In this issue...



• Sponsorship Opportunities for Upcoming Partnership Events

• Transportation Committee Meeting October 20th



• Mass. Life Sciences Center Access and Accelerate Grant Program

• MassCEO Technical Assistance Stipend Program



• Now Open: FY27 Community Transit Grant Program

• CareerEco Women in STEM Virtual Career Fair



• SBA Size Standards Listening Session

• DPU Intervenor Support Grant Program Webinar

Sponsorship Opportunities for Upcoming Partnership Events

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for two 495/MetroWest Partnership upcoming events:

• Coffee & Conversation with Interim Secretary Eng: Earlier this year, the 495/MetroWest Partnership launched our new Coffee and Conversation networking event series, a biannual event that will feature key public policy leaders discussing matters of concern to 495/MetroWest stakeholders, followed by a moderated Q&A. Our next Coffee & Conversation event will be held on Wednesday, November 18th in Natick. Join us as we hear from Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng as he offers remarks on the state of transportation infrastructure in Massachusetts and plans for the future. Sponsorship opportunities are available through October 23rd; click here for more information. General ticket sales will open on October 26th. 

• 495/MetroWest Partnership Annual Conference December 16th: The 495/MetroWest Partnership will host its 2026 Annual Conference on Wednesday, December 16th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston-Milford, with doors opening at 8:00 AM and the program running from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. The theme of this year’s conference is The Future of 495/MetroWest; as the Partnership's current five-year Strategic Plan approaches its conclusion, the conference will launch a regional conversation about the goals and priorities necessary to sustain the economic success of 495/MetroWest through 2032. Sponsorship opportunities are available through October 29th; click here for more information. General ticket sales will open October 30th. 

Transportation Committee Meeting October 20th

The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will meet on Tuesday, October 20th at 8:30 AM for a presentation and discussion focused on Transportation Management Associations, or TMAs. TransAction Associates will provide an overview of the TMA model and the services TMAs can offer employers, commuters, and communities. The meeting will also discuss the forthcoming relaunch of the CrossTown Connect TMA, for which the Partnership serves as fiscal sponsor, and explore the viability of developing additional TMAs elsewhere in the 495/MetroWest region. This event will be hosted virtually via Zoom; click here to register.

Mass. Life Sciences Center

Access and Accelerate Grant Program

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is accepting applications for their FY27 Access and Accelerate Grant Program. The program is intended to assist early-stage Massachusetts life science companies overcome critical go-to-market and commercialization barriers that are difficult to finance through traditional investment or research funding. Through the program, MLSC hopes to accelerate the growth of emerging companies and boost private investment, federal funding success, strategic partnerships, product development, market readiness, and commercialization timelines. Click here for more information and to begin the application process.

MLSC will host a virtual information session for those interested in the program on October 22nd from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM; click here to register.

MassCEO Technical Assistance Stipend Program

The Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) recently launched their Technical Assistance Stipend Program, designed to reduce the cost barrier that can prevent Massachusetts businesses from exploring a transition to employee ownership. Through this program, the state will cover up to 50% of costs for eligible businesses potentially transitioning to employee ownership, including feasibility studies, valuations, legal services and transaction planning. Businesses may receive up to $25,000 for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) projects and up to $12,500 for worker cooperative conversion projects. Applications are open on a rolling basis; click here to apply.

Now Open: FY27 Community Transit Grant Program

MassDOT has announced that their FY27 Community Transit Grant Program is now open and accepting applications from Transit authorities, municipalities, Councils on Aging, non-profit organizations, and private operators of public transit services looking to to enhance mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Grant funds may go towards operating transportation or offering mobility management services to help individuals plan rides, coordinate with transportation providers, and more. Applications are due October 30th; click here to apply.

CareerEco Women in STEM Virtual Career Fair

CareerECO is inviting life science employers and graduate programs to register for their Women in STEM Virtual Career and Grad School Fair on December 2nd. Organizations will have the opportunity to connect with candidates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Attendees will be looking to connect with employers and graduate programs as they launch their careers, pursue advanced degrees, or advance in their fields. Organizations that register by October 21st are eligible for early registration pricing, and can apply promo code Vault15%off to receive an additional 15% off. Click here to register.

SBA Size Standards Listening Session

The Massachusetts Office of the Small Business Administration is hosting a virtual listening session to gather feedback on the proposed Small Business Size Standards update on October 20th at 12:00 PM. Specifically, the session will cover two SBA proposed rules: Small Business Size Standards, which consolidated 1,000 standards into 338 industry groups; and Revised Size Standards Methodology, which updated guidance on how SBA sets and reviews size standards. Those interested may also submit comments on the proposed rules. Comments are due November 20th; click here

Attendees will hear from guest speaker Janet Fogarty, who serves as an SBA Advocate for Region 1, representing Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. In her role, she works with small business owners, local officials, and federal legislators to identify regulatory issues, develop policies, and advocate for small business growth. Click here to register.

DPU Intervenor Support Grant Program Webinar

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is hosting a webinar on the Intervenor Support Grant Program on October 29th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The webinar will include a presentation from DPU staff, who will provide an overview of the grant program, intended to provide financial assistance to eligible organizations, community groups, and certain governmental bodies who are presently or historically unable to participate in proceedings before the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) or the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). The webinar will also discuss how to apply for a grant through the Grants Management System (GMS). Advanced registration is required; click here to register.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the 495/MetroWest Partnership can be of any assistance to you:

Jason Palitsch, Executive Director

(774) 760-0495

Jason@495Partnership.org

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.