City’s Small Business Relief Fund Helps Local Businesses Forgotten by Federal Bailout

By now it’s common knowledge that the $650 billion federal relief package intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, like those that dot the North and are the backbone of the community, ran out of money in 14 days back in April. 

This left many of North End’s shuttered mom and pop operations without a lifeline while larger corporations and chain stores across the United States swallowed up the money. 

In the North End eight small businesses received funding through the city;s Small Business Relief Fund, which kicked off with an initial funding dedication of $2 million (see list). 

The funding helped a wide range of North End businesses from restaurants to saloons. 

“The Small Business Relief Fund grants are critical to help struggling small businesses across the city address challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the lifeblood of our communities. I’m proud we are able to assist them during this time, and am grateful to our partners who have stepped up in a big way to support Boston’s neighborhood business community.”  

Walsh said in the City of Boston 58 percent of the businesses receiving grants are owned by people of color, 48 percent are owned by women, 44 percent are owned by immigrants. 

Unlike the federal relief program Mayor Walsh said 95 percent of the city funding went to businesses with 15 or fewer employees.

An additional $5.5 million in funding is being added to fully fund all eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process, which combines newly available federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development; as well as commitments from Citizens Bank and Eastern Bank.

The North End businesses that received Small Business Relief Funds are: 

369 Music Group

Boston Kebab House

Luxurious Lighting

Orient Express

Salon JLS

Sock it to Me

Hub Town Tours