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Wellesley Business Buzz: 5 more small firms score state COVID-19 relief grants; Christmas tree removal service; medtech venture firm raising $350M; free parking extended; $4.4B in deposits; Jesamondo welcomes stylist

January 5, 2021 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Our roundup of the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

5 more small firms score state grants

The Commonwealth has announced a new $67.4 million round of COVID-19 Small Business Grants, and 5 Wellesley businesses are among the mainly minority- and women-owned recipients. Among them are the Gretta Luxe salon and The Boston Ability Center, a pediatric wellness center with locations in Wellesley and Natick.

wellesley grants

These awards follow an initial round of $49 million in grants, also for businesses hit by the pandemic, that included 5 Wellesley outfits.

The awards this time around go to 1,366 businesses, and for Wellesley companies, the grants range from $10,000 to $75,000 for a total of $235,000.

The grants are administered via the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, which is also now accepting applications for a new Sector-Specific Small Business Relief Grant Program that will give preference to industries such as bars and restaurants, gyms, personal services, and more. The grants are to be used for payroll, rent, and other expenses.

How to get rid of your Christmas tree

Christmas tree pick-upWellesley HS grad and University of Vermont student Jack Kenney makes it easy for Wellesley and Needham residents to get those holiday trees out of sight and out of mind with his pick-up service. You can find out information at his website about how it all works including pricing. The process is quick, easy, and contactless.

On working during a pandemic Jack says, “This year has presented challenges and has made me have to adapt. The beauty of this business is that it can operate with or without a pandemic. That does not mean of course that I have not had to change. For COVID safety we had to eliminate our in-house pickup (taking the tree down from the stand).” He also moved to Venmo for payment (although cash is also accepted).

Venture firm raising $350M medical tech fund

The Boston Business Journal (subscription required to read full report) writes that Wellesley venture capital firm BioVentures MedTech Funds is raising a $350 million fund to invest in medical technology startups. The report says that the firm is looking to invest in “implantable and disposable medical devices, diagnostics, imaging tools and health IT products.”

Free parking extended

In an effort to support local businesses, Wellesley’s Select Board voted to extend free two-hour parking at all bagged meters in town through February. The town warns that parking fees do apply at non-bagged meters, municipal and private parking lots, and that parking attendants will ticket you if you stay longer than two hours or cleverly move from one bagged meter to another.

$4.4B in deposits

chase facadeWe reported last month about Chase Bank moving into the Peet’s Coffee location in Wellesley Square. The Boston Business Journal also just reported on this, and as a sharp-eyed reader points out, the article contains this nugget:  “The town is already crowded with banks. As of mid-2020, Wellesley was home to 19 branches holding $4.4 billion in deposits, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data.”

While the $4.4B is a grabber, our reaction was focused more on there only being 19 branches. Does seem like more…


Jesamondo Salon welcomes new stylist

Jesamondo Salon, Billy Noke
Jesamondo Salon, Billy Noke

SPONSORED CONTENT: Congratulations to long-time Swellesley supporter Jesamondo Salon as the Natick beauty business welcomes Billy Noke, a blonding and balayage expert known as one of the best talents in the industry. Billy can handle any of your hair care needs including foils, balayage, fantasy hair, and modern hair-cutting. Please call (508) 907-7171 or go online to schedule your appointment.

Jesamondo Salon, Billy Noke
You can see more of Billy Noke’s magic on Instagram at @balayagebilly

Got tips on business openings, closings or whatever, feel free to email us here: [email protected]

Also email us if you’re interested in sponsoring our weekly Wellesley Business Buzz roundup.

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Filed Under: Business

Linden Square, Wellesley
Write Ahead

Wellesley’s Cottage restaurant closed through February for dining in; takeout & delivery available

January 2, 2021 by Bob Brown 2 Comments

The Cottage restaurant, which closed for several months during the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, is starting 2021 with at least its dining room in hibernation mode through February in hopes of returning during healthier times.

A note on the Linden Square restaurant’s website promises a decision soon on offering takeout and delivery.

(Update: The Cottage has decided to offer takeout and delivery 5-9pm daily)

Separately, the new Wellesley Tavern, which has the same owners as The Cottage, will hold off its opening until March. Wellesley Tavern originally was slated to debut late in 2020 as a new family friendly restaurant at the former site of Door No. 7 in Linden Square across the street from The Cottage.

Wellesley Tavern


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Filed Under: Business, Restaurants

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley

Ex-Celtic Gordon Hayward’s Wellesley home goes on market for $6.6 million

December 27, 2020 by Bob Brown 4 Comments

With former Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward leaving town for the National Basketball Association’s Charlotte Hornets, Hayward and his wife Robyn have put their Wellesley mansion on the market for $6.6 million.

If they fetch that price for the 159 Dover Road home, it would add up to $2.4 million more than they paid for it just three years ago when Hayward left the Utah Jazz to join the Celtics. Maybe the house is wallpapered with Celtics season tickets or something? Though actually, the listing includes an abutting lot purchased by the owners and that has added value to it.

Still seems wild that they could make that much on the house in just a few years. Then again, who thought the 30-year-old Hayward would sign a four-year, $120M contract with the Hornets after an injury-plagued stint with the Celts?

The 2016 Colonial boasts seven bedrooms and seven-plus bathrooms, and sits on 6-plus acres of property that affords great privacy. You’d be looking at a mere $68K in property taxes for this home in the Hunnewell Elementary School district.

Based on the real estate photos, the home has a sterile look featuring lots of hardwood floors and white walls. Criminally, no basketball hoop.

Though why settle for such a quaint $6.6M property when you can spend just an extra $3 million for a 10,000-plus square foot behemoth on Pond Road?

So many Boston Celtics players and execs live in Wellesley that we refer to the team as the Swelltics. Team President Danny Ainge, Coach Brad Stevens, and player Jaylen Brown are among those in town, and newcomer Tristan Thompson has been rumored to be next.


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Filed Under: Business, Real estate, Sports

Stretch Lab, Wellesley

Pinnacle Residential Properties: holiday traditions

December 27, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED POST: Elaine Bannigan, co-owner of Pinnacle Residential Properties, writes about her favorite holiday tradition.

During this 2020 holiday season characterized by quiet celebrations and few gatherings, it will be the first time in 17 years in which Pinnacle has not held a holiday party for those who work there in order to thank them for their contributions and their loyalty. Most years on those occasions I pass out my favorite collected quotes and we take turns reading them aloud. I also ask my adult children and especially my granddaughters to do the same on Christmas Eve when they come to visit. It’s one of my favorite traditions. With no holiday party and no family visits this year, I’m sharing some of them with you.

Pinnacle, Wellesley
Eddie Sawicki, Elaine Bannigan’s great nephew, is never, ever naughty.

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work” – Thomas Edison

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I have been trusted to take the game-winning shot and I missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. – Michael Jordan

“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” – Bill Gates

“The harder I work, the luckier I get” – attributed to both Lou Holtz and Gary Player

We at Pinnacle wish all of you and yours a peaceful, safe and joyful holiday season and every blessing (especially good health) in 2021.

Pinnacle, Wellesley
Hailey and Casey Spoto – Christmas at Mimsa’s (aka Elaine Bannigan) house last year.

Gratefully, Elaine Bannigan, Owner, Pinnacle Residential Properties

(p.s. if any of you have favorite quotes of wisdom or inspiration to share, I’d love to hear them. Email me at [email protected])

MORE GREAT QUOTES BELOW

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Business, Holidays, Houses, Real estate

5 Wellesley businesses being awarded COVID-19 Small Business Grants

December 27, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Five Wellesley businesses, including several with fewer than five employees, have been announced by the Commonwealth as recipients of funding via the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program. More than 1,100 businesses are being awarded a total of $49 million in grants under this program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp.

All of the businesses that are receiving funds meet the preferred criteria of being owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, or that identify as LGBTQ.

Wellesley’s recipients include a dental office, a transportation outfit, and a few beauty salons.  Grants range from $25K to $75K.

 

businesses being awarded COVID-19 Small Business Grants

 

swellesley ad

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Filed Under: Business

Shop “Community First,” shop Wellesley first

December 24, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley Square MerchantsSPONSORED POST: The holiday spirit in Wellesley is always about “Community First,” and 2020 is no different. That message is on full display on the green pallet Christmas Tree just inside London Harness on  Central Street, and the “Community First” message doesn’t end there.  All over Wellesley at storefronts throughout Central Street, Church Street, Grove and Washington Streets, and Linden Square, scores of festive trees hand-cut from simple wooden pallets and hand-painted by volunteers have been creatively decorated to reflect a holiday vision of joy and hope.

In an example of true community partnership, Wellesley High school Key Club members volunteered their time to attach each tree to its assigned parking meter, where it will remain for the holiday season. Green’s Hardware donated the paint to make over 70 pallet Christmas Trees beautiful. And Needham Bank serves as the sponsor for the “Festival of Trees—A Community Celebration.”

Wellesley Square Merchants, London Harness
Wellesley Square Merchants, London Harness

Thanks to this widespread community effort, a holiday season like no other now feels like a holiday season to be remembered for all the right reasons. Wellesley merchants, many of whom live in town or nearby, have stopped at nothing to make it possible for you to shop when and how you want. They’ve expanded services to ensure that no matter how you want to shop, they can make it happen. Whether you prefer to shop online, in-store, by phone or even via FaceTime, it’s all possible. Plus curbside pick-up is always an option.

Some merchants have invested in ActivePure Technology, the NASA-certified Air and Surface Pro ActivePure Technology disinfection system to keep both customers and staff as safe as possible.  (See the list of participating merchants here: https://shopwellesleysquare.com/wellesley-merchants-with-activepure-technology.)

There’s no doubt it’s holiday shopping crunch time. Shopping local right now is the best way to ensure that gifts are in hand for the big day. For more information on Wellesley shops, restaurants, and services, visit  https://shopwellesleysquare.com/

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Filed Under: Business, Holidays, Shopping

Get in line Wellesley

December 24, 2020 by Bob Brown 2 Comments

While Wasik’s Cheese Shop put the kibosh on lines this holiday season, you can still get your fix of standing outside at other retailers around town. An early morning trip down Linden Street found people lined up in front of Roche Bros. (and CVS, and into the parking lot…) waiting to get into the grocery store, which was also doing a brisk curbside business for prepared foods.

Roche Bros. elves delivering prepared food curbside
Roche Bros. elves delivering prepared food curbside from a big container truck

 

roche lineDown the road, a line snaked out from Captain Marden’s, as people waited in the sunshine for their fishy favorites.

mardens line

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Wed 27

Online history lecture: Petticoat Whalers

January 27 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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Banking on Our Value panel discussion

January 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Most Read Posts

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