ARPA Economic Development - Division of Planning and  Development 

Economic Development & Recovery 

These ARPA investments will support small businesses, helping them to address financial challenges caused by the pandemic and to make investments in COVID-19 prevention and mitigation tactics, as well as to provide technical assistance. The City will employ a broad array of grant, in-kind assistance, and counseling programs to enable small businesses to rebound from the downturn.  A priority will be placed on speeding the recovery of the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors, supporting industries that were particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 emergency and are just now beginning to mend.

Project Pop Up Grant Program

The Project Pop-Up program will curate a pop-up retail space in Lowell's central business district, creating a pipeline for more retailers to establish themselves in Downtown Lowell on a long - term basis.  

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FAQ's:

Please contact Department of Planning and Development if you have questions about programs

Addresses:

Division of Planning and Development

50 Arcand Drive 2nd Floor

Lowell, MA 01852 

QUICKS - Links

Division of Planning & Development

Email: DoBizInLowell@lowellma.gov
Phone: 978-674-1437






Storefront Improvement Grant Program

The Storefront Improvement Program grant seeks to increase accessibility for storefronts, improve the physical appearance of independent businesses, and enhance the commercial districts of Lowell. This program provides:

  • 90% matching grant up to $20,000 for ADA improvements to entrances, including ramps, lifts, doors and door hardware, and automatic openers, accessible parking
  • 50% matching grant up to $15,000 for other facade improvements, including better windows, paneling, architectural details and restoration of historic features
  • 50% matching grant up to $2,500 for signage, lighting and awning improvements


Pawtucketville diner facade








Downtown Revitalization Program  

With much of Lowell's downtown having been hard-hit by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, This project aims to

  • Clean up area sidewalks and walking paths, making them safer and more open to pedestrian traffic.
  • Repair and update City streetlights in order to provide a safer environment for pedestrians during the evening hours.
  • Clean up public spaces, pocket parks, make overall 'beautification' improvements across the downtown area to provide a more inviting space for people and families to visit.sidewalk



Economic Resilience Grant Program 

The Economic Resilience Grant Program was open to business locate in Lowell in industries that were disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic

  • Placemaking:  Projects that cultivate inclusive and inspiring exterior spaces through public art, communal gathering areas, facade improvements, collaboration with local artists, or other endeavors.
  • Programing: Organizational growth through new or expanded programs or services.
  • Facilities and Infrastructure:  Renovation to buildings or spaces to address public health concerns, or to become more resilient to climate change, or support organizational expansion.

Centralville Welcome Mural