THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 15 Baker-Polito Administration Awards another $78.5 Million in Additional Grants to 1,595 Businesses Most Impacted by the Pandemic MGCC grants have now reached 4,119 businesses; grant awards total approximately $195 million out of $668 million fund set up to support small businesses BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration announced this week $78.5 million in awards to 1,595 additional small businesses in the third round of grants through the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. To date, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded close to $195 million in direct fi nancial support to 4,119 small businesses out of a $668 million fund set up to support small businesses across the Commonwealth. Additional grants will be announced in the coming weeks for thousands of additional businesses. “Our administration set up a $668 million grant program to support small businesses statewide that are struggling from COVID-19 impacts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today, we are awarding our third round of grants, for a total of $195 million in direct fi nancial support for over 4,000 small businesses, with more yet to come. Supporting small businesses is vital to our economic recovery, and we’ll continue to expedite this grant process to send out funds to provide some much needed fi nancial relief.” “Understanding how significant the need for fi nancial assistance is, we’ve taken important steps to ensure these resources are directed toward the businesses that have historically been at a disadvantage even before the pandemic, or are located in communities, especially Gateway Cities, that have suff ered disproportionately because of this virus,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I’m grateful for the partnership with MGCC to provide this important assistance, and I look forward to the coming weeks when we can award even more support for the economic sectors that are most in need.” “Through each of the three grant rounds, small businesses are receiving essential support at a critical time in our fi ght against COVID-19,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “I want to acknowledge the team at Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation for their eff orts to stand up this impactful program. It is important that we as a Commonwealth continue our dual paths of combating the virus and supporting economic recovery.” “At our core, MGCC has the responsibility to create economic opportunities and provide support for small businesses, and the pandemic has given our mission an enhanced importance,” said MGCC President and CEO Larry Andrews. “As we transition from targeting small businesses to specific economic sectors aff ected by COVID-19, I want to express my gratitude to all of the partner organizations who helped raise awareness among the businesses with the greatest need and those serving communities that have traditionally been at a disadvantage.” Representing key industries that have been especially impacted during the pandemic, restaurants and bars, personal care, retail, and health care businesses received the highest number of individual grants this round. These industries have been particularly hard hit during the pandemic. Other grant recipients include women owned businesses, businesses in Gateway Cities, businesses in underserved markets and businesses that have previously received no other forms of fi nancial assistance. New Grant Program Application Deadline: Friday Night, Jan. 15 In addition to administering the small business grant program, MGCC also oversees the Sector-Specifi c Small Business Relief Grant Program, which was launched as a component of the $668 million relief package announced in late-December 2020. Prospective applicants to the Sector-Specifi c Small Business Relief Grant Program are reminded that the deadline to submit an application is 11:59 PM on Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in February. The Sector-Specific Small Business Relief Grant Program, which targets industries experiencing the most signifi cant economic hardship and a loss of revenue, will off er grants up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for payroll and employee benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations. The Sector-Specifi c Program will give preference to the following: • Restaurants, bars, caterers and food trucks; • Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments; • Gyms and fi tness centers; • Event-support companies (photographers, videographers, etc.); • Personal services (nail salons, barbershops, independent pharmacies, etc.); • Independent retailers. Program details, application instructions, eligibility and documentation requirements, and more are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org. Baker launches new phase of #StateWithoutStigMA campaign T he state Department of Public Health (DPH) has launched a new phase of the #StateWithoutStigMA public information campaign aimed at reducing the stigma of substance addiction that prevents people with substance use disorders from seeking treatment. The campaign launches at a time when the state is experiencing a slight rise in overdose deaths as it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we continue to fi ght COVID-19, we remain aware of the impact the pandemic has had on the recovery community CINEMA | FROM Page 14 idays at Showcase Cinemas, and with this year coinciding with Bargain Tuesday, it’s an opportunity to get out, off the sofa and enjoy a fun, safe and aff ordable day at the movies.” All Showcase Cinemas locations have reopened under the company’s “Be Showcase Safe” health and safety program. The program has been develand residents struggling with addiction,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Building on the Commonwealth’s previous eff orts to reduce the stigma around addiction, we are proud to launch the next phase of #StateWithoutStigMA to encourage people to seek the treatment they need and deserve, especially in these uniquely challenging times.” “Throughout the pandemic, this administration has never lost sight that the loneliness, isolation, and economic toll of COVID-19 can and does have a disproportionate impact on people with substance use oped and certified with J.S. Held, an environmental, health and safety fi rm led by noted toxicologists, epidemiologists and an Assistant Surgeon General, US Public Health Service (Retired). The Be Showcase Safe program includes employee health screenings before starting work and food and beverage manager ServSafeTM Food Safety Certifi cation under the disorders and people who are working towards recovery,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Today’s announcement is an indication that we will not waver in the fi ght against addiction in our communities even during a worldwide pandemic.” Building upon the state’s successful #StateWithoutStigMA 2015-2016 campaign, the new advertisements feature people from all walks of life, including health care providers, talking about how and why they support #StateWithoutStigMA. “Now more than ever, we must double up our eff orts to National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe food and safety training and certification program. Additional new procedures include installation of air-purifying systems for all US theaters; reduced auditorium seating capacity; automatic seating social distancing; increased/enhanced auditorium cleaning between shows and of high-touch surface areas; employee and customer reduce the stigma of addiction,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “We must remove any barriers that keep people with substance use disorders from seeking treatment and recovery, especially as COVID-19 continues to impact families and communities across Massachusetts.” “We recognize that substance use disorder is a medical disease,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “As we continue to devote substantial resources towards treatment and recovery services and support, we have to continue our fi ght against protective mask requirements; social distancing markers; and the availability of hand-sanitizing stations. More information about Be Showcase Safe may be found at: https://www. showcasecinemas.com/beshowcase-safe. About Showcase Cinemas Showcase Cinemas is a world leader in the motion picture exhibition industry, operating more than 850 movie screens the stigma that prevents people from accessing these lifesaving resources.” The campaign, which is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s State Opioid Response federal grant, has a $575,000 media buy that runs through the end of February and will be featured on TV, billboards, digital media, social media and on display ads on public hand sanitizer stations across the state. Campaign assets also include community outreach collateral items, such as posters and window clings to help spread the word. in the U.S., U.K., Argentina and Brazil under the Showcase, Cinema de Lux, SuperLux and UCI brands. With 24 theater locations in the United States, Showcase Cinemas delivers the fi nest entertainment experience, off ering the best in viewing, comfort and dining. For more information about Showcase Cinemas please visit our website at www.showcasecinemas.com.
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