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Town of Acton
Office of Economic Development
Business Updates
September 12, 2025
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| | In This Edition | | 1) Great Road Business Collaboration | | 2) Acton Restaurant Week | | 3) New Business Collaboration | | 4) RT2 Rotary Plans | | 5) From Marketing to Master Baking: An Acton Resident’s Journey | | 6) Job Opportunities in Acton | | 7) Doing Business in Acton | | 8) Economic Development Committee | | 9) Business Quiz | | 10) Events | | | A Letter from the Economic Development Director | | |
Welcome!
The Office of Economic Development is proud to celebrate Acton’s vibrant business community and the collaborative spirit that makes our town thrive.
Recently, we have begun outreach efforts to promote cross-marketing and partnerships among local businesses, resulting in exciting initiatives: one that helped make Senior Night Out possible, and another that will soon bring arts to Great Road in collaboration with the YV Museum and Life Care Center of Acton.
We are also thrilled about the upcoming Acton Restaurant Week, showcasing the town’s incredible dining scene. In addition, Acton businesses now have the opportunity to explore alternatives to reduce energy costs, thanks to a partnership between the Town of Acton, Mass Save, Eversource, and National Grid.
Thank you for subscribing and supporting our mission to strengthen Acton’s business community. Be sure to read to the end of this newsletter to test your knowledge with the business quiz.
Warm regards,
Patricia Costa
Economic Development Director
To contact Patricia Costa, please email pcosta@actonma.gov or call (978) 929-6516.
| | | Remember to read to the end for Events and Business Quiz | | |
Energy Savings for Acton Businesses
From September 19 to October 3, Acton business owners will have the opportunity to participate in a new initiative to assess and reduce their energy costs. This program is the result of a collaboration between the Town of Acton, National Grid, Eversource, and Mass Save. Outreach to local businesses has already begun, and those with questions or interested in participating can contact Sophia Darsch at sdarsch@acton-ma.gov
| | 1) Great Road Business Collaboration | | |
Great Road Small Businesses Promoted Seniors’ Evening
On September 10, Velvet Vine Café hosted Seniors Night Out, an enjoyable evening in collaboration with Majestic Day Spa and Vibrant Focus Unlimited. Seniors from the community spent the night listening to a special playlist of hits, testing their knowledge with music trivia, and engaging in conversations about skin care and emotional health. The three Great Road-based small businesses provided the entertainment, with support from the Office of Economic Development and the Senior Center, making it a memorable night for the town’s seniors.
| | | | | Acton Restaurant Week runs from October 19 to October 26, bringing special promotions and delicious offerings to the town’s favorite eateries. Participating restaurants so far include Bethencourt Bakehouse, El Huipil, Eve & Murray’s Farm to Home, Harris Hearth Breads, Junior Pizza, Romano Pizza, and Silver Girl. Get ready to enjoy a week of great flavors right here in Acton! | | | 3) New Business Collaboration | | Life Care Center and YV Museum bring arts to Great Road | | Life Care Center of Acton and the YV Museum have engaged in advanced discussions to collaborate on promoting the arts within the community. The YV Museum, a modern art museum located at 68 Quarry Road, features a diverse collection of works in iron and stone, as well as paintings. | |  | Life Care Center of Acton, located at 1 Great Road, provides nursing and rehabilitation. This partnership aims to bring rotating art exhibitions to inpatients and their families, as well as offer workshops for patients and visiting family members, fostering creativity, engagement, and connection through the arts. | | | Above, the directors of YV Museum Yin Peet and Viktor Lois and the directors of Life Care Center of Acton Therese La Rose and Carlos Bonilla with Economic Development Director Patricia Costa during mutual visits to each other’s locations to discuss details of the collaboration. | |
RT2 improvements planned for 2026
On September 9, the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted an event to discuss upcoming plans for the Concord Rotary on Route 2 and the redevelopment of the adjacent MCI Concord parcel.
| | | The Town of Acton was represented by Economic Development Director Patricia Costa, who had the opportunity to share with Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nut her concerns about how the project and its final design could affect Great Road in Acton. | | Secretary Tibbits-Nut emphasized that improvements to the rotary are among the state’s top priorities, with a design plan expected in 2026. Plans for the adjacent parcel are envisioned to include mixed-use development and may feature a dedicated space to preserve and share the history of the former Correctional Institution. | | |
Above: State Secretary of Transportation at the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce panel;
Below: Melissa Fetterhoff (Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce) and Patricia Costa (Town of Acton)
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From Marketing to Master Baking: An Acton Resident’s Journey
This month, we spoke with an Acton resident who transformed his lifelong love for baking into a thriving small business right here in town. Gonzalo Bethencourt spent many years in the corporate world and traveled across different countries. Along the way, he nurtured a passion for baking that eventually grew into something more. Recognizing a niche for high-quality artisan breads, Gonzalo combined his global experience and baking talent to launch a unique baking business right here in Acton.
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Can you tell us about your background before starting your baking business?
Bethencourt: I spent 30 years as a marketing executive, living and working around the world. Baking started as something I did for my family, but over time I pursued professional training in the U.S., including courses at the King Arthur Baking School in Vermont, as well as training in other countries such as Spain. Eventually, I decided to turn this hobby into a business. I continue to train and learn new techniques to bring fresh ideas to what I bake.
What inspired you to pursue baking as a career or business?
Bethencourt: Over the years, my interest in baking grew, and I realized there was a real lack of high-quality artisan bread in the area. I saw an opportunity to fill that gap.
What makes your products unique compared to other bakeries?
Bethencourt: I use organic flour, much of it freshly milled, and apply traditional techniques that preserve as much nutrition as possible. My breads are made with sourdough as the primary method, using a Southern European style. Long fermentation not only improves taste but also makes the bread easier to digest.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own food business?
Bethencourt: If you’re passionate about it, go for it! Do your best, and the results will come.
| | | Bethencourt Bakehouse is a participating business at Acton Restaurant Week. https://bethencourtbakehouse.com/ | | 6) Job Opportunities in Acton | | |
Santander is hiring at Kelley's Corner
Santander is hiring a part-time teller in Acton. Candidates should have at least 6 months of cash-handling experience and 6 months of customer service experience. Interested candidates can click here for the full description and application details.
| | If you’re an Acton business owner looking to hire staff, let us help spread the word about your job opportunities. Simply give us a call at (978) 929-6516 and we’ll make sure your openings reach the community. | | 7) Doing Business in Acton | | | | |
Guide for New Businesses
This comprehensive resource is designed for both current and prospective business owners, offering valuable insights and information to help you thrive in our town. We warmly invite all residents to explore this digital booklet—just a click away!
If you prefer a printed version, hard copies are available at the Town Manager's Office in Town Hall.
[Click here to view the booklet.]
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8) Economic Development Committee
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Residents interested in contributing to Acton’s economic future are encouraged to apply for the Economic Development Committee (EDC). This volunteer committee plays a key role in supporting local businesses, attracting new economic opportunities, and guiding strategic initiatives that promote the town’s long-term vitality.
| | | Community participation is essential and your perspective can help shape Acton’s growth. | | |
Last Edition:
Which Acton-based business produces musical instruments and has a global presence, selling its products on every continent?
Answer: Wm.S. Haynes Co.
Wm. S. Haynes Co., based in Acton, is a world-renowned maker of professional flutes and piccolos. Founded in 1888, the company has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, attracting musicians from around the globe. Today, Haynes instruments are sold and played on every continent, making Acton home to a business with a truly international presence in the world of music. The company is at 68 Nonset Path, Acton.
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New Quiz:
Which production process did Acton resident Ebenezer Wood invent but never patent?
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September 16
Mexican Independence Day at El Huipil
To celebrate Mexican Independence Day this year, El Huipil is serving up special meals for its loyal clientele, alongside fan favorites like fajitas and chicken with mole sauce. The restaurant will be open from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM for both dine-in and takeout.
273 Great Rd
(978) 795-4413
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September 20
Social Dance in West Acton
Magenta Dance Place is excited to host its first social dance at its new Acton location on September 20. Having proudly served the Acton community for four years, Magenta has now relocated to 89 Arlington Road in West Acton. Join us to celebrate the new space and enjoy an evening of dance and community!
Instagram: @magentadanceplace
89 Arlington Street
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September 27
Oktoberfest
Join us at Gardner Field for the beloved Oktoberfest celebration in West Acton Village! Hosted by WAVMA and featuring visiting vendors, the event offers a full day of shopping, family-friendly activities, delicious food, and a lively beer garden. As WAVMA’s most well-known event, Oktoberfest always draws an impressive crowd—perfect for a fun day out with family and friends.
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