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Westborough EDC updates grant scoring rubrics, adds points for job creation and matching funds
Summary
The EDC approved revisions to new- and existing-business grant rubrics, clarifying downtown/district definitions, adding points for matching funds (up to $10,000) and revising how full-time jobs are scored. Committee voted to publish rubrics and to show them to applicants.
The Westborough Economic Development Committee on Sept. 10 approved a set of revisions to its grant scoring rubrics for new and existing businesses.
Changes to the new-business rubric include clarifying what qualifies as the B/B zoning district and the downtown planning overlay, adding points for applicants who engage with the town’s one‑stop small-business counseling, and allowing the committee to match other public funding—up to $10,000—when applicants secure state or federal storefront grants. Committee members agreed the rubric language should be clear for applicants and discussed ways to present the rubric and application questions together so applicants understand how scoring is applied.
The committee also reworked the jobs metric to avoid double-counting. Members agreed a single line scoring up to 10 points for job creation—one point per full-time job up to a 10-point maximum—was less confusing than two separate thresholds. The committee emphasized that presentations by applicants should carry more weight going forward.
After discussion and minor wording adjustments to prevent applicant confusion, a motion to adopt the proposed rubric changes for new businesses passed by roll call. The committee separately approved changes to the existing-business rubric covering points for business longevity in Westborough, interior renovations, matching funds, and presentation emphasis.
Next steps: The EDC staff will incorporate the approved language into application materials and make the rubric more visible to applicants, including adding explanatory links or GIS zoning maps where appropriate.
