Town of Ashland
Economic Development Office Newsletter
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Ashland Businesses,
We are well into November and the holidays are creeping up quickly now. I hope this holiday season brings you joy and good health!
The Microenterprise CDBG Block Grant is still available. Applications are still being accepted for grants of up to $10,000. The funding is being utilized to address emergency needs in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Grants of up to $10,000 for microenterprise businesses (defined as a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer employees) are now available. Business owners must meet the LMI rates to qualify. For more information or to see of you qualify:
We are planning some great events in the coming weeks. The hope is to get people out of the house during the winter months to enjoy all that Ashland has to offer and to encourage them to stop by your business. We will be doing a social media campaign to highlight our shop local page as well as some events that will hopefully bring people to you be it in person or virtual! Be sure to read below for information on these and help us spread the word!
Please let me know how I can help you and your business. If you need a smile, I have one for you, just give me a shout! Take good care.
Sincerely,
Beth
Beth Reynolds
Economic Development Director, Town of Ashland
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The town of Ashland is still accepting applications for the federally-funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for microenterprise businesses.
The funding is being utilized to address emergency needs in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Grants of up to $10,000 for microenterprise businesses (defined as a commercial enterprise that has 5 or fewer employees) are now available.
CLICK HERE (https://massgcc.submittable.com/submit) to connect directly to the online application.
For any questions please contact: Beth Reynolds, breynolds@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7905.
Please note that business type exclusions to the grant include: Real estate rentals/sales businesses, businesses owned by persons under age 18, businesses that are chains, liquor stores, weapons/firearms dealers, lobbyists or Cannabis-related businesses. Businesses must be located in one of the 23 participating communities.
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Mondofora - Online Shopping Experience |
Our retail community is adapting to a challenging world. To support them, we are working with Mondofora.com to create an online shop-local marketplace that gives our businesses an eCommerce presence and lets shoppers conveniently buy locally online.
Mondofora will be holding a Webinar for local retailers on
Thursday, November 19th at 9am where they will describe the marketplace and how to sign up for a free account, as well as provide the necessary guidance, tutorials, and support.
Here is some additional information about Mondofora and their ecommerce Marketplace platform:
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Chamber Recovery Marketing Tool |
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce has created a new
E-newsletter titled "The Recovery Corner." It is designed to provide both Visibility & Support for MetroWest businesses. It will consist of a Featured Business Profile, Business (including Marketing & Sales) Resources, Financial Resources & Events. The Featured Business Profile will highlight the things each business wants their customers to know your as well as the safety precautions they have in place to keep their patrons safe. Profiles can include links to videos, promotional materials, etc. These publications will be sent to online and print news outlets, shared on social media sites and through direct email marketing.
Here is how you can be a part of it:
Highlight Your Business – This section includes anything you would like highlighted. Examples include: Menus, Specials, Delivery & Pick-up options etc. You can incorporate links to videos or promotional pieces in this section. The goal of this section is to attract customers to visit your business.
Click Here for the Recovery Corner Business Profile Form.
Once completed, email breynolds@ashlandmass.com.
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Mama’s Bakery serves authentic Brazilian cuisine including: Pizza, Sobremesa, Paes.
67 Pond Street, Ashland
508-872-3003
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm, Delivery is available
Follow them on Instagram @mamasbakeryforyou
Ashland Nutrition serves healthy protein smoothies, energizing metabolism boosting teas and protein coffees!
61 Pond Street, Ashland
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ashlandnutrition
774-389-8582 or email: ashlandnutrition@gmail.com
Mama Samia’s Bakery
119 Pond Street, Ashland (Excel Gas Station)
Leiby's is a full service florist, a member of Teleflora, that supplies weddings and events, and look forward to offering flower art & design classes once this pandemic ceases to be a threat. They offer no-contact delivery.
300 Eliot St, Suite 13 in Ashland. (Behind Los Cabos Restaurant to the left).
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It is that time year of again when we all shop for the holidays. This year we are strongly encouraging people to Shop Local!! Ashland has SO much to offer to shoppers, probably some businesses you didn't even know were here!
Before you shop please check out our online shopping guide! CLICK HERE to view the many places you can visit for that perfect gift.
Don't forget to pick up those gift cards to your favorite restaurant too, they make perfect gifts and help out the local restaurants more than you know! For a full list of Ashland Restaurants CLICK HERE.
Happy Shopping Ashlanders!
#shoplocal #shopashland
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Check out the fun things we have put together to get people out of their homes, driving around town and hopefully shopping local!
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December Holiday Festivities
December 5th - Light up Ashland!
In coordination with the Illuminate Downtown Ashland, Light up Ashland will help bring light and joy to every household. This initiative will not only fill the town with beautiful luminaries and brighten spirits but will help funds go to the Ashland Emergency Fund!
Here is how it Light Up Ashland works:
Purchase your luminary kit from Blush Bouquets (20 Front Street) beginning Friday, November 27th- December 5th. Purchase 2 kits for $6, 6 kits for $12, or 12 kits for $24 (proceeds will support the AEF). Each kit contains a luminary bag with either a star or snowflake cut out, a sand bag, and a tea light candle! Set up your luminaries on your front walk way, drive way, or front steps of your house beginning December 5th to kick off Illuminate Downtown Ashland! Keep them up as long as you like to share the light and joy!
December 5th - January 1st – Winter Wonderland stroll through Ashland
2020 has been a year we will certainly never forget. To help ease the stress and usher in the New Year the town proudly presents something to enjoy this winter season: Winter Wonderland! Celebrate the holidays this winter with loved ones by strolling around town to visit our winter wonderland! There will be 5 stops along the way beginning December 5th to kick off Illuminate Downtown Ashland. Lights will remain lit through January 1st.
Here is what you can plan for...
1. Take a winter stroll and enjoy the greenery and candy cane path at Mill Pond Park.
2. Capture a festive moment on the front steps of Town Hall, which will be decorated beautifully for that special photo.
3. Stop by Stone Park for a sparkly and fun light display in the gazebo.
5. Lastly, revel in the lights of the huge tree at 125 Front Street (home of the Farmer's Market) and enjoy the inspirational messages and labyrinth/meditation walk. The menorah lighting will take place December 10th to celebrate the start of Hanukkah and the trees will be lit brighter than ever in Montenegro Square to welcome 2021.
The town staff hopes that you enjoy the small pleasures this season brings and hopes you find comfort and peace in even the smallest twinkly light.
December 5th- Illuminate Downtown Ashland
Celebrate the Arts in Ashland once again (however, virtually this year) with Illuminate Downtown Ashland! Performers will be entertaining you from the comforts of your own home. We are excited to welcome back a few familiar faces, will have art set up for viewing virtually and of course, Annemarie's Dance Centre will amaze you with their talent! After the interactive (AND LIVE) show on zoom, we will ask attendees to jump in their cars to enjoy the spectacular lights and luminaries around town.
The holiday events are truly tying all together this year. It is all about the light! From Light Up Ashland, to Winter Wonderland and Illuminate Downtown Ashland the town will shine bright!
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Sponsorships available: The ABA is looking for sponsors for its first-ever, community-wide, holiday event, where attendees will laugh 2020 away, on the evening of December 11! Become an event sponsor for $350 or a surprise gift box sponsor for $250. Sponsors will be recognized with their logos on all marketing materials and tagged on social media. Click here to contact ABA President Wendy Pyne to sign up TODAY!
This event will be community wide, all are welcome to join in the fun and laughter. Proceeds will help support the Ashland Business Association Scholarship and the Ashland Emergency Fund. The surprise package will be delivered to the door steps of those that register for one. This event will be held virtually and be loaded with laughter and good cheer! Join us!
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Stay Informed with the Town of Ashland |
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