The Design Grant is a new program to help ease the costs of design drawings often required, but not necessarily planned for by the business owner. Drawings can include, but are not limited to architectural, mechanical, or structural designs for new spaces or upgrades within the City of Fitchburg. This reimbursement grant awards up to $2,000 and can be applied to at any time throughout the year.
The proximity of Main Street to Nashua River, Boulder Drive, and the City’s oldest neighborhoods makes it a desirable destination for city residents and employees. The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority has created the FRA Urban Renewal District (URD) Housing Program to foster a unique neighborhood in Fitchburg’s downtown area as a key component of the Urban Redevelopment and Revitalization Plan. The FRA URD Housing Program will award grants upon the completion of projects that have converted upper-level office space in the FRA’s Urban Renewal District to residential use. Grants are $5,000 per unit, up to a maximum of $50,000 or 10 units per year. The grant must not be combined with other subsidies unless approved.
The objective of the Small business Internet Grant Program is to assist in covering the set-up costs for an integral part of business. Through this program, the FRA will provide reimbursement grants towards the installation of basic internet ($100) or a full package consisting of internet, phone and voicemail ($1000), performed within the calendar year. Grants will only be awarded after the completion of the install.
NewVue Communities provides a one-on-one technical assistance to help small businesses develop a business plan that will help grow a business, obtain more capital or provide proof of concept for a start up.
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce hosts bi-monthly training sessions geared towards both start-up and existing small businesses looking to expand.
