I have more than one business location in Cambridge. Can I apply for each location?
Yes.
What is the application deadline?
The City will accept applications through June 30, 2023.
This is a reimbursement grant of up to $2,500. We ask that restaurants compile all of their invoices/receipts and proof of payments and submit one application.
I tried applying online but it didn’t go through, or it showed an error even though I answered all the questions and answered all the questions.
If you are applying online via your Apple phone, please use a different web browser than Safari. It doesn’t work well with our application form.
If the web browser is not the issue, please make sure you have attached invoices and put an answer down for every required question, including the drop-down menu questions, like number of employees.
If you continue to have issues, please call us at 617-349-4266 to schedule a time for staff to call you and help fill out the application with you. We can also provide you with a paper/PDF version of the application.
Is this grant taxable?
Yes. You will receive a 1099 Form from the city.
When will I get my funds?
Grant funds will be awarded and distributed on a rolling basis. Once a business receives an award notification, it can take up to 4-6 weeks for a grantee to receive funds. Funds will be delayed if program staff do not receive the correct contract documentation from the business owner.
I haven’t received notice that you got my application. Can someone tell me?
Please have the business owner email smallbizgrants@cambridgema.gov for any questions regarding their grant or grant application. Business owners will receive an email before the grant deadline if we are missing anything we need to review their application.
I forgot to attach documents to my application. How do I get them to you?
You can provide us this documentation in three ways:
Send items back via email to smallbizgrants@cambridgema.gov
You may provide photos of your invoices, etc. As long as the photo(s) is clear and your Cambridge business address can be seen.
If you would like to drop off these items to the office, you can do so two ways:
There is a white mailbox at the outside the back entrance of Cambridge City Hall 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA. The mailbox is checked Mondays-Thursdays. Please make sure the documents are secured in an envelope and put on the outside of the envelope the following: “City Manager’s Office Outdoor Dining Grant” with your business name included.
Drop off documents in an envelope that says “Outdoor Dining Grant” to the City Manager’s Office on the first floor of City Hall
Please make sure to send us or drop off your documents by June 30, 2023
I received a Restaurant and Nightlife grant. Can I still apply to this program?
Yes, only if this grant is being used for approved expenses and you have not used previous funds received for the same specific expense.
I am a Cambridge resident, but my business is in another city. Can I apply?
No, you must have a business located in Cambridge, MA to be eligible.
Can this grant be used for personal expenses?
No, this grant is for business expenses for outdoor dining costs only.
Who cannot apply to this grant program?
Cambridge residents with restaurants located outside the City of Cambridge.
Cambridge restaurant that has outstanding invoices/fees to the City of Cambridge
Applicants who are not in compliance with any federal, state or local laws or regulations, including those pertaining to zoning and licensing.
What types of restaurants are eligible?
Venues in Cambridge that are open to the public and providing outdoor seating for their dinners. Examples include:
Restaurants, bars, coffee shops
Quick service/take out places
What can a business use the grant for?
Paying for architect/engineering services to get a stamped drawing
Purchase of outdoor dining equipment & materials
Purchase of patio heaters
Storage of Outdoor Dining materials
What documents will I need to attach to my application?
Invoice(s)and proof of payment of approved expenses. Receipts of purchases are sufficient proof of purchase.
Will an application be reviewed if it is missing documents or information?
No. All documents must be provided before review and award.
Can I use these funds to pay for any business expense from any time?
No. These funds may only be used for approved expenses incurred since March 3, 2021.
I need help applying. Can someone help me?
Yes. Please contact staff at smallbizgrants@cambridgema.gov or leave a message at 617-349-4266 and someone will get back to you about scheduling an appointment. Interpretation and translation services can be made available.
