The Town of Barnstable was recently awarded a $379,000 grant from the Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council for Hyannis Inner Harbor infrastructure improvements. Improvements include replacing fixed timber docks with floating concrete docks, upgrading timber piles to steel, raising the bulkhead for resiliency, adding electric meters for streamlined billing, improving commercial offloading, enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility, maintenance dredging and other related upgrades. This work will improve recreational and commercial boating infrastructure at Bismore Park Marina and nearby docks.

Proposed Zoning Amendments to be Reviewed by Barnstable Town Council

The Barnstable Town Council will be reviewing six proposed zoning amendments at their next meeting on Thursday, January 29th starting at 6pm. Proposed amendments include changes to the town’s Home Occupation and Commercial Vehicle Parking ordinances, as well as four proposed changes to zoning in downtown Hyannis. For more information on the downtown Hyannis proposed zoning amendments, please visit this webpage. Proposed changes to the home occupation ordinance can be found here, and proposed changes to the commercial vehicle parking ordinance can be found here. Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted at the January 29th Town Council meeting or via email to cynthia.lovell@barnstable.gov

10th Annual Youth Job Fair

The Barnstable Youth Commission is excited to share that the 10th Annual Barnstable Youth Job Fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, and we still have plenty of room for businesses to participate. This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to connect with motivated young job-seekers (ages 14–18).

• When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

• Where: Hyannis Youth and Community Center (HYCC)

• Why Participate? This event is free for businesses and is the perfect way to secure your seasonal or year-round staffing early. You can interview candidates on the spot and help mentor the next generation of our workforce.

How to Register: Space is limited! If you are interested in participating as a business partner, please fill out the application here:

Youth Job Fair Business Application

Town of Barnstable 2026 Tourism Mini-Grant Program

The Town of Barnstable will once again be offering its Tourism Mini-Grant program in 2026. The Tourism Mini-Grant Program is designed to support the Town’s seven villages in promoting new or existing events and festivals to draw visitors to the Town of Barnstable. All civic associations and nonprofit organizations within the Town of Barnstable that produce and market events to visitors and/or provide visitor services are eligible to apply. Program details are expected to be released in February. If your organization has received a Tourism Mini-Grant in the past, please ensure that a Final Report is completed in order to maintain eligibility for the 2026 program.

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Veteran-Owned Small Business Grant Opportunity

The Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program will award five small businesses owned by veterans and/or military spouses with a one-time $10,000 or $25,000 grant to grow and support their businesses. Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2025.

Small Business Grant Opportunity – GK Fund

The GK Fund is now accepting applications for its annual grant program designed to support culturally diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses. This initiative provides $10,000 grants, along with access to mentorship, legal support, and strategic connections to grow a business venture. Applications are open until December 5th.

12th Annual Love Local Fest – Holiday Edition

The 12th Annual Love Local Fest Holiday Edition will take place on Saturday, December 6 from 10am-4pm on the Hyannis Village Green. This event is the culmination of a year’s work by local businesses, resulting in a grand display of local artistry and craftsmanship for all ages to enjoy. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Hyannis Village Green, 120 merry makers, blissful brands and exquisite eateries create an illuminating mix of holiday nostalgia, winter warmth, and festive family fun.

10th Annual Barnstable Youth Job Fair

The Barnstable Youth Commission will be hosting the 10th Annual Youth Job Fair for ages 14-18 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.  Local businesses who are hiring employees between the ages of 14-18 are invited to meet with and potentially interview applicants during the annual event. Businesses may apply for space at the event, which is free to both businesses and attendees.

Bringing Your Food Product to Market

The Cape CDP is hosting a Bringing Your Food Product to Market workshop on January 26 and February 2, 2026 at their office at 180 Cranberry Highway in Orleans. This free workshop teaches food entrepreneurs how to take a product from concept to market with expert guidance and peer support.

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The Town of Barnstable will be hosting an open house for the Great Streets Downtown Hyannis project on August 27th, 2025 to present 75% designs for the project. The Great Streets Downtown Hyannis project re-envisions how Main Street Hyannis and the surrounding streets/intersections are designed and function by returning to two-way travel.

Public Presentation & Open House
Town Hall Hearing Room, 2nd Floor – 367 Main St, Hyannis
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Live interpretation offered in Portuguese and Spanish
Light refreshments provided

Come meet the project team, ask questions, and explore the improvements planned for downtown.

Hyannis TDI Program Concludes

The Hyannis Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Program has ended after its 3-year cycle completed in June 2025. Established by the Massachusetts Development and Finance Agency, the TDI program is designed to promote economic growth and sustainability in the walkable commercial districts in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities.

The Hyannis TDI District was located in Downtown Hyannis along Main Street, extending from Yarmouth Road in the East End to High School Road Extension. Through participation in this program, the Town was able to access technical assistance and funding opportunities through the state that is only available to TDI communities.

Most notably the Downtown Hyannis Facade Grant Program received a total of $250,000 in TDI funding over three years (from 2023-2025), which resulted in over $750,000 of investment in the downtown Hyannis area. 43 different local businesses benefitted from this program, including 9 businesses that received grants in June for the 2025 program.

Snack Shack at the Harbor Overlook – Still Taking Applications

The Town of Barnstable invites culinary entrepreneurs and food service professionals to apply to rent the Snack Shack at the Hyannis Harbor Overlook. The Snack Shack, located adjacent to the HyArts Artist Shanties, offers a highly-visible and low-cost pop location available to rent by food service providers.

For more information, please visit the program website or contact Peter Bertling, Community & Economic Development Planner, at peter.bertling@town.barnstable.ma.us or at 774-487-1917.

Massachusetts Launches Business Front Door

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) has launched the Business Front Door, a new platform that provides a clear pathway for businesses to work with the state and enables a better coordinated response from state agencies. EOED has also launched a new Why Massachusetts webpage, designed to attract business to locate and expand within the state.

The post Business Barnstable Newsletter – August 2025 appeared first on Business Barnstable.

The 2025 Downtown Hyannis Façade Grant Program will support nine (9) small businesses to improve the aesthetics of their storefronts with projects that include new signage, awnings, siding, and other attractive exterior improvements. Through additional matching funds provided by participating businesses, this funding is expected to result in approximately $115,000 dollars in new investment to the downtown Hyannis area.

This program was made possible through funding from a MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Local Grant. The Town of Barnstable’s Planning and Development Department worked collaboratively with the BID to plan and manage the grant program.

This initiative is a continuation of the 2023 and 2024 Small Business Façade Improvement Grant Programs. As a result of three years of this program, approximately $750,000 has been invested in the downtown Hyannis area. A total of $280,000 in grants has been awarded to 43 different businesses over the course of the program.

Local businesses receiving 2025 grants:

• 521 Main: $10,000
• Pour Decision Wine Bar: $8,696
• Ocean Street Café: $6,507
• Wicked Willy’s Tiki Bar: $5,000
• JFK Hyannis Museum: $5,000
• Portside Tavern: $5,000
• Side Door Bagels: $5,000
• Comfort Inn: $4,176
• 19^th Hole Tavern: $500

The post 2025 Downtown Hyannis Façade Grant Program Awards appeared first on Business Barnstable.

MassDevelopment’s Biz-M-Power grant program offers matching grants of up to $50,000 to support growth-oriented qualifying small and microbusinesses meeting the program guidelines. These grants can help offset costs related to acquisitions, expansions, facility improvements or leases, equipment purchases or leases, and other capital needs. A total of $1,000,000 is available in funding and applications must be submitted by June 15, 2025.

Downtown Hyannis Façade Grant Program

Applications for the 2025 Downtown Hyannis Façade Grant Program are now available. A total of $50,000 is available in funding for properties located in the Hyannis TDI District. Eligible projects include new signage, windows, planters, painting, awnings, and siding. Funding for this program is being provided by a MassDevelopment TDI Local grant. The program is a continuation of 2023 and 2024 grant programs that provided grants to over 30 local businesses which resulted in over $600,000 in investment in the downtown Hyannis area.

Greening Hyannis Free Tree Program

The Town of Barnstable, through a grant from the State’s Greening the Gateway Cities Grant Program, is offering free trees to properties located in the Town’s planting zone. The goal of the Greening Hyannis program is to increase tree canopy to realize numerous community benefits including beautification of neighborhoods, schools and public places, improved air quality, increased wildlife habitat, reduced noise, and increased shade which will maximize energy savings. To sign up for a free tree, please visit the Greening Hyannis website.

Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan Update

The Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Planning Committee (LCPC) has been working to update the Town’s master plan since 2022. At their last meeting on May 20, 2025 the committee voted to approve the draft Local Comprehensive Plan, which will be presented to the Planning Board on Monday, June 9th and will then proceed to Town Council for approval.

The post Business Barnstable Newsletter – May 2025 appeared first on Business Barnstable.

This grant program is available to all properties in the Hyannis Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District (see map below), which extends from Yarmouth Road to High School Road in Hyannis. Eligible improvements include new signage, windows, planters, painting, masonry, siding, doors, awnings and/or structural or design changes. The program is intended to improve the aesthetics of downtown Hyannis and enhance the quality of commercial properties in the area.

The application deadline for the 2025 program is June 8, 2025 and awarded projects must be completed by November 1, 2025.

Funding for this grant program is being provided by a MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Local grant. The program is a continuation of the 2023 and 2024 Small Business Façade Improvement Grant Program that provided grants to over 30 local businesses which resulted in over $600,000 in investment in the downtown Hyannis area.

For a map of eligible properties and a copy of the application, please visit: https://businessbarnstable.com/downtown-hyannis/2025-downtown-hyannis-facade-grant-program/

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The Town of Barnstable is currently working to update the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP), which is a long-term vision and growth policy that will guide Barnstable’s future over the next ten years. A full draft plan is available on the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan website BarnstableLCP.com via the Document Library page. The draft Economic Development targeted action plan for the Town can be found starting on page 320 of the draft document.

Comments can be submitted online or dropped off or mailed to: Planning & Development, 367 Main Street, Hyannis, 02601. There will also be four upcoming community meetings on this topic:

• Tuesday, April 15^th at 6pm at the West Barnstable Community Building, 2377 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable
• Wednesday, April 30^th at 6pm at Liberty Hall, 2150 Main Street, Marstons Mills
• Monday, May 5^th at 6pm at the Osterville Village Library, 43 Wianno Avenue, Osterville
• Thursday, May 8^th at 6pm at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center (744 West Main Street in Hyannis)

Hyannis Snack Shack – Applications Now Open

The Town of Barnstable invites culinary entrepreneurs and food service professionals to apply to rent the Snack Shack at the Hyannis Harbor Overlook. The Snack Shack, located adjacent to the HyArts Artist Shanties, offers a highly-visible and low-cost pop location available to rent by food service providers.

For more information, please visit the program website or contact Peter Bertling, Community & Economic Development Planner, at peter.bertling@town.barnstable.ma.us or at 774-487-1917.

Cape Light Compact Offering Free Energy Assessments for Businesses

The Cape Light Compact is offering free energy assessments to businesses in Barnstable May 5th – May 16th to explore ways businesses can reduce energy use and lower operating costs through energy efficiency upgrades. The Compact is offering increased incentives up to 100% of the installed cost of weatherization, refrigeration, lighting, and other eligible energy-efficiency upgrades. For more information, please visit CapeLightCompact.org/MainStreets.

State Grant Program Applications Now Available

As a reminder, the following grant programs are now accepting applications through the State’s One Stop program by June 4, 2025:

• Underutilized Properties Program: Offers up to $1,000,000 to support projects that target investment in underutilized, abandoned, or vacant properties.
• TDI Equity Investment Program: Offers up to $250,000 to support investments in commercial properties in and around TDI Districts, including Barnstable’s Hyannis TDI District.

The post Business Barnstable Newsletter – April 2025 appeared first on Business Barnstable.

State Grant Program Applications Now Available

The following grant programs are now accepting applications through the State’s One Stop program by June 4, 2025:

• Underutilized Properties Program: Offers up to $1,000,000 to support projects that target investment in underutilized, abandoned, or vacant properties.
• TDI Equity Investment Program: Offers up to $250,000 to support investments in commercial properties in and around TDI Districts, including Barnstable’s Hyannis TDI District.

Town of Barnstable Annual Youth Job Fair – March 5th

The 9^th Annual Youth Job Fair will take place at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center on Wednesday, March 5^th from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Admission is free to all students and limited space is still available for businesses hiring teens. Apply for a free space here.

New Community and Economic Development Planner

Peter Bertling has been hired as the Town of Barnstable’s new Community and Economic Development Planner.

Mr. Bertling previously served as the Town’s Parking Manager and Transportation Coordinator. In his new role Mr. Bertling will be working on Town economic development initiatives and transportation projects, and will serve as a liaison to the Barnstable business community. He can be reached at peter.bertling@town.barnstable.ma.us or 774-487-1917.

The Town’s previous Community and Economic Development Planner Kyle Pedicini will remain involved in economic development projects in his new role as Assistant Director of Planning & Development. He can be reached at kyle.pedicini@town.barstable.ma.us or 774-487-1246.

Energy Efficiency Grants

The MassDEP is currently offered a Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program to new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state. MassDEP will accept applications on first-come, first-served basis until all available funding is spent.

The Cape Light Compact also offers ongoing energy-efficiency financial incentives to businesses that are seeking to make renovations to existing facilities and/or upgrade equipment.

Advertise with the Town of Barnstable

Local businesses have the opportunity to promote themselves to visitors and residents at sporting events and leisure activities around town. For more information, availability and pricing levels, visit: https://businessbarnstable.com/doing-business-with-the-town/

The post Business Barnstable Newsletter – March 2025 appeared first on Business Barnstable.

On October 24, 2024 the Barnstable Town Council approved the establishment of a Downtown Hyannis District Improvement Financing Program. A District Improvement Financing (DIF) Program enables a municipality to identify and capture an anticipated stream of local property tax revenues expected to be generated by new development in a designated district. New investment on a private property raises the assessed value, increasing the amount of tax revenue collected.

Through DIF, a percentage of the new tax revenues are captured and directed to pay the costs of public projects that attract and sustain the private investment, creating the virtuous cycle.

This program will fund the following types of projects in the Downtown Hyannis area over the next 25 years:

• Public infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, water infrastructure, broadband, etc.)
• Placemaking/beautification projects (upgrades to public spaces, streetlights, etc.)
• Storefront improvement grants for existing small businesses
• Arts and culture projects

Energy Efficiency Grants

The MassDEP is currently offered a Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program to new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state. MassDEP will accept applications on first-come, first-served basis until all available funding is spent.

The Cape Light Compact also offers ongoing energy-efficiency financial incentives to businesses that are seeking to make renovations to existing facilities and/or upgrade equipment.

Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation WaterWORKS 2025 Event

The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation will be hosting WaterWORKS on Tuesday, January 14^th from 9am – 4pm at the Cape Cod Community College. WaterWORKS is an event where 400 students from the Cape & Islands interact with 60+ blue economy and STEM related employers and educators. Interactive displays, fun activities, in-depth one-on-one conversations, and panel Q&A sessions leave students with a greater understanding of the career opportunities waiting for them here at home. This event promotes blue economy businesses by providing a platform to demonstrate their work, share internships and employment opportunities, and advocate for job skills required in their fields.

2025 Greater Hyannis Chamber Economic Forecast Event

The Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Economic Forecast event on January 22^nd where attendees can meet specialists that will inform them on trends that will be impacting businesses in the future as well as upcoming opportunities and obstacles in the coming year.  The event is taking place at the Emerald Resort in Hyannis, starting at 8am with breakfast buffet and networking.

The post Business Barnstable Newsletter – January 2025 appeared first on Business Barnstable.

Hyannis Open Streets Event – October 20^th

Hyannis Open Streets will take place on Hyannis Main Street this Sunday, October 20^th from 12-4pm. The street will be temporarily closed for the event to allow for walking, biking, playing, and socializing. Free, fun activities are available for people of all ages and free parking is available.

Perfect Your Pop-Up Workshop – October 29^th

The Lower Cape Community Development Corporation is offering a Perfect Your Pop-Up workshop at the Harwich Cultural Arts Municipal Building (204 Sisson Road) on Tuesday, October 29^th at 9am. This workshop allows participants to inspect and critique different booth set-ups created by the workshop presenters and learn how to find markets to maximize your impact.

Farmer Grant Program

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education is offering grants between $5,000 and $30,000 for projects that explore new concepts in sustainable agriculture. Topics that can be funded include aquaculture, marketing and business, crop production, and climate smart agriculture practices. Applications are due by November 12^th at 5pm.

Small Business Resource Fair – November 14^th

The Small Business Resource Fair at the Eldredge Public Library will take place on Thursday, November 14^th from 4:30 – 6:30pm. This event will offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about all the free and low-cost options to start, strengthen and grow your business.  Cape Cod Young Professionals, Chatham Chamber of Commerce, Community Development Partnership, EforAll Cape Cod, WECAN, SCORE and a representative from the Small Business Administration will all be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Wholesale Readiness Program for Food Entrepreneurs

The Western MA Food Processing Center & Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts will be hosting free online sessions between January and May 2025 for early-stage food businesses to learn from industry experts and entrepreneurs who have grown consumer packaged good brands in the Northeast. Applications for the program are now available.

Hyannis Snack Shack – Seeking Vendors for Gingerbread Lane Event

The Town of Barnstable is seeking vendors for the Hyannis Snack Shack during the upcoming Gingerbread Lane Event at the Hyannis Harbor Overlook on Friday & Saturday, November 29-30 (11am -3pm). The Snack Shack offers food entrepreneurs a highly visible and free pop-up location to sell food products.

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