Town Of Needham: Town Awards $250,000 In Grants To Small Businesses Hit Hard By The COVID-19 Pandemic

Press release from the Town of Needham:

March 3, 2022

Grants will help small businesses continue to recover from pandemic, retain employees

The Select Board today announced the Town has awarded grants to local small businesses totaling $250,000 as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Town is awarding grants to 27 businesses ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each. The businesses include restaurants, retailers, health clubs/fitness studios, and service businesses (tailors, printing services, health/wellness). The grants are being funded through a portion of the Town’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“I’ve spoken with some of the small business owners and every dollar means so much to them,” said Select Board Chair Matt Borrelli. “We’re glad we can provide a bit of support as they continue to recover from the pandemic.”

To be eligible for an award, businesses must have met certain criteria including being a Needham business with a brick-and mortar location; have fewer than 35 employees; earn less than $1.5 million in annual revenue and be in good standing with the Town.

The funds provided will help small businesses address issues such as staffing challenges, COVID safety measures, digital adaptation and general operating costs.  

“It’s been so gratifying to offer this support to Needham’s small business community through this program,” said Amy Haelsen, Economic Development Manager for the Town of Needham.  “We hope this aid will be a boost to them on their road to recovery.”

“When I found out that we were going to receive the grant money from the Town of Needham, I immediately started crying,” said Liz Hay, owner of barre 3. “The past two years my business has been knocked to its knees. I have worked tirelessly to keep my doors open and to continue to provide a safe space for my community to come together and find joy in movement. This money will help alleviate some of the financial strain that I have been facing and continue to face as we work to rebuild.”

“Like all small businesses, we have faced so many unforeseen challenges throughout the last two years,” said Ivan Millan Pulecio, chef and co-owner of Hearth Pizzeria. “This funding is going to be so helpful as we continue to recover from the difficult financial impact the pandemic has had on us.   We look forward to serving the Needham community for many more years to come.” 

The Select Board is considering providing a second round of grant funding to small businesses soon.

The following is a list of businesses that will receive grant funding:

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This press release was produced by the Town of Needham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.