Framingham Sets Up Emergency Grant Program For Businesses

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The city of Framingham is now accepting applications from local business owners for a grant program aimed at helping businesses make it through the coronavirus downturn.

The grant program is generally open to any for-profit or non-profit business with less than $2 million in annual gross receipts. Approved businesses may be eligible for grants up to $10,000, according to city officials. The money is coming from Framingham's portion of the federal Community Development Block Grant.

The announcement comes as the coronavirus surge hits Massachusetts, bringing a wave of business closures and job losses.

On Tuesday, Framingham reported 20 new coronavirus cases bringing the city total to 374. Subtracting the nine deaths and 101 people who have recovered, there are 254 active coronavirus cases in the city.

Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer and Health Director Dr. Samuel Wong will host a community coronavirus discussion on Tuesday beginning at 5 p.m. The event will take place through Zoom, and residents can submit questions ahead of time by emailing kmcfalls@framinghamma.gov.