In this issue....

• CHIPS Act Funding Update



• MassDevelopment State Small Business Credit Initiative Funding

• Save the Date: 495/MetroWest Partnership State House Day



• MetroWest Women's Fund Grant Opportunity

• Sponsorship Opportunities: 495/MetroWest Supply Chain Directory

• Job Postings: Westborough, Southborough Opportunities

CHIPS Act Funding Update

The federal CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022, provides the U.S. Department of Commerce with $50 billion for a suite of programs intended to strengthen and revitalize the U.S. position in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.

• Later this month, the Department of Commerce plans to announce more details regarding funding opportunities and application processes.
• In late February, the Department plans to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for commercial leading-edge, current, and mature node fabrication facilities. This includes both “front-end” semiconductor manufacturers and “back-end” packaging facilities.
• In late spring, the Department plans to release another funding announcement focused on material suppliers and equipment manufacturers.
• In early fall, the Department plans to announce a funding opportunity to support the construction of semiconductor R&D facilities that will further strengthen the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
• These announcements will contain detailed guidance, processes, and timelines for organizations to apply for CHIPS incentives.

While the first funding opportunity is directed toward chipmakers, the broader semiconductor supply chain and R&D efforts are essential to creating a competitive ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing.

More information about implementation can be found online at CHIPS.gov; interested parties can also sign up at this page to receive program updates directly from the Department of Commerce. The website contains resources including webinars, the CHIPS Implementation Strategy, and the NSTC Update to the Community. Inquiries regarding the program may be sent directly to [email protected].

MassDevelopment State Small Business Credit Initiative Funding

In December 2022, the Baker-Polito administration allocated nearly $169 million in funding to MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), and MassVentures for the purpose of creating and expanding programs that provide access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The funding was awarded to the Commonwealth through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program, which was established in 2010 and reauthorized through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021.

MassDevelopment is accepting applications under their SSBCI program, which provides loans and guarantees to businesses, with a focus on entities that qualify as Socially or Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI). The program provides financing between $200,000 to $10 million for projects that support small business growth, manufacturing, and mixed-use development for the following purposes:

• Real estate acquisition, construction, and renovation
• Real estate improvements, term-working capital, and leasehold improvements
• Equipment
• Guarantees on loans for real estate, equipment, and leasehold improvements

Projects require private lender participation with exposure equal to or greater than the amount provided by SSBCI. Real estate projects must be 51% or more owner-occupied for existing buildings, or 61% or more owner-occupied for new construction.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Save the Date: 495/MetroWest Partnership State House Day

The 495/MetroWest Partnership's annual State House Day event will return to the State House this year for the first time since the onset of the pandemic! This event is an annual opportunity created by the Partnership for our stakeholders to interact with members of our region’s legislative delegation, hear about their priorities, and ask questions or offer feedback relevant to your business, organization, or community. State House Day will be held on Wednesday, April 12th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, inside the State House. A full invitation will be distributed during the first week of March, with additional details and registration information; advance registration is required.

MetroWest Women's Fund Grant Opportunity

The MetroWest Women’s Fund is accepting grant applications that support programs or projects which meet the needs of women and girls living with low incomes in the MetroWest region by prioritizing three focus areas: Education, Girls: Our Next Generation, and Safety from Violence. Eligible projects may receive from $5,000 to $15,000.

The Metrowest Women's Fund Allocations Committee will select 2023 grant recipients on a per-cycle basis; applications for the current cycle close on March 24th, 2023. Priority will be given to organizations that involve women and/or girls in program development and organizational leadership.

Interested applicants can access the grant program guidelines and application form here. Proposals should be submitted to [email protected]. 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

The 495/MetroWest Supply Chain Directory

In 2021, the 495/MetroWest Partnership launched the 495/MetroWest Supply Chain Directory, an online informational resource focused on enhancing information about business entities located within the region at several different points of a supply chain, aimed at supporting regional supply chain resiliency.

Now with approximately 300 area businesses listed, the 495/MetroWest Partnership is extending sponsorship opportunities to businesses that would like to put their company’s message and services before our Directory’s audience.

Click here to learn more about Supply Chain Directory sponsorship opportunities. Interest and questions regarding sponsorship opportunities may be directed to Executive Director Jason Palitsch at (774) 760-0495 or [email protected]. The 495/MetroWest Partnership will invoice sponsorship commitments received within one week; payment is due within 30 days. Sponsor benefits are in effect for one year from receipt of commitment.

Job Postings: Westborough, Southborough Opportunities

The 495/MetroWest Partnership includes job postings at the request of a municipality; please contact Executive Director Jason Palitsch at [email protected] to request inclusion of a municipal job posting in a future Information and Resource Update. 

Town of Westborough: Town Planner

• The Town of Westborough is seeking candidates for the position of Town Planner. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing professional staff support to the Planning Board and Design Review Board; undertaking comprehensive planning studies; providing oversight and guidance in the implementation of the town’s Master Plan; and providing technical assistance and information pertaining to land use/development to citizens, landowners, developers, attorneys, engineers and other parties. The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications: master’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, or related field and five years of progressively responsible planning experience including supervisory and administrative experience or equivalent education and experience; a valid driver’s license. The salary range for this full-time, benefits-eligible position is $80,808-$109,148; starting salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Click here to access the complete posting along with application information.

Town of Southborough: Building Inspector/ Zoning Enforcement Officer

• The Town of Southborough is seeking candidates for the position of Building Inspector/ Zoning Enforcement Officer, to enforce the state building code and local zoning bylaws. Duties also include conducting plan reviews, issuing building permits, inspecting buildings under construction/renovation, enforcing zoning ordinances, and investigating complaints. Commissioner supervises part-time electrical, plumbing and building inspectors and administrative staff. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in a technical field & minimum of five years' experience in supervision of building construction or an equivalency, as well as Massachusetts Building Supervisor's License. A Massachusetts Class D operator's license is mandatory. Supervisory skills and strong comprehension of computer office and permitting applications are preferred. Ability to obtain state certification as a building inspector in Massachusetts is required. Superb customer service and collaborative nature must be demonstrated. Mid-point of salary range is $101,000. Town offers 75% contribution toward health insurance, half day Fridays year-round and a generous benefits program. Review of credentials will commence immediately; applications received by February 28, 2023 will receive preference. Click here to access the complete posting along with application information.