The City of Cambridge today announced a new dining and nightlife grants scheme that will award $2,500,000 to eligible Cambridge venues.
These grants, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will provide relief to local cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues (e.g., movie theaters, venues, galleries) that have been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants and entertainment venues citywide are eligible to apply for grants of $10,000 for eligible business expenses such as payroll, rent, personal protective equipment, utilities, merchandise and equipment, and outdoor dining infrastructure. Applications will be accepted from February 3rd to 28th, 2022 at 8pm and are available at www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/business.
“The uncertainty of the past two years has made it difficult for restaurants and nightclubs to operate, and I’m glad we can provide some relief at this crucial time of the pandemic,” Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui said. “These grants, which some of our hardest-hit businesses are prioritizing, will help restaurants and nightclubs that have a long road to recovery ahead of them.”
The grants for restaurants and nightlife are awarded based on criteria that prioritize businesses owned by people of color, women and other historically marginalized groups, businesses with fewer than 10 employees and businesses with a sharp decline in sales compared to before. pandemic levels.
“Cambridge’s restaurants and nightclubs are an important part of our community and these sectors are among the hardest hit by this pandemic,” City Manager Louis A. DePasquale said. “Their economic recovery is vital to our city and I am proud to launch this new grants scheme, which builds on the $4,800,000 in aid funds the City of Cambridge has been providing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic local companies awarded.”
The city plans to fund an additional $2,500,000 in small business relief grants for other sectors affected by the pandemic later this year.
For more information on eligibility, exclusions and how to apply for these programs, visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/business.
Individuals who have questions or need assistance can call 617-349-4654 or email smallbizgrants@cambridgema.gov. Translation and interpreting services are available upon request.