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A much higher percentage of Wellesley businesses and nonprofits took advantage of the federal Paycheck Protection Program than did businesses across the state as a whole, according to numbers released this month by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).

Some 57% of about 1,500 establishments in town were approved for a total of 851 loans, which are administered by the Small Business Administration and are designed mainly to help small businesses retain employees. Across the state, about 46% of businesses were approved through July.

Nearby, more than 63% of Needham businesses got PPP loans, and just over half of Newton businesses did, according to the Newton Needham Regional Chamber. Most businesses and nonprofits have already used up their funds and would love a shot at more in light of the pandemic’s persistence, according to the Chamber. PPP loan applications were curtailed as of Aug. 8.

According to the data for Wellesley, which we broke out in the spreadsheet below, the loans helped to fund some 8,300 jobs in town, with an average of 12 employees but as high as 435. Businesses secured loans, which may or may not need to be repaid, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. Numerous lenders, from Needham Bank to Bank of America, handled the loans.

From what some Wellesley business owners have told us, they really had to earn their loans. One local restaurant went from eight to one employee early during the pandemic, and had a great challenge carving out time to work with a lender on navigating tricky paperwork.

Another Wellesley restaurant, Fiorella’s, got a PPP loan back in April and owner Remon Karian said at the time it would be a big help, along with flexibility from landlords and support from the community.

But Wellesley merchants continue to seek additional ways to power through the pandemic. Some would like to see a tax break from the town, but Wellesley is currently not offering any such abatement, directing retailers to small business loan opportunities and MassDevelopment program funds.

The town also recently told merchants that relief from landlords will be something tenants need to take up with their property managers.

Wellesley has taken steps to help local businesses, such as through the COVID-19 Relief Fund, which has paid for protective supplies and helped restaurants connect with those who need meals. The town has also allowed more outdoor dining opportunities, including on the Town Hall green, and soon, near Clocktower Park.

Other opportunities could emerge. Needham’s Select Board recently voted to cut restaurant liquor license fees in half for 2021, so perhaps that’s something Wellesley establishments could push for.

Note: Businesses were not required to self-identify the race, gender or veteran status of ownership for the data shared by MAPC, and that accounts for so much missing info in those columns.

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The Wellesley business scene got techier, tastier and stretchier in 2019, though also became less fashionable in parts of town.

For foodies

A couple of highly anticipated eateries, White’s Bakery and Fiorella’s Express, both launched shops in Wellesley.

Other newcomers include Rice Burg, which started as a food truck, and opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in Wellesley Square, serving up burgers with unique rice buns. Cheesy Street Grill debuted at the new Boston Sports Institute.

B/Spoke added a cafe called Dr/p.

Mark’s Pizza & Subs made its triumphant return to a new Lower Falls location after closing in 2018. Fans of the Wok, under renovation since the summer, are hoping for a revival of this Rte. 9 restaurant, too.

Meanwhile, Wellesley is down a pizza joint, as Upper Crust closed its Wellesley Square shop after 10 years at the site, and we’ll have to survive on 5 Dunkin’ Donuts, as the Wellesley Square one closed in September. And the Village Market, where you might grab a snack to go in Lower Falls, shut down this fall after a 10-year run.

Truly Yogurt changed owners, but fortunately is sticking around. And in 2020, we look forward to a Belgian waffle truck roaming Wellesley’s streets with treats.

Fitness and fashion

It’s not all about eating in Wellesley, of course. Fitness is huge, and businesses with that focus have flocked to town. Among them, two new businesses with the word “stretch” in their names. StretchLab had its grand opening in December, with its Flexologists’ mission of helping you become more flexible through one-on-one stretching help. StretchMed opened its shop in Wellesley Square, and also wants to assist you with your stretching needs. Club Pilates also opened next to StretchLab, and the previous tenant (Studios Fitness & Dance) moved down the road in Linden Square. Personal training outfit Exercise Coach opened on Grove Street, and Fitness Advantage Boxing is now packing a punch in Lower Falls.

Meanwhile, fitness clothing became a little harder to come by in town. Crane & Lion wrapped up its short stay in Wellesley Square, and Legit left the Belclare retail strip a little barer.

Legit neighbor La Mia Moda also departed its Belclare space. Also leaving the Wellesley retail scene was Sloane & Ivy, which resided in Church Square, and LF, which had been in Wellesley Square. NRO swapped squares, moving from Wellesley Square to Linden Square. For Now popped up in the old Talbots space in Wellesley Square and hair salon Atelier opened 2019 on Grove Street.

More comings & goings

Two businesses, Code Ninjas in Linden Square and iCode in Wellesley Square, both opened with an eye toward attracting kids who want to learn coding or develop their STEM skills.

Other newcomers included infant and toddler daycare operation Scalliwags and Loyal Companion, a pet store in Wellesley Hills (Unleashed by Petco in Linden Square has announced it will be closing in January, 2020). Pampered Puppies opened in Linden Square, keeping that retail area a destination for dogs.

The Shade Store plugged into French Lessons’ former Linden Square space, and Jacqueline’s Bridal is giving quite a different look to Wellesley Square space previously occupied by appliance company Miele.

Bidding farewell to Wellesley was Divine Design+Build, which spent about 10 years in Linden Square but is now focusing on its Boston location. Mattress Firm also bounced from Linden Square, and Prospero’s Shoe Repairs of Wellesley Hills closed down in 2019. European-inspired home goods retailer Florijn shuttered its Wellesley Square store.

Sew & Easy took its needles and thread to Needham, while The Painting Place moved from Needham to Wellesley Hills.

Personal and home style store Pine Straw hasn’t left yet, but announced plans to close its Wellesley location after the holiday season, and its Waban space will close in the Spring.

While we’ll miss some of our favorites, we’ve welcomed new ones, and there’s hope that 2020 will bring at least a few unique businesses that will have staying power.

More: Wellesley businesses that came & went in 2018

Wellesley Business Buzz weekly round-ups