Westborough EDC awards three $5,000 grants to local businesses; one application deferred

The Westborough Economic Development Committee voted Sept. 10 to award three businesses $5,000 each from the town’s Economic Development grant pool.

Simply Windows will receive $5,000 toward a full parking-lot resurfacing; the applicant told the committee the total project cost is $30,000 and that the lot is deteriorating in ways that will worsen over winter. The committee agreed to add 10 rubric points for investment that improves a building’s long-term condition and aesthetics.

FreshMonkey, which opened in West Meadow Plaza in June, was awarded $5,000 to help pay for signage. The owner said a building sign alone is “about $10,000,” and explained the business needs better visibility from Route 9 and nearby plazas.

Lindsay Taylor Spa, which the owners said has operated in Westborough for eight years and employs 18 people, received $5,000 to replace a washer and dryer that failed in July. One owner described the equipment as “the hardest working things in the place,” and said replacing them was an urgent but unplanned expense.

Rocco’s Donut Company requested reimbursement support for an in‑ground grease interceptor installed in mid‑2023; owner Vinny Estrella said the work cost just under $50,000. Staff and committee members noted the program’s guideline that reimbursements are limited to projects occurring within the previous 12 months. The committee moved to defer Rocco’s request until applicants provide final sign‑off and permit documentation to verify eligibility.

The committee made the award decisions by motion and roll call; the chair said the town’s annual grant pool is $60,000 and the three approved awards fit within available funds.

Next steps: Rocco’s must supply documentation showing when the project was signed off for the application to be reconsidered; the approved grantees will be notified and arrangements will be made to distribute funds.