New Grants Now Available for Cambridge Small Businesses. Funds totaling $600,000 will be awarded through the City of Cambridge’s Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund for Small Businesses and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority

The City of Cambridge today announced the availability of $600,000 in grants for Cambridge small businesses through the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund (MDRF) and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA).

The use of the City of Cambridge’s MDRF & CRA grant for small businesses will result in the awarding of grants of up to $6,000 per eligible applicant, which will not have to be repaid. Grant applications will only be accepted from April 14, 2021 until May 7, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. 

This new grant program is in addition to approximately $4.3 million in grants and loans previously awarded to support Cambridge small businesses facing multiple challenges since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we get closer to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that our local businesses still have a long road to recovery,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “Thanks to the individuals, businesses, and organizations who donated to the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund, in addition to the funding from the CRA, we are able to continue providing this critical support to our small businesses as we plan for our City’s economic recovery.”

“I am pleased that the city continues to identify programs to support our local businesses," said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. "This new $600,000 in funding will provide critical assistance to establishments to cover various expenses I want to thank the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for once again partnering with the city and the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund to increase assistance available to Cambridge’s small business community.”

The MDRF and CRA program will prioritize businesses that have not yet received funding from other programs. There is no guarantee that small businesses will secure a grant or receive the maximum amount of funds. Grant funds are based on a business’s documentation. Applications will be reviewed after the May 7, 2021 deadline. Allowable business expenses may include personal protective equipment, average rent, salaries, utilities, cost of goods, and outdoor dining infrastructure costs not covered by other programs.

The Small Business Grant Program is being funded with $400,000 from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund and $200,000 from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a combined $600,000.

“Small businesses are central to the economic vitality of Cambridge,” said Tom Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. “The CRA looks forward to continuing its work with the city to support their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information about eligibility, exclusions, and the application for these programs, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/MDRFbusiness.

Those with questions or in need of assistance can call 617-349-9775 or email MDRFGrantBusiness@cambridgema.gov. Translation and interpretation services are available upon request.

Link to Grant Flier