S.P.A.C.E. Grant Program
The City is working to identify creative ways to bring people back to commercial districts to revitalize our local economy. We are seeking to fill vacant storefronts and help small business owners secure new storefront space or expand to a space by subsidizing the costs associated with operating expenses.
Update: Applications for the S.P.A.C.E. Grant Program have closed. Those who have applied will have an update on the status of their application in April and May!
The S.P.A.C.E. (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant Program will prioritize helping small businesses grow, with a priority for industries that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These prioritized businesses include, but are not limited to:
- art, creative economy, and entertainment
- childcare
- fitness, recreation, wellness
- food service and production
- repair, maintenance, and laundry services
- restaurants, and
- retail.
Please note: Liquor stores, cannabis establishments, office spaces, franchises, and lab spaces will not be considered for this program.
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Have questions? Contact:
Alia Hamada Forrest -
Informational session
Were you unable to join us for our informational session? Watch the recording online!
Were you unable to join us for our Business Planning Workshop? Watch the recording online!
Apply for the Program
Eligibility:
All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a grant:
- Business must be incorporated in a Qualified Census Tract or one of the prioritized businesses mentioned above.
- Fewer than twenty-five employees (not including the business owner).
- Business owners must provide proof of a Boston business address (e.g., a signed lease, business permit / license / title, utility bill in which the business is named directly, or other home office documentation).
- Business and business owner must be in good-standing with the City of Boston
- Business must provide a copy of its up-to-date Business Certificate
- Application Evaluation Criteria for applications
Benefits:
- We provide grants of $100,000-$200,000 for 50 small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 that are looking to fill vacant commercial space in the City.
First cohort application deadline:
February 17, 2023
15-20 Grantees chosen for the first cohort: April 2023
Sampling of Commercial Vacancies
Submit a Commercial Vacancy
If you are a commercial property owner looking to fill your vacant space in Boston, you can fill out this form with your information. We'll need the address of the vacancy, square footage, and previous use, among other details. Once we have the information, we will add a pin to the map for interested business owners and SPACE Grant applicants.
Have Any Additional Questions?
We are excited to review applications for vacant storefront spaces from across the City. Here is an example of some vacancies that exist in our Downtown neighborhood. If you have questions as to other vacancies that exist, please reach out to alia.forrest@boston.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nonprofits eligible for this grant?
Yes, as long as the nonprofit fits the eligibility criteria listed on the website and application.
My business is not incorporated in Boston, but I live in Boston. Would I be eligible for this grant?
Unfortunately, no. This is a grant program serving Boston business owners, and the incorporated address must be within the City to qualify.
I am a small business owner and I recently signed a lease or letter of intent with a landlord, but I still need help with build-out, rent, and start-up costs. Could I be eligible even if I already found a space?
Possibly. This is a new program and we are open to looking through our pool of applicants to see what businesses are the best fit for these grants. We suggest you apply, though if you've already signed a lease, your application might not be as high a priority as others.
