HOLYOKE WELCOMES

BUSINESS TO THE PAPER CITY

Holyoke is an exciting community with committed citizens, a rich history, a dynamic business sector, and a wide variety of opportunities.  The best way to learn about our proud city is to experience it.  Walk through the Mount Tom State Reservation, row the Connecticut River, shop at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, or enjoy a ride on the historic Merry-Go-Round at Holyoke Heritage State Park. 

Holyoke developed in the 19^th Century as the nation's

first planned industrial community, at one time boasting the greatest paper production in the world.  Many artifacts of the City's pioneer engineering machinery are on display and in use today, making Holyoke a unique living museum ahead of the curve in the 21^st century.

The City's attractive complement of urban scale and natural serenity includes numerous mill sites as well as a collection of parks, historic sites and recreation destinations.  What else would you expect from the Birthplace of Volleyball?

Tax & Financial Incentives

Local, state, and federal leaders are committed to Holyoke's renaissance, offering several programs to complement and encourage investment growth.  Below is a listing of those incentives and a brief explanation of each.  Please call to set up a meeting to discuss what the best option may be for your business.

• Special Assessments
• Tax Increment Financing
• Low Interest Loans for Manufacturers - HEDIC
• Holyoke Gas & Electric Incentives
• Foreign Trade Zone #201
• Brownfields Redevelopment Program
• USBA Financial Assistance
• MassDevelopment Gurantees
• MassDevelopment Real Estate Loans
• Bond Financing programs through MassDevelopment

Doing Business in Holyoke

The link below is provided to direct you to the places you need to go, the people you need to talk to and where to find the information you need.  The guide provides introductory information only.  It is not intended to be a substitute for specific statutes, ordinances, or regulations and shall not be relied on in lieu of other professional advice.

•           HOLYOKE PERMIT GUIDE
•           Starting a Small Business Guide (coming soon)

Downtown Business Owners

The Office has been conducting targeted meetings with the owners of businesses in the Central Business District.  Several common themes have been raised during each of these meetings.  The City and the businesses are working together towards finding solutions to issues and ways to mprove business.

• Newsletter
• Downtown Business Planter Project
• Facade Improvement Program 

Other Links

Below are links to other resources that may be useful to your business development

• SBA
• MassDevelopment
• Massachusetts Department of Housing and Economic Development
• Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
• Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
• Pioneer Valley Regional Profile

Contact Information

For more information contact the Office of Planning and Development at 413-322-5655.