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A group of 37 local entrepreneurs will receive nearly $4.6 million in grants from the city of Boston to help establish new retail businesses.

The second round of the SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) grants program attracted more than 340 applicants, Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu said.

“The intense interest showed we created a program that was responsive to the needs of the small business community,” Idowu said in an interview this week.

The program uses American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to restore vitality to retail districts and close the racial wealth gap. The latest recipients include 73 percent minority-owned businesses and more than 75-percent women-owned businesses.

The original round announced in September 2023 provided $2.8 million to 24 businesses, including 10 that have opened for business. Approximately $1.5 million remains in ARPA funding, which will be awarded in a final round accepting applications through April 30.

The city also provides legal and technical assistance for recipients in areas such as permitting, lease negotiations and tax advisory services.