A new series of grants is offering small food businesses in Boston a fresh start. Mayor Wu has launched the Re-FRESH program, an initiative created to provide local food-based organizations with $1 million in funding.
The program — which stands for Revitalization of Food Restaurants and Establishments to Stabilize Holistically — will provide grants between $2,000 and $15,000 to eligible food businesses, such as restaurants, bars, taverns, food trucks, and juice shops. The funding is intended lighten the financial burden of expenses like payroll, rent, inventory, and overhead costs. Additionally, the city will support recipients in crafting detailed business plans for long-term success.
To be eligible, businesses must have 25 or fewer employees, earn $2 million or less in annual revenue, and have experienced financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first round of applications is open now though Friday, Dec. 15, and a second round will open in 2024.