city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last updated:

S.P.A.C.E. Grants

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: The application for SPACE Grants closed on Friday, November 10th. Applicants will hear back from our office regarding the status of their application by mid-February 2024.

The SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant Program prioritizes helping our small businesses, with a priority for industries that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These prioritized businesses include, but are not limited to:

  • food service and production, restaurants
  • childcare
  • repair and maintenance and laundry services (i.e., laundromats, dry cleaning)
  • retail
  • art, entertainment, creative economy, and
  • fitness, wellness (including spas and salons), and recreation.

Please note: Liquor stores, cannabis establishments, office spaces, franchises, and lab spaces will not be considered for this program.

  • SPACE Grant. Giving dreams the space to grow.

  • Have questions? Contact:

    Alia Hamada Forrest
  • Upcoming SPACE Grant Info Sessions

    There aren't any info sessions at this time. Stay tuned for the last round of SPACE Grants in Spring 2024!

Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility:

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a grant:

  1. Business must be incorporated in a Qualified Census Tract or one of the prioritized businesses mentioned above.
  2. Fewer than twenty-five (25) employees (not including the business owner).
  3. 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). 
  4. Business and business owner must be in good-standing with the City of Boston
  5. Business must provide a copy of its up to date Business Certificate

Benefits:

APPLICANT WORKSHOPS

Pre-Recorded Workshops

Were you unable to join us for our informational session? Watch the recording online!

Info session video

Were you unable to join us for our Business Planning Workshop? Watch the recording online!

business planning workshop

Upcoming Webinars

None at this time.

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.

Do I have to open my business in downtown Boston if I am interested in applying for a SPACE Grant?

No. This is a city-wide program with a focus on commercial hubs, so that includes Main Street districts and other commercial corridors in our neighborhoods. The business you are looking to open does need to be in the City of Boston.

LIST OF GRANTEES

Congratulations to our first round of SPACE Grantees!

These 24 grantees were awarded a total of $2,830,000 for rent, build-out, and start-up costs for their business as they fill vacancies across the City in addition to wrap-around technical assistance through our Small Business Technical Assistance Program.

For more details about the first round of the program, you can view the full SPACE Grant press release from July 26, 2023.

  • SPACE Grant. Giving dreams the space to grow.

  • Have questions? Contact:

    Alia Hamada Forrest
  • Upcoming SPACE Grant Info Sessions

    There aren't any info sessions at this time. Stay tuned for the last round of SPACE Grants in Spring 2024!

Back to top