January 21st Information & Resource Update | | |
In this issue...
- World Cup Local Impact Supplier Program
- Energy and Sustainable Development Committee Meeting February 27th
- AMEX Shop Small Grants Program
- Development Opportunities in Devens
- Mass. Taxpayers Foundation Open House
- SBA Made In America Initiative
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World Cup Local Supplier Impact Program
The FIFA World Cup™ Boston 2026 Committee has organized a Local Impact Supplier Program which will identify, vet, and select ready-to-work local suppliers that will be able to participate in FIFA World Cup™ Boston 2026 events. At the Partnership's 2025 Annual Conference, Neil Doherty, Director of Government Relations for FIFA World Cup™ Boston 2026, gave a keynote address discussing the regional economic impact of the World Cup and highlighted the Local Impact Supplier Program as a key opportunity for local employers to get involved. Suppliers needed will include:
- Event Management
- Catering
- Transportation
- Security
- Sanitation
- Event Production
Interested businesses can fill out FIFA's Business Opportunities Form to get started and receive updates about supply opportunities related to the tournament. Click here to access the form. New business opportunities are expected to be advertised in the coming weeks; businesses who complete the form will receive alerts regarding relevant opportunities.
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Energy & Sustainable Development Committee
Meeting February 27th
The 495/MetroWest Partnership’s Energy & Sustainable Development Committee will host a panel discussion regarding the Specialized Opt-In Energy Code, featuring representatives of several municipalities in the 495/MetroWest area that have adopted the Specialized code discussing their experiences. Panelists will review the processes by which their communities adopted the code, as well as lessons learned during implementation. This conversation is for informational purposes only; the 495/MetroWest Partnership does not direct its advocacy at municipalities or involve itself in internal municipal decision-making. This event will be held virtually via Zoom on Friday, February 27th at 8:30 AM; click here to register. To review eligibility requirements to take part in 495/MetroWest Partnership committee meetings, visit 495partnership.org/committees.
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AMEX Shop Small Grants Program
American Express is launching the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, intended to assist small businesses grow, innovate, and bolster their local communities. The program will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each. Eligible businesses must meet a number of requirements, including currently employing 20 or less full time employees. Applications are due Friday, January 23rd, 2026. Following the accountment of grant awards, recipients will have 6 months to complete projects funded under the Shop Small Grants Program, and are encouraged to prepare a "ready to execute" project plan and budget. American Express will also give grant recipients opportunities to network with one another, take e-learning courses, and share the background of their business with a variety of audiences. Click here for more information.
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Development Opportunities in Devens
MassDevelopment is currently inviting qualified developers to respond to newly issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the disposition and development of multiple residentially zoned sites in Devens, totaling 69.3 acres. Available development opportunities include: Adams Circle (6.6 acres), a growing residential neighborhood within walking distance of a commercial center and nearby amenities; and Grant Road (62.7 acres), one of the largest established residential neighborhoods in Devens. The RFPs promote the construction of a diverse mix of housing types, including single and multifamily homes, as well as townhomes and duplexes. MassDevelopment will give preference to proposals that offer a range of housing sizes and price points, and may include rental and/or ownership models. Click here for more information.
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Mass. Taxpayers Foundation Open House
On Friday, January 30th, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation will host a virtual Open House from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The event is open to non-members and will feature an in-depth overview of the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget plan and a Q&A session. Click here to register.
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SBA Made in America Manufacturing Initiative
The Small Business Administration has launched their Made In America Manufacturing Initiative, which commits to a deeper collaboration and coordination of federal agency resources with eligible small businesses. The initiative includes resources designed to help businesses increase access to capital, improve opportunities for public and private investments, and export products on a global scale. The corresponding webpage contains all manufacturing-related services provided by the SBA, including including the newly created tool designed to connect small businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. Click here for more information.
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Welcome New Investors!
The 495/MetroWest Partnership leads the advancement of the 495/MetroWest region as an exceptional location for people, businesses, and communities. Our vision is one in which our region enjoys sustainable economic growth, well-stewarded natural and built resources, and diverse transportation and housing choices. Together, these assets make our region the best place for your business to grow. The 495/MetroWest Partnership is supported by Investor businesses and organizations who recognize that the Partnership is the key voice coordinating our region's decision-makers and advocating for our needs.
The 495/MetroWest Partnership is excited to welcome Solect Energy of Hopkinton as our newest Investor! Solect Energy joins new Investors at the Supporter level:
Thank you to Solect Energy, Global Partners, Rockland Trust, and Webster Five for your support! Learn more about becoming an Investor on the Partnership's website!
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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.
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