Page 20 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, February 28, 2020 City to get $100K to fund new Shared Services Alliance By Christopher Roberson E verett was recently selected by the Baker-Polito Administration for a $100,000 grant to develop a Shared Services Alliance. The alliance will function in concert with Nurtury, CCAB and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. The objective will be to “strengthen the business model of childcare programs by providing business education, individual coaching on pedagogical practices and group professional development.” The grant is part of a $2 million push under the state’s Urban Agenda Grant Program, which was launched four years ago. The program focuses on “promoting economic vitality in urban neighborhoods by fostering partnerships for growth that capitalize on unique local assets and community-driven responses to challenges.” To date, communities throughout the Commonwealth have received more than $6 million from this program since 2015. “Our administration is committed to partnering with local leaders and community organizations that are on the ground in urban neighborhoods to encourage collaborative, high-impact projects that directly impact the quality of life and access to opportunity of residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a written statement. “The flexibility of the Urban Agenda Program enables investments in a wide range of initiatives that train unemployed individuals for jobs, assist local entrepreneurs and prepare small businesses for success.” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito also underscored the importance of having this program in Massachusetts. “Urban Agenda grants are one of the tools that allow our administration to tackle local challenges around workforce training and provide support to urban small businesses and entrepreneurs that have the potential to create strong and vibrant downtowns,” she said. “Our administration has always emphasized collaboration and homegrown solutions, and today’s awards embrace innovative projects that will expand access to economic prosperity.”
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