Governor Healey Kicks Off National Small Business Week with Tour of Downtown Stoneham

 Governor Healey Kicks Off National Small Business Week with Tour of Downtown Stoneham 

Healey-Driscoll Administration recently awarded $4 million in MassWorks grants for downtown Stoneham 

Governor also commends Stoneham for MBTA Communities Law compliance, efforts to lower housing costs 

STONEHAM – Today, to kick off National Small Business Week, Governor Maura Healey joined Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Representative Michael Day, Senator Jason Lewis, Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan and Stoneham Select Board Chair Tim Waitkevitch to tour local businesses in downtown Stoneham. They promoted the administration’s commitment to supporting small business and more than $4 million in MassWorks grants that they awarded to Stoneham last year for improvements to the downtown area.  

Attendees visited with several local business leaders at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theater, a historic movie theatre that was renovated into a professional theatre and educational space, and also visited Ceramica Paint Studio, a woman-owned small business offering arts and ceramics to the public. 

During the visit, Governor Healey also commended Stoneham for their leadership in being one of the first 10 communities to submit zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will increase the production of reasonably priced housing near transit stops and lower costs across the state. 

"Our downtowns are essential hubs for community gatherings and economic development. Our administration was happy to support improvements to Stoneham’s incredible downtown, and it was great to meet some of the business owners who will benefit from these investments,” said Governor Maura Healey. "Stoneham is also an excellent example of housing leadership, as they’ve passed new zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will make a tangible impact in our efforts to lower housing costs across the state."  

“As a former Mayor, I know firsthand how important it is to invest in our Main Streets to fuel economic growth and help our local businesses shine,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding has paved the way for modern growth and innovation, and we're seeing real results with storefronts reopening, jobs being created and a renewed energy in our downtown streets.” 

The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to supporting small businesses, which employ 44 percent of the state’s workforce and serve as the backbone of local and regional economies. Through the Mass Leads Act, the administration is building upon existing programs with a proven track record of helping small businesses, including authorizing $35 million to support Community Development Financial Institutions across the state that help disadvantaged and underserved businesses gain access to capital, $25 million for Small Business Technology Grants to help early-stage companies commercialize new and innovative technologies, and $10 million for matching grants to help small businesses with capital-related needs such as purchasing new equipment. The Executive Office of Economic Development is also developing a centralized portal for businesses of all sizes to access state resources called the Business Front Door. The platform will help connect business owners with one-on-one business support and guidance tailored to their needs.        

Last year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded Stoneham more than $4 million in One Stop for Community Growth Grants from the MassWorks program to revitalize its downtown area. This includes funding to support safety improvements along the Main Street corridor, finalize the roadway design for the area to allow for housing and business development, and update the town’s Housing Production Plan to identify strategies to increase housing production and lower costs. 

"Small businesses are the heart of our communities and a critical engine of our economy," said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. "Through programs like the Community One Stop for Growth and MassWorks, and our quasi-government agencies like MassDevelopment, we are helping cities and towns invest in the infrastructure and public spaces that allow small businesses to grow and thrive. It's exciting to see how Stoneham is leveraging these resources to strengthen its downtown and support the entrepreneurs who bring energy, creativity and jobs to the region." 

"This partnership with the state will help us to continue to reinvigorate our downtown, making Stoneham a destination for families and individuals who want to take advantage of boutique shopping, outstanding restaurants and cultural attractions like our theater and zoo," said Representative Michael Day.  

“It was wonderful to bring together Stoneham town officials, community leaders, and small business owners to welcome Governor Healey to Stoneham this morning,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “Representative Day and I are extremely grateful for the $4 million MassWorks grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to make improvements to the downtown which will support local businesses and housing development, while increasing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.” 

"Bringing our shared vision for a better downtown Stoneham to life wouldn't be possible without the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” said Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis J. Sheehan. “I sincerely thank Governor Healey, Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, our local merchants, legislative delegation, and the Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to this effort. We look forward to welcoming our state partners back to a more vibrant, revitalized downtown." 

“The Stoneham Chamber is grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Stolba for visiting Stoneham during National Small Business Week and for taking time to connect with local business owners who will benefit from the downtown revitalization,” said Megan Day, Executive Director of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud of our small business community and local leadership and are excited for the improvements to Stoneham Square that will allow the business district to fulfill its potential thanks to the MassWorks grant.”