Quincy Mayor Launches Small Business Relief Program

Press release from the City of Quincy:

Mayor Launches Small Business Relief Program

Mayor Thomas P. Koch today launched a new local grant program that will provide immediate financial relief to dozens of Quincy small businesses most severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Applications for the Quincy Small Business Relief Program will open today, April 30, and provide up to $10,000 to small businesses located in Quincy. The program will focus on businesses with 20 or fewer employees and modest annual revenue that may not have the resources to compete for other kinds of assistance.

“These are the small businesses – the barber shops, the restaurants, the independent cleaners – that are facing the most serious challenges amid this historic crisis, and it’s our hope that this modest measure of relief will make a very real difference,” said Mayor Koch.

The grant program will be financed by a $1 million infusion of federal Community Development Block Grant funding that was part of the CARES Act stimulus package. The legislation included critical flexibility on how cities could allocate the new funding, creating a pathway to make the program possible.

“Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to do this without the leadership and advocacy of Congressman Lynch to ensure cities were given the right tools to make decisions in the best interests of their communities. I am deeply grateful for his years of partnership, and for the work of Senators Markey and Warren for their efforts in the Senate,” the Mayor said.

Added Congressman Lynch:

“When Congress passed the CARES Act, we understood that local Mayors like Tom Koch had a firm grasp on what was needed and where funds should be directed within their cities.” said Rep. Lynch. “The Quincy Small Business Relief Program is the result of a successful working partnership between Governor Charlie Baker, Quincy Mayor Tom Koch and all our federal partners. I am deeply grateful for Mayor Koch’s steady leadership throughout this process.”

The program will be administered by the City’s Department of Planning and Community Development, and applications and information can be found here. Applications will only be accepted online, but Planning Department staff will be available to assist applicants with the process and answer any questions.

The program will not be first-come, first-served. All applications received between April 30 and May 15 will be considered in a merit-based process. Officials encouraged potential applicants not to rush their applications.

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