Town of Ashland
Economic Development Office Newsletter
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Hello Business Community!
The leaves are turning colors, the crisp air is refreshing, and the new sidewalks are being poured...It's Fall, and there is so much happening!
The construction (everywhere) is full steam ahead. Downtown is seeing a real transformation with new curbing and sidewalks, lampposts, trees and shrubs, and soon we will have nicely paved roads. Montenegro Square will soon have benches to create a new gathering place to enjoy the season. Route 126 is charging ahead as crews fix much-needed drainage work around the Market Basket area and continue with the construction of the roundabout and sidewalk work. I know the construction traffic has caused inconveniences and a strain on businesses, but I believe we will get through this, and it will be worth it. Thank you to all the businesses that are hanging in there and staying positive. We have a resilient business community, that is for sure! That resilience shows as we have very little commercial space available to lease here, but what does open up is getting scooped up quickly as Ashland continues to be a business-friendly town!
There are some great events happening in town...don't miss out. The Corner Spot will be packed for FallFest following the Hometown Parade on Oct. 15th. Diwali will be celebrated on October 16th, too, a wonderful event that welcomes everyone! The high school will be home to the very first PumpkinFest on October 22nd, and the Farmers Market will wrap up another successful season on the 15th. We are so lucky to have a town filled with amazing volunteers that make great things happen! For a full list of events, CLICK HERE!
The holidays will soon be upon us! I hope to provide focused free marketing to the business community in the next two months to make it known that you have products for sale for the holidays. Encouraging people to shop local is what November is all about! So send me that special, send me your advertisement, we want to shout it out that people need to shop with you first!
If you need any support, I am here to help; just reach out. Hope to see you soon!
All my best,
Beth
Beth Reynolds
Director of Economic Development & Community Outreach
Town of Ashland
508-532-7905
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Economic Development Director's Quarterly Meet & Greet is BACK!
Thursday, October 27th 2022
Time: 8:00am-9:00am
Location: The Bagel Table, 21 Main Street
(Parking at the Town Hall Municipal Lot - enjoy the new sidewalks as you stroll over!)
Join the town's Economic Director and town leaders for a Business Meet & Greet on Thursday, October 27th at 8:00am at The Bagel Table. This is a great chance to network with other businesses and make connections that will help your business! Don't miss out on this free event and chance to learn more about what is happening around town!
Enjoy a cup of coffee and bite to eat! Hope to see you there.
FREE TO ATTEND! Kindly RSVP though so we know you are coming!
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Co-Working Space Available in Ashland
Are you a home-based business that wants to have professional office space outside your home? Are you looking to have an address for your business that isn't tied to your personal life? Do you want a clean, accessible space to meet a client or have a team meeting?
Look no further...right in your own backyard, My Ashland Office fits all those needs.
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November 15 and 16, 2022 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL NEW ENGLAND JOB FAIR!
Free for qualifying New England companies, big or small.
Employers may attend one or both days relevant to their hiring needs.
The virtual New England Regional Job Fair will be held on Premier Virtual and allows employers to interact with job seekers through a virtual booth, instant message or chat, and view resumes.
November 15, 2022: Employer Industries will be Healthcare, Education, Hospitality
November 16, 2022: Employer Industries will be Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction, Transportation/Warehousing
Employer registration cut-off is November 1, 2022. To register CLICK HERE.
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Stay up to date on construction
Construction projects are ongoing around town. These times are difficult but it will get us to better days! Our town will be more easily accessible and much more aesthetically pleasing! We keep up with weekly updates of what is coming on the website. Click here to go to that site now. You can also receive updates in your email inbox by signing up for newsletters. Stay informed, it will help anticipate what's coming.
To get construction updates in your inbox click below:
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Job Opportunities
Having employees that live in town is very rewarding and has so many benefits. Make sure your community knows that you are hiring! We have a dedicated webpage on the Ashland site to showcase job openings. Get the word out that you are hiring and let us help you fill those positions with hardworking people!
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The Inflation Reduction Act includes benefits that will save small business owners money on energy costs
● Small businesses can receive a tax credit of 30% of the cost of switching over to low-cost solar power. This credit can be applied against payroll taxes, product development, technology, and more expenses.
● Small business building owners can receive a tax credit of up to $5 per square foot to support energy efficiency improvements that deliver lower utility bills.
● Small businesses that use large vehicles like trucks and vans will benefit from tax credits covering 30% of purchase costs for clean commercial vehicles, like electric and fuel cell models[1].
These tax incentives will start on January 1, 2023.
If you have any questions about how the Inflation Reduction Act could benefit your business feel free to reach out to sriley@ashlandmass.com
[1].The United States Government. (2022, September 13). Fact sheet: How the inflation reduction act will help small businesses. The White House. Retrieved October 5, 2022
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Available Space for Lease in Ashland
Looking for a new location for your business or know someone that is looking to make Ashland its home?
Check out the listings for available spaces in Ashland.
CLICK HERE to see what is available for lease in town.
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Business Incentive Grant Program
The roadwork improvements are enhancing the look of our commercial areas. Now may be a great time to think about your storefront. Are there changes you would like to make? Thinking about upgrading your landscaping or changing the facade?
Don't forget that Ashland has an amazing business incentive program that includes a sign and facade grant. You pick the project, and the grant will pay half of the cost (up to $5,000)!
The application is easy, and the process is quick to help you keep going!
for more information and for an application CLICK HERE.
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Helpful tips that may help your business grow! |
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SCORE Webinars you may want to check out!
October 12: Help Businesses Increase Holiday Sales with Google Tools
Learn quick ways businesses can promote products online using Google tools as consumers shop during the holiday season. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile.
October 20: Starting a Business – Real Stories and Knowledge Exchange from Women Entrepreneurs
In this webinar, our panel includes insights from two women business owners who will share their business journeys. We will also be joined by an experienced SCORE mentor to help answer your business questions.
October 27: What You Need to Know Before Moving Forward With Your Business Idea
In this webinar, our expert presenter will explain what it means to run a business, what you should expect, and how to set yourself up for success.
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What's happening around town! |
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The Ashland Business Association's event committee is hard at work planning another year of engaging and helpful events. The ABA works hard to support the business community in Ashland. Check it out and become a member!
Register today for a great upcoming event:
ABA Educational Program - Free and in-person event
Cybersecurity ~ Paul Netopski - Critical Prism Defense featured speaker - will present information to help business owners understand cybersecurity for their business. Paul will discuss the most common causes for breaches and some simple things businesses can do to help protect their business & data and answer questions from the audience. (Audience - please come prepared to ask questions about this timely and critical issue)
Where: Ashland Library lower level meeting room
When: October 26th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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Annual Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 3rd, 11am- 3pm
It is time to start planning for the Annual Holiday Stroll in Downtown Ashland.
The event will be set up so that people can stroll through town to shop, shop shop! Pop Up vendors will be set up inside 21 Main Street (The Bagel Table, My Ashland Office and possibly a new location or two!). If you are a business owner, artisan, crafter, please join us! There is no fee to participate, you may need to bring your own table and definitely be ready to sell your products. We saw a few hundred people pass through last year and hope to double it this year! We will create a map of all storefronts that will be joining in too! We hope to send many new clients your way.
We will have the fire pit roaring, marshmallows toasting and activities set up at The Corner Spot. Santa will be sitting in the shed from 1:30pm-3:30pm waiting to hear what the kiddos want for Christmas. He will lead the way to the square in downtown for carolers, and cocoa at the square downtown around 4:00pm.
Let us know if you would like to participate! We hope to keep this event growing every year as it was a big success last year!
For more information or to sign up to participate:
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FallFest
Saturday, October 15th from 3- 6 pm
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street
FallFest is a signature event to wrap up the season at the #bestspotintown. All are welcome to enjoy the fall festivities!! Games, food, beverages, and music! Enjoy the beauty of Autumn in New England.
Vendors include Joey D’s Wingz & Things, Kith and Kin, Mama O’s Bakery for dessert, fresh lemonade, and The Coffee Cabin. Hit the Bus Band will be playing some tunes and Wine Empire will be serving up some seasonal beers and wine. Stop by Imagine that Face Painting and United Home Experts craft table along with games and fun!
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Ashland Hometown Parade
Saturday, October 15th at 2 pm
Pleasant Street to Stone Park
The last few years have been very challenging and difficult for all. Let's have some wacky, weird, and wonderful fun to celebrate the unity that strengthens our community in good times and bad. Let us set aside the things that divide us, and that make us anxious, uncertain, and afraid, and for one precious October afternoon, join together in good humor and light-hearted spirit.
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Saturdays from 9am- 1pm
125 Front Street
The Ashland Farmers Market is like no other! Support local businesses and experience a day in Ashland that is beloved by so many! Pick from your favorite veggies, always something for the kids, and grab ready-to-eat foods! Good fun every Saturday!
Here are some upcoming theme days:
October 8th - Pumpkin Painting
October 15th - Closing Day
November 19th - Pre-Thanksgiving Market 10am-2pm
Visit the Farmers Market website here.
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B.A.A Grant Now Open
Submit your application by October 21st
The Boston Athletic Association provides the Town of Ashland Invitational Entries each year. Entry recipients' are selected, and each runner does fundraising in exchange for their entry. The funds raised are given back to the community via a grant program. Grant rounds are offered twice a year in the spring and fall.
Grants are limited to $2,500.00, and grants for this round must be submitted by October 21st.
Please feel free to contact Susan Robie by phone 508-532- 7921 or email, srobie@ashlandmass.com with any questions you may have.
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Marketing and Sponsorship Opportunities! |
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Your ad will be delivered to every residence and business in the following eleven towns: Ashland, Holliston, Natick, Medway, Millis, Hopedale, Bellingham, Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Norwood!
The deadline for ad space reservations has been extended to October 5, 2022, and approved artwork is due on October 14, 2022.
The Ashland newspaper appreciates your support! They are able to deliver the Ashland paper to every residence and business in town for free because of your advertising!
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Don't forget that there are many resources listed on the
Economic Development page on the town's website.
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Stay Informed with the Town of Ashland |
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