Dear Acton Community,

We begin Fiscal Year 2026–2027 with renewed energy and fresh perspectives. Much of this momentum comes from the support demonstrated by the Acton community through the recent approval of updates to the Town's zoning bylaws. These important changes provide new tools to diversify and increase flexibility in business activities throughout Acton, helping us better respond to evolving market demands.

Our optimism extends beyond our municipal boundaries. Regionally, we continue to strengthen partnerships with neighboring communities as we work together on shared economic development opportunities. At the same time, the ongoing discussions surrounding the future design concepts for Route 2, recently presented by MassDOT in late June, have the potential to shape the region's economic landscape for years to come.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our local businesses for their continued engagement in community initiatives. Whether participating in the recent Community Wellness Fair, joining us for the inauguration of the Acton Dog Park, or decorating storefronts in celebration of the FIFA World Cup, your enthusiasm helps create a more welcoming and vibrant community.

If you have not yet decorated your storefront for the World Cup, there is still time to participate! We encourage businesses to submit photos of their decorated storefronts through July 10th.

Finally, if you have not yet completed our Economic Development Business Survey, I encourage you to take a few minutes to do so. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us better understand the profile, needs, and expectations of Acton's business community. The information collected will help guide future initiatives, programs, and policies designed to support business success in town.

Thank you for being an essential part of Acton's thriving business community. I hope you enjoy this Newsletter and check our business quiz at the end.

Sincerely,

Patricia Costa

Economic Development Director

To contact Patricia Costa, please email pcosta@actonma.gov or call (978) 929-6516.

Rotary Club Meeting

On Wednesday, July 1st, the Acton-Boxboro Rotary Club had its first meeting of the Fiscal Year under the theme Create Lasting Impact. Eugenia Harris was the guest speaker, talking about her business, the Nicewicz Family Farm, and regional business opportunities in farming. The Acton-Boxboro Rotary Club meets every first and third Wednesday of the month at 12:00PM at the Boxboro Regency.

To learn more about how to get engaged with the local Rotary Club and become part of an organization with an incredible international presence, please visit the Acton Boxborough Rotary Club Website.

Kuksi Foods

This month, we interviewed Shweta Kumari, owner of Kuksi Foods, who also participated in the Community Wellness Fair last month! Kumari has a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology, and has worked in the food science industry for over fifteen years.

What is the story behind Kuksi Foods?

"Kuksi Foods is inspired by family tradition, going back a hundred years. When people were sick or it was the rainy season, the wives and the elders would make a fresh turmeric and ginger concoction, to be taken with milk or tea, as an immune booster. The concoction is powerful but very bitter.

When I became a mother, I wanted to give this concoction to my family - however, using my food science background, I reimagined it as a cookie, using five simple and wholesome ingredients: turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, coconut sugar, and almond flour.

When I moved to Acton, I found that many people in the community appreciated the idea of a tasty immune boost, and it became a business. I sell my cookies at farmers markets, and take orders through our website and by phone, with delivery available every two weeks. We currently have two varieties - one with coconut sugar as the sweetener, and one with dates."

How was the Community Wellness Fair?

"The community wellness fair was a great opportunity to meet residents and local business owners and make connections. It was also a great setting to introduce my business to people looking for ways to improve their health and wellness."

What are your plans going forward?

"I will continue to be at the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market on Sundays, and I am hoping to bring Kuksi Foods to local stores and find more a permanent commissary kitchen. Eventually, if a suitable space opens up, it would be great to have a storefront in the community."

Check out Kuksi Food's website or give them a call at 351-209-5515.

World Cup Storefront Contest

Keep your eyes open for storefronts in town decorated for the World Cup! The Office of Economic Development will receive applications until July 10 and the winner will be announced on July 18.

222 Main Street

This highly visible storefront is located within the Acton Shopping Plaza at 208-222 Main Street, along a corridor that sees 15,000 vehicles per day. The 3,000 square foot space has ample parking, two designated spots, a kitchen, bathroom, a reception area, and an outdoor area. It would be ideal for a health practitioner or potentially a tutoring business. $5,250/month.

Contact: John Amaral

978-835-0629 jamaral@omniproperties.com

See the listing here

50 Powder Mill Road

This 7,200 square foot commercial property is located in the Powder Mill business district, overlooking the Assabet River. It is equipped with six grade-level loading doors, fifty parking spots, and is a flex building. For sale at $2.5 million.

Contact: Chris Michniewicz 

774-994-1698

chris@stubblebinecompany

See the listing here.

136 Great Road

This 2-unit property (which can be leased together or separately) abuts two important corridors - Route 2A and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, making it highly visible and accessible to potential customers. The ground floor unit has a private office space, kitchen, and visiting room, and the second floor has a bedroom, bathroom, and closet. This will be a great spot for professional services or a business owner who wants to live close to their business. Ground floor $1,917/month, second floor $2,993/month.

Contact: Susri Anuradha

978-758-2452

See the listing here.

One Mile ArtFronts

The Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce that it has recently secured a grant aimed at supporting businesses locating in vacant storefronts along Great Road.

This initiative offers a tax credit to eligible businesses that commit to activating these spaces, with the added requirement of hosting artwork created by a local artist—bringing both economic vitality and cultural vibrancy to the corridor. If you are a new or incoming business considering a location on Great Road, we encourage you to reach out to the Office of Economic Development for more information on how to apply for this opportunity. The deadline to submit your application is July 31st at 11:59pm.

Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready Program

Verizon provides business owners with courses, live coaching, networking, and $10,000 grants.

Applications will be reviewed monthly from June through December 2026.

To learn more, click here.

Digital Marketing Foundations in an AI World

Join Jus B Media and SCORE North Atlantic Region for a session that will cover the essentials of digital marketing, including key terminology, foundational strategies, and how AI is reshaping the digital landscape. Attendees will learn how brand identity and websites serve as the backbone of an online presence and how AI tools are being integrated into these core elements to help create content, optimize websites, and maintain consistent branding.

Register Here. Webinar on July 23, 2026, at 12:00pm

Technology Essentials for Startups

Technology is one of the most critical and also most often overlooked areas for small businesses. This webinar covers technology essentials and the most common tools and applications you should have in place for your startup.

Register Here. Webinar on July 29, 12-1:30pm