Town of Ashland Releases Economic Development Annual Report

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ASHLAND – The Town of Ashland Office of Economic Development is proud to present its Annual Report for 2022. This report captures the various ways the department supports the business community.

 “I am proud of the work we have done this past year, I celebrate the new businesses that have joined our community, those that grew in size and success and am thankful that we were able to help those who struggled during the difficult times. Our department will continue to work hard to increase the commercial base while supporting existing businesses. We will also continue to encourage creative thinking in an ever-changing climate and celebrate success,” said Town of Ashland Director of Economic Development Beth Reynolds.

The grant opportunities offered by the Economic Development Office assisted many businesses.

Since 2019, the Economic Development office has supported 17 businesses with the Ashland Business Incentive Grant program. This program itself has utilized $280,000 to attract almost $3.5 million in private investment in the Town of Ashland.

As a lead community part of a 23-community consortium receiving a $4,950,000 Microenterprise Grant, 21 Ashland businesses were assisted with this grant equaling $370,000.

Additionally, the Ashland Economic Development team partnered with Natick and Framingham to create a Marketing Grant for small businesses with a Regional Pilot Program, helping 37 businesses in total with a $250,000 grant.  

In addition to the grant opportunities, it became essential to lead the business community during critical challenges brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The department offered many creative programs, including the Resident, Restaurant, Relief Program (3R), which utilized funding from the local Emergency Fund to feed residents in need while supporting restaurants with guaranteed sales. The team also advocated for a waiver of liquor license fees, advocated for temporary outdoor dining, and increased social media campaigns promoting local businesses. These assistance programs strengthened the business community during difficult times.

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Town Manager Michael Herbert said “my administration’s goal for the Economic Development Office was to create a department that grew our commercial presence and reinvigorated our vacant and underutilized spaces by assisting existing businesses and attracting new businesses to Town. I am extremely proud of the leadership Beth Reynolds and her team bring to the Economic Development team, and I believe this report documents and validates the excellent work she does.

View the Town of Ashland Economic Development Annual Report on our website, ashlandmass.com. 

Click here, for the direct link to this document.

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