Walsh announces distribution of $4 million to support small business in every neighborhood, in most impacted industries due to Covid-19

New platform created to help businesses source personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to protect employees and customers as economy begins to reopen

(BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020) - Continuing a policy of rapid, equitable, and transparent relief and support from the COVID-19 pandemic to all Bostonians, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that nearly $4 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,100 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Small Business Relief Fund, including the $2 million distributed to businesses earlier this month. The businesses receiving grants represent industries most-impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout every neighborhood in Boston. "I've said it many times: small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and they provide residents with the services they depend on every day," said Mayor Walsh. "Through the Small Business Relief Fund we have been proud to support Boston's small businesses with a swift and direct infusion of funds through a fiscally responsible and equitable system that will help businesses stay open, pay employees, and strengthen our local business districts." Of the nearly $4 million that has been distributed, the top five industries funded represent small businesses in the most-affected industries, including hospitality, personal care, arts and recreation, retail, and healthcare and social assistance (home childcare, family services, personal and home care aide, etc). Of the businesses receiving grants so far, 95% have 15 or fewer employees, 52% are owned by people of color, 49% are women-owned, and 46% are immigrant-owned. Grants from the Small Business Relief Fund have been crucial to the survival of many Boston businesses, and serve as a lifeline for businesses that experienced difficulty navigating or accessing financial assistance through the Federal CARES Act. A full list of businesses that have received funding is available here. "I want to thank Mayor Walsh and the Economic Development Office for all of their hard work and help. Natalia and the Small Business team made the entire process very easy and the steps that the city has taken to keep us informed, as well as assist those in need, has blown me away. I've strengthened my faith in this city because of this experience," said Kandace Cummings of Anita Kurl Salon in the South End. "Thank you for your support in this time of hardship, this gesture has made me feel part of a community," said Ramon Zapata, of the AlbertStyle Barbershop in Dorchester. Managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), this fund was designed to disburse grants through a streamlined process without having to assume additional debt, which can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. Through a combination of City, Federal, and private funds, a total of $7.5 million has been made available to fully fund all remaining eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process.  To further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors. As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3pm to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry.  The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit  boston.gov/coronavirus.

Mayor Walsh announces small business relief fund

New resources created to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 receive immediate capital relief and navigate the evolving financial assistance landscape BOSTON - Thursday, April 2, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the creation of the Small Business Relief Fund, established to assist Boston's small businesses most directly impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This newly created fund, administered and managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), is designed to quickly and strategically disburse grants to local businesses through a streamlined process that does not require businesses to assume additional debt. The Fund will begin accepting applications on Monday, April 6, 2020.  "We are committed to helping Boston's small businesses during this unprecedented time by providing strategic, accessible, and critical financial resources to help them stay afloat and pay employees," said Mayor Walsh. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our neighborhoods. As the response to COVID-19 continues to evolve, we want to make this resource as straightforward as possible for business owners and work one-on-one to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on financial assistance available." The Small Business Relief Fund will be administered through OED's Small Business Financing program, and is funded by a combination of funds from the City of Boston, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and private institutions. Eligible small businesses - a for-profit entity with fewer than 35 employees, and less than $1,500,000 in annual revenue, which is registered and operating in Boston - will apply through a single application and be considered for one of three grants based on the size of the business. Grants can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. The Fund will kick-off with an initial $2 million in resources available to small businesses, which includes city operating funding and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that the City of Boston receives annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding will also include an additional $50,000 contribution from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.  "The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of everyone in Massachusetts and our small businesses have been hit especially hard," said Attorney General Maura Healey. "I thank Mayor Walsh for his leadership and the opportunity to contribute to this fund to assist these businesses during this difficult time. I'll continue to collaborate with my partners in government to help all those affected by this crisis - we will get through this together." As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, OED has created a Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, both of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry. For any business interested in joining these weekly calls, please email smallbiz@boston.gov.  OED has created a number of useful guides and resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the Commonwealth's  Non-Essential Services and Stay At Home Order. Open Businesses in Boston: a tool for essential businesses to publicly share that they're open, share gift-card information, and which (if any) delivery/take-out services they use. This guide is available for residents to utilize, and explore what local businesses are open in their neighborhoods.  Support Boston Restaurants: a web page for restaurants to publicly share that they're open, share gift-card information, and which (if any) delivery/take-out services they use. This guide is available for residents to utilize, and explore what local businesses are open in their neighborhoods.  Takeout and Delivery Guidebook: a guide on how to establish food takeout and delivery services now that the City of Boston has lifted licensing regulations.  Small Business Survey: the third of four surveys for small businesses to pinpoint the help and services they need during this time.  The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/small-business or under the Local Resources "Economic Development Response" on  boston.gov/coronavirus.

East Boston Main Streets Receives Commendation from Boston House of Representatives

East Boston, MA (January 08, 2015) – On Thursday, January 8, East Boston Main Streets was presented with a Commendation by the House of Representatives at the State House.  As one of his final acts, outgoing representative Carlo Basile presented Max Gruner, Executive Director of EBMS, with a Commendation signed by House Speaker DeLeo for the organizations continued work on behalf of the businesses and people of East Boston.

“It is a wonderful honor to be recognized for our work in East Boston and throughout the City,” said Max Gruner.  “I want to thank Speaker DeLeo and Representative Basile and, in particular, I want to thank my Board of Directors and staff for their tireless efforts in bringing innovative programming to East Boston and for working tirelessly to promote and support our remarkable diversity in the neighborhood.”

“This is a truly deserving organization,” said representative Basile.  “We wish Max and East Boston Main Streets all best in the future and I look forward to seeing East Boston continue to flourish.”

For more details or questions, please contact Max Gruner at mgruner@ebmainstreets.com or at 617-561-1044.

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EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and do business in East Boston.

East Boston Main Streets hires Michelle Brown-Droese as Director of the Small Business Institute

BOSTON, MA  (March 24, 2014) – East Boston Main Streets has hired Michelle Brown-Droese, MBA, as the Director of the Small Business Institute in East Boston.  Michelle is the founder of Surpass Business Alliance, a company dedicated to the success of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Michelle is a graduate of the Simmons College School of Management where she obtained her MBA with a concentration in Marketing. 

With over 20 years of experience consulting for a variety of businesses, including health care, non-profits, restaurants, state agencies, artist groups, landscapers and more, Michelle is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed.  Michelle is very active in her community where she has mentored young Latina women for over 17 years.  "We feel incredibly fortunate to have someone of Michelle’s caliber join our team at East Boston Main Streets," says Max Gruner, Executive Director of EBMS.

Michelle will be taking the lead on launching the East Boston Small Business Institute generously supported by Citizens Bank and the Boston Main Streets Foundation.  "The Small Business Institute will allow us to offer to our local micro-business community a year-long curriculum of classes that will be immediately relevant to the small business entrepreneur” explains Michelle.  'These classes will be delivered locally and in a manner that is culturally appropriate and in a language best commensurate with the needs of the first cohort of students," she continues.

"It is always an exciting time when you can launch a brand new initiative that truly has the potential of positively impacting the lives of the folks who own small businesses in Eastie and that might very well be replicable and scalable throughout Boston," explains Max Gruner.  

The Small Business Institute is currently recruiting students for the inaugural cohort and classes will commence in April, 2014.

Anybody interested in this program should contact Michelle Brown-Droese at michellebrown-droese@ebmainstreets.com.
 
For more details or questions please call Max Gruner, Executive Director of East Boston Main Streets at 617-561-1044.

EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.

Source: Max Gruner, East Boston Main Streets 3/24/2014

No Eastie Casino issues a "Declaration of Independence"

This in from No Eastie Casino!

A Declaration of Independence
WE THE PEOPLE of East Boston -- representing neighbors who have lived here their whole lives and those who have only been here a few years; "old-timers," newborn babies, and everything in between; bankers and builders; lawyers and full-time moms; every shade of skin color and country of origin; diverse religious beliefs and none at all; wealthy, middle-class and struggling to get by; drinkers of Dunkin', Honey Dew, and Market Café; gamblers and non-gamblers; married and single; from the Heights to the Flats to Jeffries Point; Eagle Hill to Maverick -- declare, with one voice:

• independence from financially compromised, predatory corporations who want to take what we have;
• independence from additional burdens to the ones against which we already fight -- an airport, two tunnels, gas tanks, a highway, pollution;
• independence from political structures that seek corporate profits above community engagement;
• independence from flashy bribes and promises of affluence that would have us give up a lot in exchange for a little;
• independence to make our own way and choose our own destiny as a neighborhood -- a destiny fueled by hard work, small businesses, our immigrant spirit, and our shared commitment to each other;
• independence to raise our children in a safe neighborhood free from unnecessary obstacles, temptations, and false hopes;
• independence to continue building an environmentally and economically sustainable future for our children and grandchildren;

WE THE PEOPLE of East Boston declare independence from a casino because it threatens that which our neighborhood's founders sought to build, what our neighborhood's servicemen and women sacrificed to preserve, what ordinary neighbors-turned-activists stood up to maintain, and what the present generation of East Bostonians both enjoys and seeks to build upon. We will not stand idly by as deals are made behind our backs that affect not only our lives but future residents' lives. It is in that spirit -- the same spirit in which a rag-tag group of dreamers envisioned and fought for their freedom 237 years ago just a stone's throw away -- that we declare today our independence from the false hope of a casino.

East Boston Main Streets to host networking breakfast on June 11

This just in from Main Streets:

(East Boston, MA) May 20, 2013....On Tuesday June 11, 2013, East Boston Main Streets will hold its Community Networking Breakfast at Spinelli’s from 7:30am – 9:00am.

Meet and mingle over breakfast with East Boston residents and business owners. Congressman Michael Capuano, Representative of the Eighth Congressional District will be delivering the keynote address and discussing important neighborhood issues.

Tickets are $25.00 each or a table of 10 for $250.00

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://ebmsBreakfast.eventbrite.com or call the East Boston Main Streets office at 617-561-1044.

East Boston Main Streets is a public/private partnership initiative of Boston Main Streets, which was established by Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The program has been operating in East Boston since 1995 to create a vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.  East Boston Gateway, Inc. is a Non-Profit Organization Recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.


Source: Max Gruner 5/20/2013