Empower Digital Grant Program

The Empower Digital Grant Program is no longer accepting applications. If you would like to be kept informed of any updates to the program, please join our email list.

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OVERVIEW

The Empower Digital Grant provides funding for the needs of eligible Massachusetts-based small businesses seeking relevant capital expenses, tools, and services to develop their digital capabilities in partnership with a Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) provider. MGCC will administer grants for up to $5,000 for digital services and up to $5,000 for digital capacity-building capital expenses.

Additional consideration will be given to businesses owned by women, minorities, immigrants, non-native English speakers, U.S. Military Veterans, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+, low-to-moderate income owners, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and businesses operating in Gateway Cities.

These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) and will be administered by MGCC. These funds will be made available for eligible businesses until funding is fully disbursed.

This grant has helped in many ways. With updating the website and creating much needed content, SEO management and analytics. These are all areas I have not been able to focus on or did not know how to create/complete. THANK YOU MGCC for offering such a helpful program to small business owners!!! – Alicia Haddad, Alicia's Spice Co.

I enjoyed working with my SBTA Sponsor who helped me find a digital service provider for my business needs. These funds will help bring in more clients [through the website]. I am so grateful to have this grant to help my business... -Surinee Piwchuen, Lyla Beauty Bar

This grant allowed me to do things right... This grant allowed me to hire the kind of talent I knew I needed and the result is so superior to anything I have been able to do in the past. This allows me to be competitive to other major brands and go from looking homemade to professional. – Manjari Saha, Pariva

The grant has helped me update my website, set up SEO, marketing, and regular ads on social media and Google to promote my business and reach new customers. The grant made my online shop more accessible and easier to use for customers. -Hannah Jacobson-Hardy, Full Moon Ghee

It has allowed us to dramatically improve our web and social media presence. It has also connected us with some fantastic companies who we will use for ongoing support and brand building. -Joshua & Amanda Fedele, Stage Shop Candy

USE OF FUNDS

These grants are intended to increase the digital capabilities of the applicant by providing funding for professional services, training, digital products, or to purchase equipment/hardware according to the Digital Development Plan detailed in the application. Grant funds are not intended for ongoing business expenses. Please refer to the Empower Digital Development Guide for more information.

TIMELINE

Grant Program Opens: June 15, 2021
Grant Program Closes: March, 31, 2023 at 5pm ET or when funds are fully disbursed.

GRANT AMOUNT

Up to $5,000 for digital services and up to $5,000 for digital capacity-building capital expenses

APPROVAL PROCESS

This will be a rolling application. Applicants can expect to hear back within 2-6 weeks of the completed submission of their grant application, including all necessary supplementary documents and correct information.

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Can I apply to this grant without an SBTA Sponsor?

No. Due to the complex nature of digital development projects, all prospective applicants must be sponsored by an SBTA provider. If you are otherwise COMPLETELY eligible to apply but do not know or have an SBTA Sponsor, please check out this page and then reach out to the organization that has "Empower Digital" written in the same row that is most relevant to your business. There is no guarantee that an SBTA Provider will be able to sponsor your business through this grant application.

How much does this grant offer?

How long will it take to receive the grant approval/rejection notice?

How do you define FTE?

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) = 40 hours, including 1099's

If you're a sole proprietor, you as the only employee of your business count toward the 1-20 FTE headcount.

For example:

One employee that works 40hours/week = 1 FTE
Two part-time employees that each work 20hours/week = 1 FTE (because 2 (employees) x20 hours=40hours/week)

Do food trucks qualify for this grant?

I am having a difficult time getting through the Submittable application, what should I do?

Can I pursue a digital development project or capital expense that costs more than $5000?

How much will be covered by the grant vs. how much will I owe?

Please use this grant calculator as a reference for your Empower Digital expenses. It will calculate the following:

Total relevant capital expenses
Total covered by Empower Digital Grant for relevant capital expenses
Total owed towards relevant capital expenses (if applicable)
Total digital service expenses
Total covered by Empower Digital Grant for digital services expenses
Total owed towards digital service expenses (if applicable)
The table always calculates the +$250 SBTA Sponsor fee into the total calculations to come from the grant, not from the applicant

PROJECT TABLE - CALCULATOR

OVERVIEW

GRANTEE STORIES

USE OF FUNDS

TIMELINE

GRANT AMOUNT

APPROVAL PROCESS

F.A.Q.