Bridgewater's Vision to Reality: Let’s Talk Small Business & Economic Development
Vision to Reality: Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater is simply the execution of past planning efforts and more specifically, the May 2022 adoption of the Bridgewater Comprehensive Master Plan (the Plan). In fact, the title header on Page 1 of the plan is entitled “Community Vision.” In past issues of “Let’s Talk,” we have discussed various goals and objectives articulated in the Plan. In this issue, we want to discuss economic development, specifically focusing on small business.
During the drafting of the Plan, a community survey revealed that the second highest priority of respondents (67%) is the economic development of Bridgewater’s downtown business district. The Plan also identified the absence of an economic development plan or strategy to be a perceived weakness. The Plan suggested that the Community & Economic Development (CED) adopt a dedicated small business outreach effort. We agree.
As part of the Vision to Reality initiative, we have taken several steps to strengthen our small business outreach, in large part through Economic Development Recovery Funding via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). With that funding, we have been able to retain a regionally recognized small business consultant, Tuni Schartner Consulting, LLC. To date, we have established a no cost Small Business Support Program offering one-on-one small business outreach and support. Additionally, we have held two free small business workshops: the first focused on Google Listing optimization, the second focused on social media marketing. Our third workshop, scheduled for November 8tth from 8 AM to 9:30 AM at The Bridge Center/Easterseals MA, will focus on email marketing. Each of these workshops has brought in subject matter experts and have been extremely well received by attendees.
While a perceived “weakness” in the Plan was that CED lacked the staff to effectively assist existing businesses and attract new ones, we disagree. In addition to the assistance articulated above, by adopting many of the characteristics of the Lean Systems Thinking, the CED office is able to function, in effect, as a concierge to businesses looking to expand or businesses looking to start up/open in Bridgewater. What does that mean, exactly? It means the CED office is a “one stop” destination for businesses. We have the resources to assist in advising on allowable uses, zoning requirements, and permit requirements as well as local licensing requirements.
Moving forward, we are working towards expanding the role of the CED office so as to also function as a Small Business Resource Center. If there are resources outside of the purview of the Town, we will be in a position to direct a business to where they might find additional resources. We are also working closely with local lenders who are interested in working with small businesses. Over and above that, we are constantly looking and applying for grant programs that can assist in the revitalization of our downtown. Further strengthening our relationship and participation with the Bridgewater Business Association, MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth County Chamber of Commerce and the Cranberry Country Chamber will also provide additional resources and exposure to our business community.
We have discussed in a previous issue the opportunities associated with Bridgewater State University’s (BSU) emerging cybersecurity program. Additionally, we are working very closely with the individuals in charge of developing the BSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business (CESB).
All of the aforementioned is an example of how all of the elements of Vision to Reality are interrelated and how the initiative is the actual implementation of what is contained in the Plan. (Please refer to Chapter 5 of the Plan for more.).