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EDC outlines wayfinding, events, grants and business assistance; sets EDC awards date
Summary
Economic Development Coordinator Laura Crawford updated the committee on branding/wayfinding, the Main Street Trick‑or‑Treat (Oct. 28), sign bylaw work, business assistance grant applications (6–7) and recommended Jan. 30 for the EDC awards with a potential guest speaker.
Laura Crawford, the town’s economic development coordinator, walked the committee through several operational updates and upcoming events designed to support local businesses.
Crawford said phase one of the branding and wayfinding master plan (with consultant Beta) is complete and staff will prepare shop drawings and an RFQ/RFP for fabrication and installation once the Select Board approves sign locations. She said staff intends to verify exact sign locations before procurement to avoid underground utility conflicts.
On events, Crawford said Westborough Main Street Trick or Treat is planned for Oct. 28 (4:00–6:30 p.m.) and that staff is coordinating with businesses and the police department for safety. She said the town joined the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau to leverage marketing opportunities tied to large 2026 events (Mass 250, FIFA World Cup events, Tall Ships, Highland Games) and is planning an Oct. 14 meeting to discuss partnerships and promotional packages with local businesses.
Crawford reported the business assistance grant program has six active applications (with a seventh submitted the morning of the meeting) and that sign grant applications are being kept separately to use that funding pot. She reviewed EDC award finances (reported beginning balance $2,200, expenses $33.66, sponsorship revenue about $2,700, and a stated ending balance of $1,500 as presented) and discussed sponsorship tiers.
Crawford also provided updates on new and pending businesses (Tribe and Brio expecting September openings; VFW building sold; UNO’s sign posted; progress on other permit work including liquor licensing) and noted staff outreach around permits and building readiness. Committee members discussed scheduling the EDC awards; they agreed to pursue a late‑January date and tentatively selected January 30, and suggested inviting the new state Secretary of Economic Development, Eric Paley, as a guest speaker.
Crawford closed by reminding the committee of upcoming grant reviews and that the October meeting will include committee reports and grant decisions.
