Grants Awarded to Downtown Hyannis Small Businesses
$235,000 in grant funding has been awarded to small businesses in Downtown Hyannis through the Façade Improvement and Local Business Boost grant programs.
The Downtown Hyannis Façade Improvement Grant Program awarded $115,000 in funding to 21 small businesses to improve the aesthetics of their storefronts. Projects funded include new signage, awnings, planters, and other attractive exterior improvements. Through additional matching funds provided by participating businesses, this funding is expected to result in approximately $400,000 dollars in new investment to the Downtown Hyannis area.
This program was made possible through funding from MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), and from a Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce REDO Grant via the Mass Office of Business Development. The Town of Barnstable’s Planning and Development Department worked collaboratively with the Hyannis Main Street BID and Love Live Local to plan and administer the grant program.
The Local Business Boost Grant Program awarded $120,000 in funding to 20 small businesses seeking to improve, enhance, and elevate their current business operations. This program pairs grantees with local service providers who offer technical assistance and implementation support for projects such as e-commerce development, social media strategic planning, and interior improvements. This grant program is managed by Love Live Local and funding was provided through MassDevelopment’s TDI and an Urban Agenda grant from the state.
Inclusive Recovery Grant Program Now Available
The state has made $75,000,000 available to support small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program targets businesses that focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups, underserved markets, and those owned by minorities, women, veterans, immigrants, first-generation immigrants, disabled individuals, or those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will administer grants up to $75,000 for eligible small businesses. The application deadline is April 28, 2023.
Snack Shack at Hyannis Harbor Overlook Applications Available Starting April 10th
The Town of Barnstable invites food service providers and culinary entrepreneurs to apply to rent the Snack Shack at the Hyannis Harbor Overlook. The Snack Shack, located adjacent to the HyArts Artist Shanties, offers a highly-visible and low-cost pop-up location available to rent by food service providers.
Program dates are scheduled for June through November, with the Snack Shack available for rental for up to six days at a time. Applications will be accepted starting on Monday, April 10th at 9:00 AM on the following website: businessbarnstable.com/snack-shack-at-hyannis-harbor-overlook/. After review and acceptance, selected vendors will be added to the schedule on a first come, first served basis.
Vendor Sought for Kalmus Beach Snack Bar
The Town of Barnstable is seeking a food service vendor to operate the Kalmus Beach Snack Bar during the 2023 summer season (Memorial Day – Labor Day). For more information, please contact Grayce Rogers, Town of Barnstable Property Manager, at grayce.rogers@town.barnstable.ma.us or at 774-487-5994.
Bismore Park Welcome Center Tourism Brochure Program
The Town of Barnstable offers businesses space for their takeaway materials at busy welcome centers in the year-round Hyannis Youth & Community Center and at the seasonal Bismore Park Welcome Center located at Hyannis Harbor (May-October). Both locations offer high volume foot traffic; with consumers looking for leisure activities and destinations to do and see during their visit to the area. Tourism related brochures and rack cards are placed in highly visible and easily accessible display units at both busy locations. There are limited spaces available at each location and businesses can apply for a space online.
Downtown Hyannis Investment Prospectus Published
The Town of Barnstable recently published a Hyannis Investment Prospectus which outlines development incentives available in the area. The Prospectus also details changes in the Downtown Hyannis zoning that allow for streamlined permitting while encouraging predictable form, enhanced character of the area, and an increase in housing production.
Town of Barnstable Updated Outdoor Dining Regulations
The Barnstable Board of Health recently made minor revisions to the Town’s outdoor dining regulations. The most notable change is that the Board of Health may now waive the requirement to have restaurants provide a screen door or air curtain at a doorway if there are two sets of doors provided in a series at the doorway (which are not propped open). For more information on the changes, please view the Board of Health notice on the topic.
