Economic Development
Come Explore a Career with Endless Possibilities!
Acton's Economic Development Office is hosting MassHire's Winter Manufacturing Job Fair on 3/7!
The manufacturing industry in our region is growing while providing quality wages, benefits, training and career growth. Whether you're just entering the labor market or looking for a career change, there's something in this industry for YOU!
This job fair is unique because it consists of four parts:
- Job Fair exclusively focused on Manufacturing companies in this region that are hiring right now
- Resource fair focused on resource-providers and service-providers that support job seekers
- Resume workshops, tips and guidance
- Interview workshop, tips and guidance
Interested in participating?
- Sign up here if you are an employer.
- Sign up here if you are a resource provider.
- Sign up here if you are a job seeker.
Questions? Reach out to Julie!
Free Webinar on March 2, 2023
Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs: Create your own pipeline of workers
Employers need skilled workers
Young people, career changers & workers interested in upward mobility want a path to a good job without accruing lots of debt. NAMC-registered apprenticeships can provide this.
What are Registered Apprenticeships?
They are flexible and customizable to your company's specific needs. NAMC will help you develop a training plan that outlines the the types and lengths of specialized, related instruction of your choice. Apprenticeships can be used to develop higher levels skills in dedicated incumbent manufacturing workers, of for an office worker, a maintenance mechanic, or any other position. To learn more about these resources, please contact Maryanne Ham, Executive Director of NAMC.
Attend a free workshop to learn more!
Register here.
Energy Efficiency Grants!
Applications open 2/23/23 for Energy Efficiency grants. To read more about the program or to apply, go here.
This ARPA-funded grant program is providing business owners and multi-family property owners up to $2000 for implementing energy efficiency improvements recommended through a Mass Saves Energy Audit. Get help covering the cost of the improvements through this grant program while lowering your overhead operating costs. A Win-Win for the business community and the environment! Apply now!
Workforce Solutions for Employers:
A Free Workshop Covering Employer Resources in Massachusetts including grants & technical assistance.
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 8:30am
At this hybrid event, Acton-area employers learned about the existing resources here in the Commonwealth of MA. No need to struggle alone on hiring and training. Need help with hiring? Watch the replay and connect with Acton's Economic Development Office and your local MassHire to develop a plan of action for your company.
Full Workshop Replay:
Celebrating a successful Acton Business Tour!
On Tuesday February 7, 2023, the Acton Economic Development Department hosted and led the Acton Business Tour supported by MAPC. Town staff and elected officials toured the Town together to experience the various villages and nodes that make up our Town. Along the way we had four stops at four different businesses. At each stop, a different group of business owners and non profit leaders met us to share their experiences with operating in Town. The feedback received will be incorporated into a future, Doing Business in Acton Guide.
Acton Business Leader's Brunch:
First Annual Celebration of the Acton Business Community
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 10am
This year's theme was Longevity Milestones
Congratulations to all of our honorees!
Over 80 years of business:
- Acton Monument Company
- Baker-Whitney Oil
- Bursaw Gas & Oil
- Curcurbit Farm
- Erikson Grain Mill
- Gallant Insurance Company
- Haartz Corporation
- John Palmer Moving Company
Between 60-80 years of business:
- Acton Co-Op School
- Acton Funeral Home
- Acton Medical Associates
- Ace Hardware
- Donelan's Fresh Market
- Gould's Clothing
- Joseph Perry Plumbing
- Leo Cavelier Metal Working & Welding
- Middlesex Savings Bank
- Palmer Kennels
- RH Adhesives
- Siesta Sleepworks
Between 40-60 years of business:
- AB United Way
- As You Like It Hair Salon
- Discovery Museum
- Idylwilde Farms
- Infant Toddler Children's Center
- Pedal Power Bike & Ski
- Powers Gallery
- Sal's Auto & Truck Repair
- Sawyer Automotive
Between 20-40 years of business:
- Acton Food Pantry
- Acton Pharmacy
- Bagels Plus
- Commonwealth Ballet Company
- Generations Law Group
- Hansen Autobody
- Scheier, Katin & Epstein
- The Paper Store
Between 10-20 years of business:
- ActonTV
- Bee's KNees British Imports
- Boston Bijoux Jewelers
- Dunkin'
- Enterprise Bank
- Kitchen Outfitters
- New Habitat Partners
Small Business Saturday in Acton
Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 26, 2022.
What is Small Business Saturday? This is a national initiative that exists to encourage people to shop small and shop local that began in 2010. Here in Acton, this is the first year that the Economic Development Office is celebrating it!
We are so proud of all the companies here in Acton!
To learn more, check out the Find the Deals Map, The Directory booklet or the listing below! Shop Small & Shop local this holiday season and everyday. Some retailers are extending their promotions beyond Small Business Saturday. Thank you!
Find the Deals Map 2022
Small Business Saturday 2022 Directory
Alphabetical list of our participating retailers:
- 1 on 1 Self Indulgence Spa
- AB PIP STEM
- Acton Bowladrome
- Acton Fine Rugs
- Ace Hardware Acton
- Acton Pharmacy
- Acton Vacuum & Appliance
- Ames Art Studio & Gallery
- Anita's Shoe Boutique
- Anytime Fitness - Powdermill Road
- As You Like It Hair Salon
- Big Foot Moving & Storage
- Blush Tan Acton
- Boston Bijoux Jewelry
- Circle Furniture
- Colonial Spirits
- Commonwealth Ballet Company
- Densen Design
- DeVita Chiropractic
- Eve and Murray's Farm to Table
- Forest Vibe Photography
- Gift Boxes by Beth's Party Prep
- Gould's Fine Clothing
- Great Road Vintage
- Great Spaces
- Hammer and Stain (opening soon - stay tuned for their Grand Opening on December 1st!)
- Handworks Gallery
- Hit the Net Sports
- HOME by Stamm and Black
- Jazzercise Acton
- Jo Karen Fine Lingerie & Activewear
- John Palmer Moving & Storage
- King's Ink
- Kitchen Outfitters
- Learning Express Acton
- Live4PT
- Lyla Beauty Bar
- Magenta Dance Place
- Mood Chartreuse
- Optimal Health
- Pattern Review
- Pedal Power Bike & Ski
- Penguin Coding School
- Powdermill Crossfit
- Q Cleaner & Tailor
- Revolution Yoga
- RF's Workshop
- RH Adhesives
- Saplings Consulting
- Siesta Sleepworks
- Silver Unicorn Bookstore
- Smudge Ink
- SquashWest
- Stamm and Black Interior Design
- The Art Project (opening soon - stay tuned for their Grand Opening!)
- The Bee's Knees British Imports
- The Fish Nook Pet Center
- The Paper Store
- The Sea and Me
- The UPS Store
- Unique Nails
- Village Cleaners
- Wish K&D
Youth Manufacturing Day 2022
Special thank you to our event sponsor, Associated Environmental Systems, our participating organizations and media partner, ActonTV.
Thank you to AES, Haartz, NAA, Spark Photonics, Insulet, AB Pip Stem and ActonTV!
****THANK YOU! What a fun and successful event!****
THANK YOU
to all the Kelley’s Corner Block Party Sponsors & Supporters!
BIG Thank you to Roche Bros of Acton, The Main Event Sponsor for Kelley’s Corner Block Party
Kelley’s Corner Sponsor: Phillips 66 Gas Station, Sutherland Realty Group, Middlesex Savings Bank
Main Street Sponsor: Pedal Power Bike & Ski, Village Pediatric Dental, Enterprise Bank, Barrett Sotheby's International Realty,
Community Sponsor: SquashWest Sports & Fitness, RF Workshop LLC, Dunkin', Sante Fe Burrito Grill, Sorrento's Brick Oven Pizzeria, The Paper Store, Danny's Place Youth Services, Acton Lions Club, The Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough, Let's Gogh Art, Wicked Good Henna, The Bees Knees British Imports, Penguin Coding School, Insight Image & Media Aerial Photography, Videography & Drone Services, Charles River Radio Club
Mass Ave Sponsors: Q Cleaner & Tailor, Hansen Auto Body Acton, Sal’s Auto & Truck Repair, Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce, Bueno y Sano, Starbucks, TD Bank, Not Your Average Joe's, The Discovery Museum, Benjarong Restaurant, Kitchen Outfitters Acton, Visiting Angels, The Cookie Fairy, Acton-Boxborough Girl Scouts, Acton Scouts BSA Troop 32, Acton Scouts BSA Troop 284
Additional Supporters: AB PIP STEM, Acton Memorial Library, Friends of Acton Libraries, MIG Corporation, Acton Boxborough Regional School District, AB Family Network, Acton Housing for All, Energize Acton, Green Acton, Acton Climate Coalition, Acton Historical Society - Hosmer House, Tavernier Place, Acton Conservation Trust, AB United Way, Friends of Acton Community Dog Park, Acton Council on Aging, Acton Police Department, ActonTV, Acton Commission on Disabilities, Mothers Out Front Acton, Be Kind Acton, Friends of The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Boston Area Gleaners, Acton Water District, The Salted Soul Salt Cave, State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representative Danillo Sena
At this fun, free community event we had a live band, magician, bubble party, face painting, henna, crafts, raffle, photographer, games, bike safety & e-bike clinic, drones over Kelley's Corner, and a food drive to support the Community pantry bin inside Roche Bros & support Acton Food Pantry.
View the event program here.
Want to see the plans for Kelley's Corner? Click here.
Grants & Technical Assistance Awarded for the Acton, MA Business Community and Visual Artists
Public Art in Acton, MA– Boosting the Creative Economy
The Creative Economy is an important part of our economic and social well-being and we want to both support working artists in our community and add more public art to our streetscapes for all to enjoy. We are proud of the working artists and artisans in the Acton community. For this specific call for art we commissioned murals and benches. Commissioned mural artists are: Meg Nichols, Elizabeth Bejar-Benz, Elizabeth Ames & Shara Osgood. Commissioned bench artists are: Yin Peet, Pam Tobbler & Sunanda Sahay.
Read the press release here.
The first community mural is going into Kelley's Corner on Main Street! Check out the progress and let us know what you think!
Acton Business Incubator
We are proud of the Acton business community and our goal is to help the businesses who are here to stay and thrive while also attracting new businesses. The business community provides products and services to our Town and a livelihood for the business owners and their employees. This year we started our inaugural Acton, MA Business Incubator where the business owners receive micro-grants and technical information.
Business Awardees in alphabetical order are:
- Abode to Adore LLC
- Acanthi
- Ames Art Studio & Gallery
- Anita's Shoe Boutique
- Charlie Media
- Cooperative Elder Services
- Eve & Murray’s Farm to Home
- Green Home Solutions
- Handworks Gallery
- Live 4 Physical Therapy & Wellness Advising
- Penguin Coding School
- Q Cleaner & Tailor
- RF’s Workshop LLC
- Sal’s Auto
- SquashWest Sports & Fitness
- TensorDock
- Wicked Good Henna
The entire business community was invited to attend a three-part webinar series, free of charge, regardless of if they were selected for a grant award or not where they learned about the best practices in communication for reaching customers, networking with peers and securing funding.
Read the press release here.
Sign up for Acton's Business Boost!
Sign up to receive the Acton MA Business Boost: An Economic Development Newsletter. Each issue will spotlight new happenings with local businesses and organizations as well as resources and events that may be of interest. Connect with us and stay up to date! Sign up here.
Check out the Business Boost Archives!
Overview
The Town of Acton is business-friendly and our economic development initiatives are designed to create and stimulate an environment in which businesses succeed. We are here to serve as a conduit for this work. Thinking of starting a business or have ideas to maintain or grown your existing company? Call or send a message today!
Acton Community Movie
The Town of Acton supports our local business community in creative and innovative ways. The Town collaborated with CGI Communications to help businesses market themselves and reach potential customers while also showcasing all the great things about our community. Check out the video shorts here.
Economic Development Initiatives
In 2021, the Town of Acton released a report about how the town can be part of the Commonwealth's Local Rapid Recovery Planning initiatives. View the Great Road Corridor Revitalization Local Rapid Recovery Plan Report here to view a wealth of information including data and presentations shared during the public hearing phase of developing the plan, diagnostic key findings and recommendations. The Commonwealth's Recovery Program was developed to help individual towns develop project-based recovery plans by providing technical support and guidance from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Plan Facilitators to assist in the development of customized plans. It also provided a research-based diagnostic framework to assist all stakeholders in understanding the unique economic challenges within their own municipalities covering four major areas: the customer base, the physical environment, the business environment and the administrative capacity that exists.
As a result of study and analysis in Acton, eleven projects were recommended that range from way finding signage, expansion of the municipal sewer system, shared marketing and collaborations among business owners, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access along the Great Road Corridor in Acton. All proposed projects are targeted towards improving consumers' ease of access, improving visitors' experience, and increasing businesses' capacity to reach and interact with their clients.
The key takeaway of the report is that in Acton, a "full recovery will depend on a mix of private and public realm projects." The proposed projects involve sufficient public-private partnerships and room for feedback from residents, consumers and business owners so that by following the key performance indicators and timeframes, the completed projects improve the economic sustainability of our Town.
Happening Around Town
If you have any programs or events related to building collaboration among business owners, residents and the Town, please feel free to share. Our Town has a number of ways to collaborate and interact with others. Additionally there are some upcoming changes in our Town that may be of interest to businesses and residents as well. A few programs and associations are highlighted here:
Acton Supports It's Local Businesses!
Acton is a business-friendly community, with a recent history of approving tax incentives for companies moving into Town. Associated Environmental Systems was granted a Special Tax Assessment to relocate from Ayer to Acton, doubling its workforce in the process. Acton taxpayers granted a generous Tax Increment Financing deal to Insulet Corporation, enabling the medical device company to build a global headquarters and manufacturing facility for its Omnipod insulin delivery device. These companies, along with Haartz Corporation, are working with the Town and MassHire to create the Middlesex County Manufacturing Collaborative to match job seekers with the training necessary to become valuable manufacturing employees. Acton is a leader in the region.
In September 2020, Acton voters approved funding for a small business grant program for those negatively impacted by COVID-19. The grant program was supposed to be funded by CARES Act funding, but the MA Department of Revenue prevented this. Acton voters stepped up to use more than $165,000 in free cash to fund the small business grant program. This program helped over 40 businesses which was significantly impactful to keeping these businesses afloat.
Acton "Trying is Believing" Interviews
Business Name | Link |
---|---|
Silver Unicorn Bookstore | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNU_hLy6YAg |
2019 Acton Manufacturing Day | https://youtu.be/o183PdDQNm0 |
Handworks Gallery | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg1k5XA1Ulo |
Dunk and Bubble | https://youtu.be/cvO1J62jPiA |
Gould's Clothing | https://youtu.be/8wwfvXNBIDg |
Kitchen Outfitters | https://youtu.be/rWFKjadZDEo |
Pedal Power Bike & Ski | https://youtu.be/CAovrscVO3M |
West Side Creamery | https://youtu.be/cTu-rTKvez8 |
Acton is an Award Winning Community & a great place to have a business!
Town of Acton Honored with Leading by Example Award for Climate Action Efforts
Acton Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Town of Acton has secured grant funds to provide $10,000 forgivable loans to small businesses
Acton Police Department earns full accreditation
Town of Acton Received Massachusetts Municipal Association's Innovation Award
Town of Acton Awarded $112,500 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Grant
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Julie Pierce
Economic Development DirectorPhone: 978-929-6611
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Business Owner's Toolkit
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