Hello Business Community!

Here we are in a New Year with so many new possibilities. I am looking forward to another year working to promote business growth in Ashland. This month marks the start of my 9th year in this position. It has been amazing to see the positive changes in town, downtown and Pond Street are looking amazing, some fantastic new businesses have joined our community and we had some stellar events that exceeded my expectations. Looking forward to seeing what it is to come in 2024!

Please take a moment to read below, I have compiled some information you may find useful to your business. If you need anything don't hesitate to reach out.

All my best,

Beth

Beth Reynolds

Director of Economic Development & Community Outreach

Town of Ashland

508-532-7905

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream opened December 2nd at the Annual Holiday Stroll. Since then they have become fast community partners, hiring many high school students, offering up give back events to school groups, and most importantly has become a new favorite go to for a yummy treat!

They will be having an official ribbon cutting and special open house event the weekend of February 16th so be on the lookout for the special notice.

Follow Sub Zero-Ashland on social media platforms to stay as up to date as possible!

Click HERE for Facebook and HERE for Instagram.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

91 Main Street, Ashland

Open Daily 12pm-9pm

(508) 202-9790

New businesses are coming soon and we are SO excited!

Clocktower Pickleball is coming this winter with a full restaurant and bar opening late spring/summer. The location will be at 200 Homer Ave. on the second level. Indoor courts will be available to the public and memberships will be available. Clocktower Pickleball will be accessible in the rear of the building as well as ample parking. This new sport is on the rise and we are thrilled that Ashland will be home to a brand new facility!

Starbucks construction is coming along quickly. Located on West Union Street this brand new building will become a favorite spot to many. The building owner hopes to complete the "shell" of the building next month and crews will then begin the interior construction with hopes to open late Spring.

Clover Road Brewing will begin the process to move into the downtown Fire Station located at 151 Main Street. They begin the site plan review process next week with the Planning Board. This process is required to change the use of this building. The building will be the new home of a taproom serving beer brewed from their Hudson location, with the potential of serving wine and seltzer pending liquor licenses. Food trucks will be welcome at this site, as food service will be minimal. The team at Clover Road plans to preserve the exterior of the building, renovate the first floor to add a bar, seating, restrooms, an outdoor patio in the front and a seasonal patio to the side of the building. If you would like to follow along with the process, please attend the Planning Board meeting on Thursday, January 25th.

CL Beauty & Spa was recently approved for the business incentive program and will begin construction of their new space at 300 Eliot Street, near Pond Street. This mother daughter dynamic duo will bring makeup design, nails and more to Ashland! Look for their opening date in February!

Healey Administration Unveils Economic Development Plan

On December 6th, the Healey Administration released its economic development plan, "Team Massachusetts: Leading Future Generations." Under state law, each new administration is required to generate a statewide economic development plan. This plan intends to leverage the Commonwealth's strengths in higher education, healthcare, life sciences, and intellectual capital to support economic growth. 

The plan focuses on three main priorities: Fundamentals (investing in fundamentals of economic growth such as housing and transportation), Talent (retaining and attracting workers from all backgrounds), and Sectors (supporting businesses that power the state’s economy).

Click here to access the complete text of the plan.  

SCORE Business Trainings

Everyone is busy but these trainings can sometimes be very helpful. Take a look, either free or very little cost and may be just what you need!

7 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Legally When Starting a Business

January 23, 2024, 1:00pm

In this webinar, you will learn seven smart steps you can take as an entrepreneur to keep your business on solid legal ground, from building a foundation to maintaining compliance.

CLICK HERE

How to Create a Financial Plan - Financial Planning Basics

January 25, 2024, 1:00pm

Starting a business can be daunting, but creating a financial plan can help you make confident and informed decisions, giving you a better chance at long-term business success. Join this educational webinar, where our expert presenter Phyllis Johnson, will break down the critical elements of business financial planning into simple terms so you are more informed, understand your numbers and can make better financial decisions.

CLICK HERE

Loans, Grants and Other Funding Options for Small Businesses

February 6, 2024, 1:00pm

Whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, This webinar will help you understand the different loans, grants and other funding options available to you as an entrepreneur or small business owner. In this webinar, our expert panel will guide you through the latest funding opportunities available to you, including loans, grants, and alternative financing methods.

CLICK HERE

Ashland Business Association

The ABA works hard to support the business community in Ashland. The Board of Directors are planning a year better than ever so if you are a business owner and not a member you should check it out. Great events, great networking and opportunities to engage with the community.

To join the ABA or search the directory of amazing businesses visit www.ashlandbusinessassociation.com. Membership is just $125 per year and includes marketing, networking, and connections to help keep your business on track!

Check out upcoming events brought to you by the

Ashland Business Association!



CLICK HERE to register and follow to see more great events all year long!

Ashland Library Mini Ren Faire 2024

The Ashland Public Library is planning their first ever Mini Ren (Renaissance) Faire at the Ashland Library! Learn more about Ren Faires here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_fair.

Would you like to be a vendor at this event? Read below for some information on what it entails and click the link below for more information and to sign up for a table!

The Faire will be on Saturday, May 4th from 10-4pm (or thereabouts). 

• It will be located at the Farmer's Market Field on Front St (across from the library) and, if the weather is bad, we'll be moving aspects into the library for the most part. 
• Space is limited and we have certain parameters we'll be looking for (we do not know the limit yet as we'll be bringing in Ren Faire "pros" as well). 
• We'll be choosing vendors with an eye to offer the widest range of experiences for our patrons. 
• This is an event for all ages, so we'll be looking for family friendly vendors. 
• We do ask that you bring your own 6 ft tables and, in case of inclement weather, a tent (you can bring more tables to make a square, though). 
• There is no fee for you to join us. 
• And, your company/organization name will be included in the promotional materials that we create for this event (depending on the size of the material), including social media graphics. We will share all graphics with you to share to your fans, as well. 

The Library Board of Trustees has agreed to allow vendors to sell their wares at this specific event.

Applications for the Faire are due by February 16th and we'll be notifying people if they've been accepted by Friday, March 1st. 

CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up to be a vendor!!

Sponsor the Ashland Boys Scouts Troop 232 Pancake Breakfast

March 10th, 2024

VFW/Marconi Event Center

311 Pleasant Street, Ashland

7:30-11:30am

We are lucky this troop does many Eagle Scout Projects every year for Ashland anywhere from building bridges in the town forest, to making foster kits so foster children have a backpack with all their own items to move from a house to house if needed.  

Get Involved and help support this troop and their community efforts!

• Donate a silent auction item, (Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, Event Tickets, Gift Baskets, etc)
• Donate $25.00 for a Logo on every placemat

(Checks payable to Ashland Boy Scouts Troop 232). Please mail checks to: Ashland Boy Scouts Troop 232, 311 Pleasant Street, Ashland, MA 01721

Note: Businesses contributing donations valued at $25 or greater will receive their name on the placemat & recognition on troop Facebook page Troop 232 Ashland Mass.

Donations must be received no later than February 21, 2024 to be on the placemat.

For more information contact: Maureen Carmichael at 617-230-9983