery here.

Warwick Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Survey Link and Materials

Warwick Seeking Public Input for MVP Action Items

The Town of Warwick, in collaboration with the Town of Northfield and with assistance from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, is seeking to become designated as a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) community through the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) MVP Program. Two Community Resilience Building workshops were held virtually in February and March to discuss impacts of climate change on Warwick, identify Warwick’s top hazards of concern, review the Town’s current strengths and vulnerabilities, and begin brainstorming action items to increase resiliency in three categories – infrastructure, society, and environment. Links to the workshop presentations are below:

MVP Workshop #1 Presentation Warwick

Moores Pond Beach in Warwick

MVP Workshop #2 Presentation Warwick

By becoming a designated MVP community, Warwick will be eligible to apply for MVP Action Grants to pursue identified action items. The result of the two workshops is a draft summary matrix outlining strengths, vulnerabilities, and potential action items:

Warwick MVP Workshop Matrix_March2021

Warwick needs resident and stakeholder input on the draft action items – what should be Warwick’s top priorities to address vulnerabilities and build upon strengths? What actions are missing? Please fill out THIS SURVEY by Sunday, April 11! 

Your input will be used to prioritize actions in Warwick’s final MVP Plan. A public listening session will be held in May to present the final plan, date TBD.

Questions? Please contact David Young, Warwick Town Coordinator, at coordinator@town.warwick.ma.us, 978-729-3224 (mobile), 413-676-9544 (broadband), or Alyssa Larose, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, at alarose@frocg.org, 413-774-3167 x127.

This is a joint project with the Town of Northfield. For more information about Northfield’s MVP progress, please see this summary document, or go to the Northfield Town website.

Shelburne Falls/West County Grant Opportunity

A new grant opportunity has opened for businesses, nonprofits, artists and farmers in Shelburne Falls and the West County area (i.e. Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Hawley, Heath, Monroe, Rowe, and Shelburne). Applicants may request grants for $2,500 to up to $15,000. Eligible entities and individuals can use grant funds cover expenses such as payroll, rent, inventory, equipment, and working capital. To view the online grant application form and criteria, go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HJzcyeo6SRJ0IVq0t3Htwh0Bl_XAwHUj2_pJXEibPBc/. For questions about this opportunity, please contact Whit Sanford at info@shelburnefalls.com.

To view the latest resources and funding opportunities available to businesses and nonprofits, click here.