BOSTON — Applications for the $6 million reopen Boston fund will open later this week for small businesses in the city.
Mayor Marty Walsh announced the availability of millions in reopening grants for select city businesses at a news conference Tuesday.
He said the additional financial help is to help businesses invest in safety measures to meet public health guidance requirements, including PPE and safety partitions.
Eligible businesses include barber shops, shops, retail stores and gyms.
“We heard their concerns about not being able to open safely,” said Mayor Marty Walsh. “We know how tough the situation is and how many businesses’ futures are hanging in the balance.”
Mayor Walsh said the fund is designed to help businesses with employees working in close proximity to each other and customers.
“We’ve already spent money to reopen on our own... money we weren’t making,” said Rocco LoGrasso, who co-owns LoGrasso’s Barber Shop in the North End with his father. “Anything will help at this point.”
Rocco LoGrasso said the cost of PPE, a surplus of sanitation products and cleaning expenses adds to ten consecutive weeks of hard-hitting losses.
“My dad has put his whole life into this business, and I’m not going to let anyone take it away from me and my dad,” said LoGrasso.
Assistance from the reopen Boston fund will be released in three rounds, corresponding with the phases of the state’s reopening plan. Applications open this Thursday, May 28, at 5 p.m.
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