The Prime the Pump Program was initially announced on March 18, 2020. The city has seen overwhelming interest in the first two rounds of the program, awarding 107 grants totaling $725,000. In addition, the first two rounds of the program awarded businesses in every neighborhood of the city. Businesses receiving grant funds have also represented a diversity of ownership, including 18% minority owned, 9% woman owned, and 19% minority-woman owned, for a total of 46% of grants to MBE/WBE businesses.
With the release of the $500,000 in the Third Round of Prime the Pump, the City of Springfield has now offered $1,225,000 in emergency business assistance to small businesses throughout the city.
The Third Round of Prime the Pump will prioritize businesses that have been closed and are now in the reopening phases, dealing with new costs and improvements related to Covid-19.
Mayor Sarno stated, “My administration is happy that the first two rounds of the program have been so well received, and have helped businesses of all types and from all of our neighborhoods. We are hopeful this next round can continue to be the ‘shot in the arm’ to help additional businesses get back on their feet and return to a sense of normalcy and help jumpstart our local economy.”
“These dollars are critical to these businesses as a bridge during this time of uncertainty,” said CDO Sheehan. “We’re happy to have been able to help so many businesses with these grants, and look forward to assisting even more of our businesses in their reopening plans.”
Applications are competitively scored, based on criteria provided in the application guidelines. Those awarded are required to complete the city contracting process in order to receive funding.
Funding for this program is provided through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG Funding) from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), under an allocation dedicated for Covid-19 relief.
Applications for the Third Round of Prime the Pump are due July 1, 2020 by 3:00 p.m. and must be submitted electronically to the attention of Anthony Moore at amoore@springfieldcityhall.com
Interested parties can download the application at the City of Springfield’s Planning and Economic Development website at: www.springfield-ma.gov/planning
Click on the links below to view the Guidelines and to download the application.