Governor Launches Business Builds Program

Print Story | Email Story
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) announced the launch of Business Builds, a new competitive capital grant program designed to support business expansion, job creation, and climate-friendly investment across Massachusetts.  
 
Created through the Mass Leads Act and administered by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), Business Builds provides strategic grants to businesses relocating to, expanding in, or creating new jobs in Massachusetts. The program is aimed at strengthening Massachusetts' competitiveness, accelerating private investment, and advancing projects that provide a clear public benefit, including job growth, revitalization of underutilized properties and economic growth in rural areas. 
 
"Massachusetts succeeds when businesses can grow, innovate and create jobs in every region of our state," said Governor Maura Healey. "Business Builds gives employers the support they need to modernize facilities, expand operations and invest with confidence right here in Massachusetts." 
 
Business Builds advances the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to increasing Massachusetts' economic competitiveness while ensuring that public investments deliver meaningful public value. The program will complement existing tools such as the Economic Development Incentive Program to spur job creation, strengthen regional economies, and support capital investments in facilities and equipment. Through Business Builds, EOED aims to attract and retain businesses across Massachusetts, including in Gateway Cities, rural towns, and underutilized or redevelopment areas. 
 
Business Builds is a rolling program, and the next deadline to apply is February 4, 2026. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/info-details/business-builds-capital-grant-program.  
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 
 
"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 
 
The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 
 
The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 
 
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center
 
The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 
 
The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories