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Small Business Resources
Town of Clinton Small Business Assistance
The Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) is a resource for local information and advice. The CEDO compiles data on available property, local and regional demographics, regional market trends, current small business assistance programs, and regional resources. In addition, the Town offers the following forms of financial assistance:
ARPA Small Business Safety Net Grant Program
The ARPA Small Business Safety Net Program will provide grant assistance up to $10,000 to qualified businesses that can demonstrate a loss of business due to COVID. Visit the ARPA Small Business Assistance webpage for more information. Online applications must be received by September 29, 2023.
ARPA Small Business Growth and Recovery Program
The ARPA Small Business Growth and Recovery Program provides matching funds in the form of loans or grants to assist qualified businesses whose ability to modify or expand their premises has been affected by the financial impact of COVID. This Program is limited to business in an "affected industry", as defined by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Maximum award is $50,000. Visit the ARPA Small Business Assistance webpage for more information. Expressions of Interest must be received by October 15, 2023.
Commercial Improvements Program
The Town of Clinton provides up to 85% of project cost to businesses that wish to make improvements to the exterior of their property- facade improvements, signs, awnings, architectural lighting, flower boxes, outdoor dining, painting and repointing, and accessibility improvements are eligible. Maximum award is $3,000. Contact the Community & Economic Development Office for more information.
Commercial Improvements Program Guidelines
Commercial Improvement Program Application
Property Owner Permission Form
Downtown Clinton Design Guidelines- Signage excerpt
Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program
The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program provides a refundable state tax credit of up to $10,000 to businesses that occupy designated properties within Clinton's downtown district. Property Owners may also be eligible to apply for the credit. Contact the Community & Economic Development Office for more information.
Vacant Storefront District Map
List of Eligible Storefronts, as of June, 2023
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce
Re-established in 2022, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce supports members and the community with an array of benefits, programs and events.
Small Business Planning
Your business starts and grows with a plan! A business plan will help you identify your customers, assess your financial needs, map out your near future, and stake out the challenges and opportunities. The following regional resources will help you prepare a business plan at low- or no-cost. Contact the Community & Economic Development Office for more information.
- NewVue Communities, Fitchburg, MA
- Center for Women and Enterprise, Westborough, MA
- Small Business Development Center, Worcester MA
- SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives
Lending for Small Businesses
Small Businesses often encounter challenges when seeking the finances to start or grow.
- US Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Programs overview
- Worcester Business Development Corporation Section 504 Loan Program overview
- North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Micro-loan Program overview
- North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation CDFI Loan Program overview
- Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation Small Business Lending overview