Business Update from the Town of Bedford
March 23, 2021
Outdoor Dining Program Now Open for Spring
Bedford restaurants are getting ready for warmer weather with new patios and sidewalk dining! Minuteman Diner, Red Heat Tavern, B.Good, and Ken's Deli are all in the process of opening outdoor dining for the season with more restaurants to follow. The Town of Bedford's Outdoor Dining Permitting Team works with Bedford restaurants to open temporary outdoor dining expeditiously and safely. If you are a current restaurant owner and would like to learn more, please visit the Economic Development website to view the current regulations. Email Alyssa Sandoval at asandoval@bedfordma.gov for more information.
Regional Grant Supports Business Recovery and Minuteman Bikeway
The Towns of Bedford, Arlington, and Lexington were awarded the Local Rapid Recovery Planning (LRRP) grant by the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI). The goal of the LRRP program is to give every municipality in Massachusetts the opportunity to develop plans tailored to the unique economic challenges and immediate COVID-19 impacts that have affected downtowns, town centers and commercial areas throughout Massachusetts. The Towns will work on a plan to leverage the traffic on the shared asset of the Minuteman Bikeway to drive more customers to their business districts as a recovery strategy from the pandemic. Arlington Heights, East Lexington, and Bedford Center will be areas of specific focus.
BuyBedford, LoveBedford
The Town of Bedford launched the BuyBedford Shop Local campaign in February as part of a social media campaign to highlight the many offerings of Bedford's businesses. Bedford retailers and restaurants offering February and Valentine's Day specials were highlighted. Bedford benefits from its strong small business community and residents have been quick to show their appreciation.

Recovery from the economic impacts of the pandemic will take time. Whenever you're able, remember to BuyBedford to support local businesses!
#BuyBedford #LoveBedford
www.buybedford.org
New Phase of Reopening
Massachusetts advanced to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan on Monday, March 22. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions as well as new gathering limits. On March 1, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions for several industries and advanced to Step 2 of Phase III of the reopening plan.
B2 LIFE Job Training
There are still spots in the new B2 LIFE Job Training Program for income-eligible residents at every stage of your life and career!

Get started on a career path with job training in the growing fields of life sciences and healthcare in customizable programs from short two-week courses to Middlesex Community College healthcare and life science programs.
To register, please email MassHIRE at Scaal-escobar@mhmncc.com or call 781-932-5500. Remember to mention if you are resident of Bedford, and the name of the program: B2 LIFE!

Job seekers or those looking to transition to the Life Sciences field are encouraged to attend an upcoming Career Panel on April 2, 2021 from local Life Sciences companies to learn more about job opportunities in this growing field.

Have questions? Contact Alyssa Sandoval, Economic Development Director, at asandoval@bedfordma.gov, or 781-275-1111.

Please see the MassHire dedicated website here for more information about the program. https://masshiremetronorth.org/programs/#lifesciences.
Bedford Businesses in the News
The Boston Business Journal recently listed the largest women-owned businesses by total revenue in Massachusetts with Bedford's own Continental Resources topping the list.
Contact Alyssa Sandoval, Economic Development Director, at asandoval@bedfordma.gov for questions and guidance.
Town of Bedford | www.bedfordma.gov