To be eligible, business must be:
1. a new non-franchise local business with a current location within the City of Cambridge that has executed a new lease for commercial space. A commercial space is a building that is zoned or defined as a commercial building by the City.
2. compliant with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, licensing, and permits.
3. compliant all previous grant requirements such as proof that the grant(s) were used correctly (if the business received a previous City COVID-19 grant).
If you can respond yes to the questions below you could be eligible for this grant:
- Is your current business located in Cambridge, MA?
- Do you have 50 or fewer full-time employees including yourself?
- Did you sign a multi-year lease on a commercial property in Cambridge on or after January 1, 2023?
- Is your business still in operation?
- Can you provide a new, fully executed multi-year lease signed on or after January 1, 2023?
- Can you provide rent receipt payments for the immediate three months prior to your application?
- Round One: February 2024 – May 2024
- Round Two: August 2024 – October 2024
Ineligible Businesses:
- An existing business renewing a lease in an existing commercial space in Cambridge.
- Businesses located outside of Cambridge.
- Businesses violating any federal, state, or local laws, zoning, licensing, or permits.
- Cannabis businesses (due to federal funding restrictions).
- Businesses that received other COVID-19 grants but haven't provided the City with proof of how those funds were used.
- Businesses seeking funding for rent already covered by another APRA funded or other grant source.
- Businesses that have leases terms of one year or less.