Plymouth Area One Fund
Supporting Local Businesses in Times of Need
The Plymouth Area One Fund was created in partnership with Masks4Meds and the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce to provide financial relief to small businesses facing unexpected hardships. Originally launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fund has since evolved into a permanent initiative, ensuring local businesses have a safety net when they need it most.
Our Impact
Since 2020, the Plymouth Area One Fund has distributed over $150,000 to 28+ businesses, helping sustain the small businesses that make our community vibrant and strong.
Our Signature Fundraiser: Dancing with Our Stars
The Fund’s largest annual fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars, is a lively community event where eight local celebrities compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. In partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studio, participants train for 10 weeks, fundraise at least $5,000, and take the stage to support the Fund’s mission. To date, this event has raised an impressive $148,000, demonstrating the power of community generosity. Learn more about the PACC Dancing With Our Stars event.
Plymouth Area One Fund Grants
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You are a business with 20 full-time equivalent or less employees (per location applying for).
Businesses who have experienced hardships such as fires and floods (not natural disasters).
Family hardships such as deaths, deployments and long-term illnesses which require you to close your business for multiple days.
Robberies and/or vandalism over $5k.
You have had a considerable financial loss due to unforeseen hardships.
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The Plymouth Area One fund is for small businesses that are independently owned and operated, have been impacted by an unexpected hardship, and meet the qualifications outlined in the “Consider Applying for the Plymouth Area One Fund If” section below.
Businesses must be in good financial standing with banks, creditors, financers, and vendors.
Applications must be submitted within 60 days of hardship.
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For restaurants that have been impacted by the recent mandate requiring the installation of grease traps. This initiative is part of the Plymouth Area One Fund's commitment to supporting local businesses and assisting with the financial burden caused by regulatory requirements.
Background: The Plymouth Public Health Division has mandated that restaurants connected to the town sewer line must install state-approved, flow-appropriate indoor automatic grease traps or a minimum 2,000-gallon external grease trap. This requirement, aimed at preventing food byproducts and waste from clogging pipes, is a response to the increasing amount of grease entering the public sewer system.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for a grant from the Plymouth Area One Fund to assist with the grease trap installation, restaurants must meet the following requirements:
Location: Restaurant must be connected to the town sewer line.
Installation Requirement: Must have installed a state-approved, flow-appropriate indoor automatic grease trap or a minimum 2,000-gallon external grease trap.
Proof of Installation: Must provide receipts, invoices, or any other documentation showing proof that the work has been completed.
Compliance: Must show evidence that the installation complies with the Plymouth Public Health Division's mandate (installation of an automatic grease trap or a 2,000-gallon external grease trap).
Required Documentation: To complete the application, please provide the following:
Proof of Installation: Provide a copy of the receipt or invoice showing payment for the installation of the grease trap.
Brief Description of Impact: Provide a short summary of how this mandate has impacted your business, including the financial burden of installation and any closures.
Grant Amount: Restaurants that meet the eligibility criteria may receive a grant of up to $500, which will be applied to offset the costs of the grease trap installation.
Application Process:
Submit the completed application form along with all required documentation (receipts, invoices, photos, etc.) to plymouthonefund@plymouthchamber.com
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee, with all information kept strictly confidential, until available funds are fully allocated.
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Closures or damages due to any weather-related events, e.g., hurricane, snow, and power outages.
Unexpected business shutdown due to construction projects, including water, road work, or anything DPW related.
If you have previously received funding from the Plymouth Area One Fund.
Seasonal closures.
Elective closures, e.g., jury duty, vacations, childbirth, funerals, and incarceration.
You choose not to open although have the opportunity to do so (versus being forced to shut down).
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Grant proceeds must be used for operational expenses for your business, marketing, and/or expert consultants. Documentation is required at the time of submission.
Grants may not be used for capital expenses or payment of taxes or assessments.
Businesses cannot apply for a grant more than once in a 5-year span.
Typical grant awards will be between $500 and $5,000 to eligible small businesses.
You do not have to be a member of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce to apply.
You must have a business or business address in one of the 9 towns the PACC serves.
Preference will be given to year-round businesses.
Financial statements must be submitted at the time of application outlining the loss of business.
Your application will be kept confidential, except to those involved in the review process.
Applications can be submitted via email or mail to: Plymouthonefund@plymouthchamber.com or Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Plymouth Area One Fund, 100 Armstrong Road, Suite 204 – Plymouth, MA 02360.