A new grant program in Boston will allow the nonprofit bookstore More Than Words to open a new location to sell “pre-loved” used clothing in Downtown.

The Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) grant will provide the opportunity to 24 entrepreneurs to expand their current businesses or move into vacant retail properties throughout the city.

Mayor Michelle Wu announced on July 26 that the SPACE grant was created after COVID-19 and the pandemic to give local entrepreneurs the resources and support they need to thrive, revitalize downtown, increase foot traffic in major commercial districts and close the racial wealth gap.

More Than Words works with youth ages 16 to 24 who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, parenting, or involved with the Department of Mental Health.

Chief Executive Officer Jodi Rosenbaum founded More Than Words in 2004.

The nonprofit currently has two retail locations in Boston and Waltham. At the South End location, there is an event space that can be rented out for big celebrations and corporate meetings, and the retail store where the youth work.

They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from black businesses.

During COVID-19 More Than Words shut down their stores and transitioned to selling used clothing of good quality, which has been successful, Parker said.

More Than Words will receive $50,000 through the SPACE grant that will allow the nonprofit to open a clothing boutique to sell its inventory of “pre-loved” or used clothing.

At More Than Words, young people take charge of a $4 million business while developing essential career and life skills such as how to manage finances. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower youth through its book, clothing and online social businesses by working 20 hours per week.

Of the businesses receiving grants, 75 percent are minority-owned and more than 60 percent are women-owned, a press release states. The 24 recipients are each receiving between $40,000 and $200,000 over three years depending on their business needs.

More Than Words Chief Advancement Officer Naomi Parker said the nonprofit engages in “positive youth development.”

“Our goal is to support youth to access living wage careers and to be at a spot where they’re at a self-sustaining wage,” Parker said.

More Than Words will use the money to experiment with new models, Parker said.

“We saw the SPACE grant as an opportunity to invest. It’s really a concrete step in that direction for us,” Parker said.

Downtown Boston Business District Director of Planning and Research Anita Lauricella said her team is working closely with More Than Words to find a location for the clothing store.

Lauricella said the change in work pattern after the pandemic has had an impact on how many people are downtown. Lauricella’s work revolves around finding businesses that would be interested in filling vacant spaces.

“We have a very diverse group of people who are downtown,” Lauricella said. “The more energy and excitement that are in our businesses on the first floor of retail, the better for our economy.”