By Katie Lannan, State House News Service
As Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday announced small business grants that would flow to more than 1,000 small businesses hit by the COVID-19 crisis, he encouraged people interested in seeing more aid to call their state lawmakers and urge them to pass measures that would help more companies in need of assistance.
The nearly $49 million in grants, administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, will go to businesses that are owned by people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities, Baker said.
Further breaking down the awards, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said 94 percent of the 1,158 businesses are minority-owned and 76 percent women-owned, with more than a third of recipients operating in gateway cities. Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said the grantees include 262 personal care providers, 217 restaurants and nearly 100 retailers.