** Update July 28, 2023: The limit of grant applications has been met. Keep an eye on our website for future grant opportunities and other helpful business resources **
WALTHAM, MA – National Grid today announced it will donate $800,000 to eight Chambers of Commerce in Massachusetts to support local small businesses.
Each chamber will receive $100,000, which they will then distribute in grants of $1,000 to small businesses with fewer than 150 employees.
This pledge follows a similar donation by National Grid in January 2023, when the company distributed $1 million, to four small business organizations to help with energy bills. The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM), the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA), and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce each received $250,000 to then distribute to their small business members .
“After seeing the positive benefit our previous effort of grant funding had on the small business community of Massachusetts, we decided to expand that reach by partnering with additional chambers of commerce,” said Stephen Woerner, President of National Grid, New England. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and supporting the vibrancy of communities across Massachusetts. We’re pleased to be able to support those business that continue to need help as everyone continues to adjust to higher costs for basic goods and services.”
Chambers receiving the funds include: Cape Cod Chamber, Merrimack Valley Chamber, North Central Chamber of Leominster, Greater Northampton Chamber, North Shore Chamber, OneSouthCoast Chamber, South Shore Chamber and Waltham Chamber.
Each chamber will receive $100,000, which they will then distribute in grants of $1,000 to small businesses with fewer than 150 employees.
This pledge follows a similar donation by National Grid in January 2023, when the company distributed $1 million, to four small business organizations to help with energy bills. The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM), the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA), and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce each received $250,000 to then distribute to their small business members .
“After seeing the positive benefit our previous effort of grant funding had on the small business community of Massachusetts, we decided to expand that reach by partnering with additional chambers of commerce,” said Stephen Woerner, President of National Grid, New England. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and supporting the vibrancy of communities across Massachusetts. We’re pleased to be able to support those business that continue to need help as everyone continues to adjust to higher costs for basic goods and services.”
Chambers receiving the funds include: Cape Cod Chamber, Merrimack Valley Chamber, North Central Chamber of Leominster, Greater Northampton Chamber, North Shore Chamber, OneSouthCoast Chamber, South Shore Chamber and Waltham Chamber.
Small business owners in the service area of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce can find eligibility requirements and grant application HERE.
This second round of funding comes as part of National Grid’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the wellbeing of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts. Previously part of its Customer Savings Initiative, National Grid has expanded upon its “season of giving” with renewed customer assistance efforts. Since October 2022, National Grid has donated $3.8 million.
