As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on small businesses in Harvard Square, many have found themselves relying on supportive patrons and financial support from the state government to stay afloat.
Square businesses were able to apply for government funding through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation in January. The $668 million small business package â which Governor Charlie D. Baker â79 announced in late December 2020 â prioritized women- and minority-owned- businesses.
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Michael J. âMikeâ Kennealy wrote in an email that small businesses make up a âfundamental componentâ of the Massachusetts economy.
âAs the largest program of its kind in the country, these grants are vital to supporting small businesses â especially those in communities and neighborhoods that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19,â he wrote.