The Department of Planning & Community Development operates a variety of programs designed to support the resilience and growth of Revere small businesses. Need language assistance? Call Revere 311 (781-286-8311) for support.
City of Revere Storefront and Signage Improvement Program Phase 2
The City of Revere’s Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has launched Phase 2 of its Storefront and Signage Improvement Program. Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), DPCD will grant up to $7,500.00 for signage improvements or up to $50,000.00 for exterior storefront improvements to eligible small business and commercial property owners in the Broadway and Shirley Avenue Business Districts. The grant award provides in-kind design consulting services and renderings from Urban Designers Gamble Associates and Omloop.The City of Revere Commercial District Design Guidelines are available here.
Prior to filling out the Phase 2 application, it is strongly encouraged that all applicants read the program guidelines before applying. The application process will occur over several months with Grant Award Notifications to be announced no later than January 30th, 2024.The program guidelines and application are available here.
City of Revere Small Business Loan Program
The Revere Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has announced their 2023 Small Business Loan Program. In general, the loan limit will be $35,000. For loan requests determined to have significant job and business growth potential, the loan limit may be extended up to a maximum of $75,000.
If you are interested, the application is available here in English and Spanish.Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Mass Save Energy Reduction Program for Small Business
Reduce overhead costs, increase profit margins, and boost the comfort of your customers and employees. The Mass Save energy program offers up to 70% off on efficiency upgrades on insulation, refrigeration, lighting, and electronics. Contact a Mass Save representative today at masssave.com/northsuffolk or call 617-485-0789.
The Urban League of Massachusetts partnered with Interise bring you NextStage Acelerar
Using InterRise's StreetWise 'MBA' curriculum, the program provides North Shore based small business owners with knowledge, know-how, and networks needed for business growth and expansion. Program offerings and materials are available in both English and Spanish. For more information, visit here for the program flyer.
Small Business Workshops Hosted by South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED)
Two small business virtual workshops will be hosted by SEED. In this free, virtual workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of owning a business. Topics will include putting together a business plan, getting business financing, and marketing. The workshop will also provide information on the many business assistance resources that are available to entrepreneurs locally and regionally. The May 30th workshop is available here and the June 1st workshop is available here.
Getting Started
Existing and new businesses, including those seeking brick and mortar locations, are encouraged to contact the following staff and offices to learn more about requirements and resources such as licensing, permitting, inspectional, and/or business development assistance:
For one-stop guidance on zoning, permitting, leasing, business planning, and related issues, contact John Festa, Business Liaison for the City of Revere.
For one-stop guidance on license renewals, events, food trucks, and related issues, contact Maggie Haney, Licensing Clerk for the Revere License Commission.
The City offers a range of one-time and ongoing financial assistance programs to eligible Revere businesses. Click below for more information about eligibility and deadlines, where applicable.
City of Revere Signage Design Improvement Program Phase 2
The City of Revere’s Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has launched Phase 2 of its Storefront and Signage Improvement Program. Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), DPCD will grant up to $7,500.00 for signage improvements or up to $50,000.00 for exterior storefront improvements to eligible small business and commercial property owners in the Broadway and Shirley Avenue Business Districts. The grant award provides in-kind design consulting services and renderings from Urban Designers Gamble Associates and Omloop.The City of Revere Commercial District Design Guidelines are available here.
Prior to filling out the Phase 2 application it is strongly encouraged that all applicants read the program guidelines before applying. The application process will occur over several months with Grant Award Notifications to be announced no later than January 30th, 2024.The program guidelines and application are available here.
Register your business with the City of Revere Small Business Registry
The City of Revere is creating a Small Business Registry that will be forwarded by request to developers, hospitality providers and other entities that are looking to conduct business with other Revere businesses. Register online today - https://forms.gle/u3wmWPz8V4J9uvKN8
Technical Assistance Resources
A network of local and regional service providers are available to support businesses and emerging entrepreneurs with technical assistance. See below for upcoming webinars, business coaching opportunities, or other resources tailored to Revere business owners.
Broadway and Shirley Ave Businesses Technical Support Program
Small business owners operating on Broadway and Shirley Ave can apply for free technical assistance in three content areas: financial management, marketing & merchandising, and business expansion strategies to improve business operations and promote curb appeal to consumers walking or driving along Broadway or Shirley Ave. If interested, please apply here. Applications are available below.
The City of Revere partnered with the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) and JP Morgan Chase Bank to provide a four-part webinar series on small business success. All sessions were led by expert business coaches and included opportunities for Q&A with CWE and Revere staff.
Session 1: Keeping the Books
December 1, 2021 Download presentation | Webinar video (English) | Webinar video (Spanish)
Session 2: Social Media Made Simple
January 12, 2022 Download presentation | Webinar video (English) | Webinar video (Spanish)
Session 3: Cash Flow Management
February 9, 2022 Download Presentation | Webinar video (English) | Webinar video (Spanish)
Revere is home to a network of community-based partners and municipal departments supporting business networking, marketing and event planning, district improvements, placemaking, and workforce and employment programming. Click below for more information.
Revere is the service area of multiple economic development agencies and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Additional technical assistance and business financing may be available through these partners.
Please contact DPCD staff for referrals or visit the links below for information:
Offers fast track loans (up to $20,000 for start-up and existing businesses at 5-6% fixed); micro and small loans (micro loans up to $50,000 and Small Loans up to $250,000 at 5-6% fixed with flexible terms); and SBA 504 loans (Real Estate or Machinery and Equipment Loans up to $5.5 million at low, fixed rates).
NOTE: Only suitable for larger, well-capitalized, anchor employer businesses. MassDevelopment’s bond financing programs offer a cost-effective way for companies to finance capital projects, new equipment purchases, and facility expansions; also provides loans and guarantees to help grow operations, and development assistance for early-stage projects.
Workforce and Employment Resources
Businesses seeking to fill open positions, or to secure professional development funding for their employees, are encouraged to explore the following:
Over the past decade, the City’s DPCD has led or supported a variety of major infrastructure, lighting, and signalization improvements along the Broadway corridor. Broadway is Revere’s central business district and a hub for city services including Revere City Hall, Revere’s Senior Center, Veterans Affairs Office, Harry Della Russo Stadium, and Central Fire Station.
Broadway is also home to two electric vehicle (EV) charging station locations and a BlueBikes station located adjacent to the American Legion Lawn near City Hall.
For Businesses: New and existing businesses within the Broadway Central Business District are eligible to participate in the City’s Storefront and Signage Improvement Program. Business vendors are invited to contact the Revere Farmers Market for more information about vending or promotional opportunities.
Shirley Avenue Business District
Since the designation of Shirley Avenue as a Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District in 2015, the City has secured a $2 million MassWorks grant for streetscape improvements to complement significant utility upgrades, lighting enhancements, and accessibility improvements. The City supports ongoing special events in the district, such as the Shirley Avenue Cultural Festival and Shirley Avenue Night Market Series.
Shirley Avenue is also home to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Municipal Parking Lot and two BlueBikes stations located at 69 Shirley Avenue and Orr Square, opposite the Revere Beach Blue Line MBTA station.
For Businesses: New and existing businesses within the Shirley Avenue district are eligible to participate in the City’s Storefront and Signage Improvement Program.
Mobile Food Vendor Program
In June 2020, the City of Revere approved an ordinance to allow the operation of mobile food vendors within the city limits. For more information about eligible locations, application requirements, and scheduling, please visit the Revere Food Trucks page.
Operating a food truck anywhere in the city without the authorization of the Revere License Commission is strictly prohibited. Food trucks seeking to operate along Revere Beach must be approved by Revere’s License Commission and are subject to additional restrictions and requirements from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
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Contact Information
John Festa
Business Liaison; Director, Signage & Storefront Program
