Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MSVP)
The City of North Adams has been awarded up to $50,000 in refundable state tax credits through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program, part of the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth initiative. The program is designed to encourage businesses to locate in downtown North Adams storefronts that have been vacant for at least six months.
Eligible businesses may receive up to $10,000 in refundable state tax credits, subject to program requirements and the availability of funds.
Because this is a tax credit program—not a grant—eligible businesses must enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth to receive the credit.
How It Works
City Identifies and Submits Business Application
The City of North Adams collaborates with property owners, brokers, downtown stakeholders, and prospective business owners to connect eligible vacant storefronts with new tenants. Businesses interested in participating in the program are encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest Form.
Once a business and storefront have been identified, the City of North Adams will submit a Vacant Storefront Tax Credit Application to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) on behalf of the business.
State Review and Approval
EOED reviews all applications and determines whether to present them to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) for approval. Applications are evaluated based on factors including:
The number of jobs the business is expected to create
How the business complements and strengthens the downtown business district
Whether the business is a Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)
How the business supports North Adams’ economic revitalization goals
The EACC Board meets quarterly — in March, June, September, and December — to vote on applications.
Business Signs Agreement
If approved, the business will enter into an agreement with EOED outlining the terms of the tax credit award.
Business Claims the Tax Credit
After filing its next Massachusetts state tax return, the business may apply the tax credit against its state tax liability. If the credit exceeds the amount owed, the remaining balance will be refunded to the business.
Important Notes
The City of North Adams has discretion in determining the award amount for each participating business.
North Adams’ allocation of tax credits is available through the final EACC meeting in December 2026.
Participation is subject to state approval and program guidelines.
Interested in Participating?
Business owners interested in locating in an eligible vacant storefront in North Adams are encouraged to reach out to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, and available incentives. FY26 Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program guidelines are also available through the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth program.
Deadline to Apply: September 1, 2026
Available Spaces Include:
66–70 Main Street
3,090sf, street level
1,228sf, street level
9,894sf, street level
36–44 Ashland Street
240sf, street level
3,751sf, second floor
13 Eagle Street
1,300sf, street level
Interested in an eligible property not listed here? Apply below, and eligible inquiries will receive follow-up regarding participation in the program.
