Braintree Gets $320K in Federal Aid For Small Businesses

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree was awarded a $320,000 federal grant to provide rental assitance for small businesses struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Community Development Block Grant was made available through the CARES Act and will be given to Braintree small businesses for up to two months payment of commercial rent. The maximum total grant award to any small business is $5,000 for two months of commercial rent ($2,500 per month).

Mayor Charles Kokoros, who has three decades of small business experience at Braintree Cleaners, said he understands the "incredible strain that has been placed upon small businesses during this pandemic."

"Small businesses are always the first, and in many cases the only ones to donate to our local youth sports and many fundraisers in our community," Kokoros said. "They are always there for us and during this time of need. We must be there for them."

Small businesses in town must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for assistance through the grant:

• The business operates a brick and mortar location in the Town of Braintree. If a franchise, the parent company must be based in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• The business is a small for-profit business.
• The business has been unable to reopen until Phases 1-4 of the Massachusetts re-opening plan.
• The business employs fewer than five full-time employees and has been operational for at least three years in Braintree.
• The business has less than $1 million in total revenue annually.
• The business can demonstrate at the time of application that it is current on all state and local taxes.
• The business owner must be low- or moderate-income.

Kokoros said the town is working with the state to finalize the application process. As soon as the process has been finalized, small businesses will be able to apply for aid. For more information, please call Kokoros' office at 781-794-8100.