The third phase of the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant was announced by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, providing funding to 32 recently established and soon-to-open small companies throughout the city. Supported by more than $10.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) cash, the grant program aims to assist these businesses in meeting lease-related costs. With the completion of this most recent round, there are now more than 90 enterprises funded overall. The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion received more than 250 applications for the third round, according to a City of Boston statement.
With these subsidies, Mayor Wu’s administration has revitalized the city’s economy. “To make Boston a home for everyone, we have worked hard to provide the crucial support that our small and local businesses need,” she stated. $7.3 million was distributed in the previous two rounds, putting more than 60 businesses in a position to generate up to 600 new jobs. According to the City of Boston, the current distribution channels another $2.875 million to a wide range of grantees, from restaurants like Eat Pho LLC in Chinatown to artistic establishments like Noir Essence Studios, LLC in Dorchester.
The SPACE program, which is renowned for its community involvement, was developed based on suggestions from small company owners. Since then, it has been a ray of hope, especially in important business areas like the Back Bay and Downtown. The initiative has been used to address Boston’s racial income disparity and promote neighborhood liveliness. As the City of Boston statement states, “75 percent of SPACE grantees are entrepreneurs of color and over 65 percent are women business owners,” underscoring the grant’s emphasis on diversity. The program’s influence in recent months is demonstrated by newly opened grantees like Boardeaux and Dani’s Queer Bar.
In addition to praising the grantees for their “creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu said Boston will benefit from the expansion of these companies. The City offers wrap-around services, such as marketing assistance and lease negotiation, to help them succeed. In a statement released by the City of Boston, Eat Pho’s owner, Tran Le, stated, “The SPACE Grant will help us create a space that brings people together, supports local jobs, and adds to the neighborhood’s culinary vibrancy.” Kurt Mclaughlin, the owner and partner of Sorrel & Lime, also expressed his appreciation for the program’s noteworthy impact on his company and the community.
Additionally, grantees have access to resources like tenant improvement contributions from participating landlords and low-interest small business loans from the Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC). To encourage continued development, grantees can join AIM, RAM, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for free. The Boston City Council reappropriated an additional $1 million in ARPA funds in October 2024 to strengthen the SPACE Grant program, which was first announced at the end of 2022. Visit the City of Boston website to learn more about the SPACE Grant program and to view the complete list of current recipients.
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