SCALE Business Accelerator Program (US)

The purpose of the SCALE program is to build businesses’ capacity to more effectively pursue government contracts. The program focuses on industry categories that represent a large share of the City of Boston’s purchases through competitive procurement.

SCALE differs from other small business technical assistance programs in that it provides industry-specific technical assistance, business consulting, and capital advisory services. Technical assistance providers focus on capacity building activities, education, and training that is specific to the type of work each business performs.

Funding Information

• Businesses who are accepted into the SCALE program will receive a grant award of up to $200,000 divided between two disbursements: up to $50k disbursed prior to the recipient entering the 3 to 6 month technical assistance program, and the remainder disbursed to the recipient on the condition that they complete the full SCALE program. The purpose of the grant is to help business participants supplement operational capacity where necessary to allow the business owner or lead for the SCALE program to fully participate in the technical assistance programming of the 3 to 6 month engagement and, using the larger grant payments, operationalize business plans created during the SCALE program with help from technical assistance providers. Participants must complete the program to receive this second grant disbursement.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Businesses:
  • Professional Services
  • Snow removal and landscaping
  • Design and architectural services
  • Food and dining services
  • Construction
  • General contracting services
  • Roofing, siding, and flooring work
  • Insulation, drywall, masonry, and weatherproofing work
  • Plumbing & HVAC services
  • Electrical work.

Requirements

• Businesses must provide goods, services, or works that correspond to the industry categories shown above.
• Businesses must either be certified by the City of Boston’s Department of Supplier Diversity, have a certification application pending, or be certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).
• Businesses must be based in Boston, MA Certification: Businesses must be certified by the City of Boston’s Department of Supplier Diversity or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).
• Businesses must be an active, for-profit business in either the growth or mature stages of development: A for-profit business is one that operates to generate revenue for its owners or shareholders through the sale of goods or services. A business in the growth stage is expanding its market presence, increasing revenue, and scaling operations, while a business in the mature stage has achieved stability with consistent revenue, a well-established market position, and efficient operations. Both stages involve active, profit-driven businesses that are legally registered and operational.
• Businesses must outline its plan to completing the program, including but not limited to attending in person and virtual workshops and seminars, completing any coursework or assignments, and regularly meeting with technical assistance providers.
• Businesses must agree to supply technical assistance providers with relevant information/documentation/data to complete preliminary and final businesses capacity assessments.
• Each applicant must submit a narrative summarizing 1) the history if their business and its stage of development, 2) why their business will benefit from participation in the SCALE business accelerator program, 3) their interest in and/or history of bidding on public contracts, and 4) how grant funding will help them build their capacity to bid on public contracts.
• Required: Proof of a Boston business address (e.g., a Boston business certificate, or a signed lease, business permit / license / title, utility bill in which the business is named directly, or other home office documentation).

For more information, visit City of Boston.