Greenfield Business Association announces first eight grant recipients

November 12, 2020 : The Greenfield Recorder

GREENFIELD — Eight businesses are benefiting from the Greenfield Business Association’s first round of regranting that it distributed from the $10,000 it received through MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places COVID-19 Response Round: Resurgent Places program.

First round grant awards have been received by: Brad’s Place, Denny’s Pantry, Hangar Pub and Grill, Hope & Olive, Main Street Bar and Grille, Mesa Verde, Terrazza and Adam’s Donuts.

Each of the eight recipients received grants of up to $1,200 for equipment purchases needed to reopen outside in response to the reopening requirements of the state and city governments, according to a Greenfield Business Association press release.

The association worked with Greenfield’s Community and Economic Development Director MJ Adams to ensure businesses had proper outdoor spaces to use.

“This whole grant process for the GBA was a collaborative effort with the city to provide assistance to businesses trying to reopen by expanding outside,” explained Greenfield Business Association Coordinator Rachel Roberts. “Every step of the way, we worked with the city for the benefit of the Greenfield business community.”

Additionally, the association has the opportunity to raise $10,000 more with a program through MassDevelopment, which will match up to $5,000 earned through crowdfunding efforts between now and Dec. 31, according to the press release.

“It’s a great way to donate,” commented Mik Muller, president of the Greenfield Business Association’s board of directors. “$50 automatically turns into $100. You’re doubling your donation to local businesses with one gift.”

The Greenfield Business Association’s crowdfunding page can be found at bit.ly/2ImfDBK. As of Tuesday afternoon, $415 had been raised toward the $5,000 goal.

“The more quickly we can raise the crowdfunding money, the better. It’s getting colder and our businesses could use the help sooner rather than later,” Roberts said.

The association’s goal is to help at least eight more Greenfield businesses, the release states. The equipment purchased by the businesses remain in their possession for future use as well, in case pandemic-related restrictions continue in the spring.