One day after the Baker administration increased restrictions on restaurants and other businesses in Massachusetts, a new state stimulus program has been announced that is designed to help support those businesses that have been hurt badly by the pandemic and the subsequent restrictions.
In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced that a $668 million relief package is on its way for small businesses in the state, with restaurants and other hard-hit businesses being eligible for grants of up to $75,000 or three months' worth of operating expenses starting as soon as next week. The Baker administration says that the new program will be linked to the existing grant program and that businesses do not need to reapply if they have already done so, while those that have not yet applied can do so starting December 31 via empoweringsmallbusiness.org and that they have until January 15 to apply. (The grant money can be used for rent and utilities along with paying down debt and other costs of operation.)
Yesterday, Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito announced that the maximum capacity of dining spots and other businesses and industries will be lowered to 25% beginning Saturday, December 26 and lasting for at least two weeks.
[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration Rolling Back Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 25% for at Least Two Weeks
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
