Economic Development
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Shop Small
Acton is home to a vibrant variety of retail options, from unique specialty shops to long-standing local favorites. This holiday season—including Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas—we invite you to support our community by shopping locally. Your purchases at small businesses help strengthen Acton’s economy and keep our retail landscape thriving. Thank you for choosing to shop small and celebrate local!
Visit our local shops for exclusive gifts
Acton Restaurant Week
Ribbon Cuttings
Are you a new business in Acton or celebrating a milestone? We are delighted to welcome your business to Acton and want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance or resources as you navigate this exciting journey.
Strategic Economic Development Action Plan
We are pleased to announce the release of the Strategic Economic Development Action Plan—a key milestone that will guide our economic strategies in the years ahead. This comprehensive plan takes into consideration demographic trends. It reflects months of research, community input, and collaboration to outline actionable goals that can enhance the overall economic vitality of our town.
The complete draft of the plan is available at the link below, offering a detailed look at the strategies proposed. Click here to view SEDAP Final.
For a clear and concise overview, we encourage you to access the presentation of the final document, which highlights the key areas of focus for business development and the strategic goals set for the town: Click here to view the final presentation.
This plan sets a strong foundation for the future and we want you to be part of it by contacting our office to discuss ideas, projects, or initiatives aligned with the plan’s goals. Together, we can turn this vision into action.
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Photos in Frame 1 below: Ribbon cuttings held in 2025 at Great Spaces Inc, Acton Racquet Club, Magenta Dance Place, and J.Crew.

Photos in frame 2 below: Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies at Velvet Vine Cafe, Feb. 14, 2025, Silver Girl, March 7, 2025, Acton Cycles Bike and Ski Shop, April 7, 2025, As You Like It Hair Salon, April 7, 2025, and Luna Mexican Cuisine, April 7, 2025

Photos in frame 3 below are from the Business Networking Brunch held on Wednesday, June 11th at the Acton Town Hall. We had a great group of local business owners in attendance. The event allowed plenty of time to network and hear from a great panel of experts including Lisa Gonzalez Welch from the Small Business Administration, Nancy Gerardi from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Northeast Region, Sharavanthi Reddy from Northeast SCORE, Emily Maguire from the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office along with opening remarks by John Mangairatti, Town Manager, an update on the recent completion of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Acton by Economic Development Director, Patricia Costa, and an update from the co-chair of the Economic Development Committee, Patricia Sutherland.

HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN ACTON GUIDE
ACTON BUSINESS DIRECTORY
- 1 Completed public mural
- 2 Kelleys corner upcoming changes
- 3 janice mural helper
- 4 Completed public mural
- 5 instructions to mural helpers
- 6 janice mural helper
- 7 mural progress
- 8 nearing completion mural
- 9 Public Mural in progress
- 10 setting up scaffolding kelleys corner mural
- 11 sketching out kelleys corner mural
- 12 youth involvement mural
- 13 mural helper
- 14 Mark Hald mural helper
- 15 kim mural
- 16 kaila and others kelleys corner mural
- 17 yashira and brandy mural
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 DEPARTMENT IN THE NEWS
Town of Acton and Community Partners Offer Pop-Up Retail Space to Emerging Enterprises
Town of Acton Community Partners Offering Presentation on Tenant Rights and Protections
Town of Acton to Launch Emergency Assistance Program
Town of Acton Encourages Community to Shop Local on Small Business Saturday
Acton Economic Development Office Invites Community to Kelley’s Corner Block Party
Towns of Acton, Boxboro, Littleton, Maynard, and Westford Share Success of Regional Grant Initiative
Acton Economic Development Department Hosts Three-Part Seminar for Local Businesses
Acton Economic Development Department Hosts Professional Development Webinar for Local Artists
Town of Acton Announces New Child Care Subsidy Program for Families
Town of Acton Awarded $78,000 Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant
Town of Acton Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Town of Acton Offers Rental Assistance for Residents Impacted by Pandemic
Town of Acton Receives State Grant to Support Affordable Housing Projects
Town of Acton Receives State Grant to Plan Assistance Along Great Road Commercial Corridor
Town of Acton Provides Information on Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Town of Acton Residents Vote to Support COVID Small Business Grant Program
Town of Acton Announces COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program
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Patricia Costa
Economic Development DirectorPhone: 978-929-6611