Micro Plant Studio earns SPACE Grant
Photos Courtesy the City of Boston Mayor’s Office
South Boston’s Micro Plant Studio was one of 24 small businesses to receive American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding through the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant, which will help owners expand their businesses and move into vacant storefronts citywide.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the winners at a ceremony on Wednesday, July 26. This first round of SPACE Grants will distribute $2,830,000 in an effort to bring more foot traffic into major commercial districts, revitalize Boston’s downtown, bring vibrancy to city neighborhoods, and close the racial wealth gap. Of the businesses receiving grants, 75 percent are minority-owned and more than 60 percent are women-owned.
“Thank you for acknowledging the long hours that we invest in our business but also the value that we bring to Boston,” said Micro Plant Studio founder Julio Cesar Roman. “The fact is when small businesses open in a neighborhood, it increases our sense of community and safety, creates jobs, and brings up real-estate values. It's a win for all.”
Micro Plant Studio, located at 365 W. Broadway, is the first Latinx plant store in New England and the first plant business that 3D designs and prints pots and vases, Julio said. In 2018, he officially opened his first location in Southie. The shop sells plants, pots, and flowers; facilitates workshops; provides personalized plant services; and creates elaborate window displays that brighten the neighborhood.
“But most importantly, we bring smiles to people’s faces and we are connected to the community,” Julio said. “The future of Micro Plant Studio is even brighter thanks to this grant.”
The grant will fund the opening of a second location with expanded hours, Julio said. The new location will be much bigger and house a 3D lab, plant bar, green room, and outdoor space in addition to creating jobs.
This grant will provide Julio with an opportunity to redefine the traditional retail experience for customers and what a plant business could be — a maker space where people can explore their artistic side while connecting with people with similar interests.
In addition to the grant, the city is providing each business with wrap-around services to assist with lease negotiation, accounting, taxes, regulatory compliance, marketing, and employee-ownership to ensure long-term success. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), are also offering free one-year memberships to their organizations.
“The SPACE Grant program connects entrepreneurs with the extra capital and technical assistance they need to be vibrant, successful additions to our downtown and our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These first 24 recipients each have an incredible story of entrepreneurship, from immigrants sharing their culture through food, to daycares filling a need seen in many of our communities. This program at its core is a win-win for Boston, filling vacant storefronts while helping our small businesses thrive.”
Julio is grateful for the support. “Thank you to the city of Boston for intentionally investing in small businesses like mine and supporting our dreams. Together, we will build a vibrant and greener Boston for all.”
