Help is on the way for small businesses in South Boston thanks to a $34,000 Tufts Medical Center grant awarded to South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation.

In an effort to stabilize or grow existing local small businesses, with a preference for minority- and women-owned establishments, SBNDC will use the funding to hire additional staff to provide expanded technical assistance.

Given the financial burden posed by COVID-19 and the toll of economic insecurity on health conditions, Tufts Medical Center – Community COVID-19 Relief & Recovery provided grants to community-based organizations (CBOs) to support activities that advance the economic well-being of and provide economic opportunities for Boston residents.

“Supporting and collaborating with our local communities for many years, Tufts Medical Center appreciates that community-based organizations have been a lifeline for tens of thousands of residents,” Tufts stated in announcing the grant application. “Since the pandemic began, CBOs have proven invaluable by filling gaps and making connections to help families recover.” 

SBNDC will use the grant to hire: 

• A part-time Small Business Specialist (SBS) who will provide outreach and technical assistance to local business owners, including helping to certify eligible minority- and women-owned businesses, and working with owners to develop individualized strategies for increasing or stabilizing revenue, increasing or preserving employment opportunities, increasing market share, and accessing growth capital; 

• Consultants who will provide specialized short-term assistance, such as IT support, marketing and social media coaching, and application assistance for available post-pandemic grants. 

“We are grateful to Tufts for this grant that will enable SBNDC to offer free technical assistance to South Boston's small businesses,” said SBNDC Executive Director Donna Brown.