Gov. Baker to Award $75 Million in Grant-Funding to Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

February 25, 2022

Gov. Charlie Baker has announced the launch of two new grant programs to support Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.



The New Applicant Grant Program will support small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Funds can be used to cover operating expenses, utilities, and costs associated with reopening and implementing safe operating procedures, such as outdoor dining.


Grants will be capped at the lesser of $75,000 or three months of annualized operating expenses. To be eligible, businesses must be Massachusetts-based, for-profit entities with between two and 50 full-time equivalent employees, be negatively impacted by COVID-19, and have revenues between $40,000 and $2.5 million. In addition, you must not have previously received financial relief from other COVID-19 Relief Grant Programs offered by the Commonwealth.


The Inclusive Grant Program will support small, minority businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Grants may be used for the same reasons as the New Applicant Grant Program and have the same eligibility requirements. However, you must be either: minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, disability-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, or “focused on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups.” For these grants, priority will be given to eligible smaller businesses located in a Gateway City that have not received prior funding.


If your business has any questions about this topic, or any other general employment issues, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.

Royal Attorneys Secure Summary Judgment at Massachusetts Appeals Court

December 5, 2025
Our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the Defendant from the Massachusetts Appeals Court in a Wage Act and contract dispute. The Complainant alleged entitlement to a substantial variable compensation award following resignation. We demonstrated that the compensation plan made such awards discretionary and contingent on continued employment at the time of payout. The Appeals Court agreed, finding that the award did not constitute wages under the Wage Act and that the Defendant acted lawfully in denying payment. All claims were dismissed in their entirety.

Amy Royal Named 2025 Super Lawyer!

By The Royal Law Firm • November 5, 2025
Attorney Amy Royal has once again been selected as a Super Lawyer ! As published by Super Lawyers Amy B. Royal is a top-rated attorney, with her firm headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Providing legal representation in the New England states and New York, for a variety of different issues, Amy Royal was selected to Super Lawyers for 2014 - 2016, 2019 - 2025. Attorneys like Amy B. Royal are recognized by their peers for their outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession. Their knowledge of the law, professional work ethic, and advocacy on behalf of their clients allow them to stand out among other attorneys in the field.