By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker announced a $668 million program to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is counting on federal funds the state will receive from the federal COVID-19 relief bill recently passed by Congress. But the Baker administration says it will soon start releasing millions in new funding to restaurants, retailers and other small businesses across the state regardless of the fate of the federal funding.

Eligible industries for the new program which offers grants of up to $75,000 include restaurants, bars, caterers, indoor recreation and entertainment establishments, gyms and fitness centers, event-support professionals including photographers and videographers, personal services and retail.

More information on how to apply and eligibility requirements, can be found at http://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org beginning on December 28.