Do you know about the Massachusetts Express Grants Program?
If you’re a small business owner or nonprofit in Massachusetts there’s a $20,000 grant that you should know about. It’s called the Express Grant program and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in town.
The Express Grants program offers businesses and nonprofits the opportunity to gain valuable training, resources, and skills to help increase sales, gain visibility, improve marketing and so much more in 2024. Plus, there’s 100% reimbursement for qualified businesses.
Own a business or work in a nonprofit? Here’s a look at eligibility criteria, benefits, and how you can take advantage of the Express Grants program to upskill your team and supercharge your growth.
What is the Massachusetts Express Grants Program?
The Massachusetts Express Grants program is designed to support small businesses and nonprofits in Massachusetts. The program offers $20,000 per calendar year to eligible organizations for training and development, and is specifically tailored for businesses with less than 100 employees (part-time or full-time).
The best part? Applying for the Express Grants program is free — that means there’s no cost or risk to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To get approved for the Express Grants program, there are a few eligibility criteria your business needs to meet:
- You must be a registered business or nonprofit organization operating in Massachusetts.
- Your organization must have W2 employees on its payroll for at least one calendar quarter. The program is designed to support businesses with a workforce.
- The Express Grant program is ideal for small to medium-sized organizations, with a maximum of 100 employees. Part-time and full-time employment qualifies.
- You’ll need to obtain a current Certificate of Good Standing from MA Tax Connect. This signifies that your business or nonprofit is in compliance with state tax regulations.
- The training programs you choose must fall within the specified categories in the Express Grants program. There are 100’s of industry experts who offer specialized training in subjects like marketing, leadership, HR, productivity, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Easy Application Process
One of the most notable features of the Massachusetts Express Grants program is its simplicity and efficiency. The application process is designed to be straightforward and takes as little as 20 minutes to complete — far less if you’ve applied before.
So, how do you apply?
- Gather your documents. Begin by collecting all the necessary documents including your Certificate of Good Standing from MA Tax Connect.
- Visit the Express Grants website. Start your application and follow the user-friendly directions at the official Express Grants program website. Remember, there’s no cost or risk to apply.
- Complete the application. Fill out the online application form with your organization’s details and specify the course or trainings you’re interested in taking.
- Submit your request. Review your application for accuracy, then hit the submit button. If there’s any problem or more information is needed, you’ll hear back from the Express Grants office in a few days.
- Wait for approval. The program administrators will review your application and if you meet the criteria, you’ll receive approval within 21 days.
- Get ready for training. Once you’re approved, contact your trainer and work out an exact start date. All training costs are reimbursed at 100% after you’ve paid in full and have completed training.
Benefits of the Massachusetts Express Grants Program
Small business owners juggle numerous priorities all vying for financial attention, so there’s often little budget, opportunity, or expertise to train their employees or themselves. With the Express Grants program, training expenses are paid in full and you’re usually reimbursed within 6 – 8 weeks.
Another benefit is that subject matter experts are vetted for you. You can confidently invest in yourself and your team’s professional development knowing that your trainers will be top-notch.
Lastly, you’ll stand out from your competitors by learning the latest trends and best practices for your given training. Plus, you’ll show your employees that you care about their growth and development, which can boost morale and retention rates.
What Skills Would You Like to Learn?
The Massachusetts Express Grants program opens up a world of possibilities for skill development. As you prepare your business for 2024, think about what training would make the most significant impact on your organization.
Prepare Your Business for 2024
2024 is here, and with it comes new opportunities, uncertainties, and challenges.
Why not take advantage — or at least look into the Express Grants program? There’s $20,000 in training funds available, no cost or risk to apply, and a huge upside.
Don’t have W2 employees or in startup mode? Find out what other business owners have done to qualify and take advantage of the program.
As a small business marketing expert, I’m all about maximizing opportunities for growth. The Express Grants program is just one of them.
This blog post is contributed by Robin Samora, a marketing and PR consultant, top small-business blogger, and marketing partner with the Commonwealth Corporation Express Grants program. She teaches small business owners how to rev up their brand online and offline to attract new clients, connect with customers, get media exposure, and increase sales. For more information on how to grow your business with the Express Grant program, visit RobinSamora.com or schedule a quick call here.
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