By Cynthia Whitty

April Fools Trivia Night

The Ashland Business Association (ABA) with the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual April Fools “Trivia Night,” April 1, 6 to 7:30 pm. The cost to attend is $10. Lots of fun and prizes: 1st Place, $100; 2nd Place, $50; 3rd Place, $25. Register online at www.metrowest.org/events/details/april-fool-s-virtual-trivia-night-10382. The event will feature The Trivia Brothers and Virtual Challenge Trivia with Brett (the Talk Guy) and Nik (the Tech Guy). What is Virtual Challenge Trivia? Check out their video at youtu.be/F91W-EuNLJM.

The Corner Spot is Making a Come Back

The Corner Spot, which closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, is planning to open this year. Anyone interested in opening a pop-up business in the shed should contact Economic Development Coordinator Beth Reynolds at [email protected], 508-532-7905. Reynolds is hoping to hold some socially distanced events there, too.

Ashland Outdoor Seating Regulations

Outdoor seating was important in keeping restaurants thriving during the pandemic. The town wants to see that success continue as the weather warms up. The Economic Development Office is creating regulations and an application to make temporary seating permanent. When the regulations and application are available, the team will email them directly to restaurants and post them on the website, www.ashlandmass.com. For more information, contact Beth Reynolds at [email protected].

Microenterprise Grant Money Still Available

The town reports that funding is still available for the federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for microenterprise businesses. Note that some of the guidelines have changed recently. 

New guidelines are in place that allow any business that opened prior to October 1, 2019. 2020 tax returns may be used to fit the LMI (low- to moderate-income) requirements. Business owners can still apply for grants of up to $10,000 for microenterprise businesses (defined as a commercial enterprise that has five or fewer employees). If you have previously been awarded this grant, you may apply again. To access the online application, visit massgcc.submittable.com/submit. Note that business type exclusions to the grant include: Real estate rentals/sales businesses, businesses owned by persons under age 18, businesses that are chains, liquor stores, weapons/firearms dealers, lobbyists or cannabis-related businesses. Businesses must be located in one of the 23 participating communities.