Economic Development Services

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Economic Development
Project Types
Market Studies & Feasibility Analyses

Economic Development Training Delivery & Program Development

Downtowns & Business Districts

Small Business and Microenterprise Development Programs

Commercial Real Estate Projects

Creative Economy/Arts & Culture

Economic Development Plans

Healthy Food Initiatives

Distressed Communities
Project Examples
  • Post-COVID Economic Recovery Plans, 4 Communities
  • Research Study - Economic Impacts of COVID on Small Businesses in Massachusetts (3,000 businesses)
  • Feasibilty Study for Performing Arts Facility
  • Best Practices for Diversity - Massachusetts Casino Development
  • Market Studies and Recommendations/Strategies for Numerous Downtowns and Commercial Districts
  • Feasibility Studies & Business Plans for Business Incubators & Coworking/Collaborative Workspaces
  • Market Sizing and Loan Product Consulting for CDFI and SBA Microlender
  • Hotel Feasibility Study
  • Economic Impact Studies
  • Consulting to Guide Re-use of Surplus Publicly-Owned Properties
  • Feasibility Studies, Planning & Implementation for Several Arts & Cultural Districts
  • Research and Program Design Consulting for Business Technical Assistance Provider Certification Program
  • Underwriting Guide and Program Materials for Business and Commercial Real Estate Financing
  • Downtown Restaurant Supply, Demand and Recruitment Study
  • Economic Development Loan Program Evaluation & Portfolio Assessment
  • Transit Oriented Development Research and Business Recruitment Project
  • Market Studies to Inform Redevelopment Projects
  • Numerous Training Design & Delivery Engagements and Training Program/Certificate Development Projects
  • Economic Development Consulting for 18 Main Street Organizations
  • Healthy Food Access Study
  • Art Center Development Feasibility Study
  • Town Hall Reuse Study
  • Village Center Economic Analysis and Strategy Recommendations
  • Downtown Housing Studies
  • Downtown Vibrancy Assessment
  • Market Analysis & Development Planning for Distressed Multicultural Commercial Districts
  • Davis Bacon Construction Project Monitoring
  • Economic Development Toolkit and Training Curriculum
  • Strategic Plan for Arts District/Downtown Development Organization
  • Economic Analysis and Planning for Public Property Disposition
  • Downtown Market and Development Opportunity Assessment
  • Retail/Mixed Use Site Development Assessment
  • Main Street Business District Analysis and Planning
  • Financial Analysis Modeling and Business Planning for CDC
  • Village Center Retail Market Study
  • Mill Site Redevelopment Assessment
  • Downtown Market Study and Business Recruitment Strategy
  • Retail Market Study and Business Composition Analysis
  • Strategic Planning for Arts & Culture Organization
  • Commercial Real Estate Finance Curriculum
  • Planning Assistance for Downtown Arts and Culture/Revitalization Program
  • Downtown Market Assessment and Strategy Recommendations
  • Program Evaluation & Strategic Planning for Multi-Cultural Rural Organization
  • Urban Renewal Plan Market Study
  • CDC Shopping Center Assessment
More Project Information ...
"(This study) gave us ideas that we can actually run with; it was very impressive." . . . Chris Worthy Chairman of Maynard Economic Development Committee
"Based on your market research, we decided that there was a significant opportunity for a Bakery Cafe . . . it had a great impact on us."
"The Economic Analysis, completed by FinePoint, with its solid practical recommendations, infused new energy into our downtown planning process. I will not hesitate to work with them again." . . . George Meservey, Orleans Planning Director
"Peg Barringer is an amazing teacher! Despite the complexity of the subject, she makes the content relevant and understandable." . . . Christina Rausch, Program Manager, MDC, Inc
Market Studies and Recommendations/Strategies for MANY Downtowns and Neighborhood Commercial Districts
Conducted retail market studies involving consumer surveys, focus groups, sales leakage analysis and opportunity assessment for commercial districts ranging from those experiencing a current high level of success to those in need of substantial revitalization. Designed and conducted research to inform potential zoning changes, infrastructure improvements, development projects and other actions. Developed recommendations and strategies for redevelopment/revitalization, creating a destination and maintaing vibrancy.

Feasibility Studies & Business Plans for Business Incubators and Coworking/Collaborative Workspaces
Developed business plans/business model for incubators designed to promote development of creative enterprises by providing shared infrastructure of business services, marketing channels, specialized equipment, education, workspace and performance space. Conducted market research to evaluate demand and identify business needs through surveys, focus groups and other activities. Completed feasibility analysis for various program designs, developed menu of program of services, pricing strategy and financial projections.

Market Sizing and Loan Product Consulting for CDFI and SBA Microlender
Analyzed market for specific small business loan products, identified pipelines for potential customers, and created targeted database.

Hotel Feasibility Study
Analyzed the potential for lodging facilities including market analysis, location criteria, benefits for the community and roles for the public sector.

Economic Impact Studies
• Analyzed costs, revenue-generating potential, financial feasibility and community economic impact for a non profit organization considering relocation, expansion of services and real estate development.

• Conducted studies to evaluate economic impact of cultural events in 7 business districts on local businesses. Analyzed effects on customer attraction, sales generation and business recognition.

Consulting to Guide Reuse of Publicly-Owned Historic Properties
Analyzed economic, market, and other factors for various uses to inform potential reuse scenarios.

Feasibility Studies, Planning and Implementation for Several Arts & Cultural Districts
Provided services to inventory and assess cultural assets, analyze feasibility or proposed projects, develop cultural districts, implement programming, evaluate results and conduct strategic planning for cultural district organizations in several communities.

Research and Consulting for Technical Assistance Provider Certification Program

Conducted analysis and planning to explore development of training program and standards for small business technical assistance providers.

Business and Commercial Real Estate Financing Underwriting Guide and Program Materials
Served as content expert on team developing underwriting guide and program materials for Section 108 loan guarantee program.

Downtown Restaurant Supply, Demand and Recruitment Study

Analyzed industry trends, evaluated conditions inhibiting and supporting restaurant development, conducted market study and consulted on recruitment iniatitve.

Economic Development Loan Program Evaluation and Portfolio Assessment
Conducted a "wellness check" of Section 108 Loan Program and Portfolio. Reviewed loan performance, policies, procedures, documentation and provided recommendations and training for staff.

Smart Growth Transit Oriented Development Research and Business Recruitment Project
Conducted market study and assessment of current business district strategies being implemented for several nodes along an expanding transit corridor. Identified factors that contribute to successful development near transit stations, evaluated barriers to business expansion and identified potential strategies to address obstacles inhibiting business development.

Market Study to Inform Redevelopment Projects
Designed and conducted research initiative for 3 market segments (commuters, residents, and employees) to study shopping habits, preferences and demand for new development in transit oriented commercial district. (included survey with over 1,300 responses)

Numerous Training Design & Delivery Engagements
Developed and delivered training to national, state and local economic development organizations and community based nonprofits on a variety of topics related to community economic development strategies, financing tools, commercial real estate, small business development and creative economy.

Economic Development Consulting for 18 Main Street Organizations
Provided economic development consulting services to 18 Main Street Organizations working to revitalize urban commercial districts. Services included: market analysis, retail mix analysis, customer attraction strategies, business, resident and restaurant surveys, business recruitment strategies, business development/retention programming and assistance with commercial real estate development projects.

Healthy Food Access Study
Conducted research and analysis for a policy study aimed at improving access to healthy foods particularly in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Conducted food store location/distribution analysis and detailed food store research and sales leakage analysis in target neighborhoods. Identified “food deserts”, areas without supermarkets and residents without transportation. Explored strategies to encourage small food stores to carry fresh produce and healthy options.

Art Center Development Feasibility Study
Investigated feasibility of creating “mini art center “ that could meet the needs of a local theater group as well as other performing arts groups and arts-related businesses while generating economic development benefits of attracting customers, out-of-town visitors and increasing local business sales.


Town Hall Reuse Study
Explored feasible reuse alternatives for currently underutilized historic town hall property that would have the support of the residents and contribute to the economic development of the community.

Village Center Economic Analysis and Strategy Recommendations
Conducted assessment of how well the central business district is functioning as a commercial center, evaluated market conditions and sales leakage, assessed opportunities associated with year round population and seasonal/visitor market, conducted resident, visitor and business owner surveys, and provided strategy recommendations to guide the Town in crafting an economic development plan to ensure the long-term prosperity of the Village Center.

Downtown Housing Studies for Two Communities
Conducted studies to explore feasibility of developing additional housing in downtown, analyzed market demand and strategies to encourage housing.

Downtown Vibrancy Assessment
Conducted assessment of downtown to evaluate conditions compared to benchmarks of successful downtowns and provided recommendations.

Market Analysis & Development Planning for Distressed Multicultural Commercial Districts
Conducted market study to identify opportunities for new and existing businesses, including: evaluation of real estate and business conditions, business mix analysis, extensive resident and visitor surveys, market demand and sales leakage analysis. Developed recommendations for strategies to enhance aesthetic appeal, attract the right types of businesses, assist exiting businesses, create positive image, promote the district, increase customers, encourage residential development and improve safety.

Davis Bacon Monitoring

Managed compliance monitoring for several large federally-funded construction projects.

Economic Development Toolkit and Training Curriculum
Worked as a team member to produce a revised Economic Development Toolkit manual and design and deliver training course for HUD staff. The toolkit and training provides guidance on the effective use of CDBG financing for eligible economic development projects, including microenterprise and small business development, large-scale commercial and industrial development, and job creation, job retention, and job training activities. It covers the basics of financial underwriting, application of HUD’s public benefit standards and explores a variety of economic development financing methods including the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program.

Strategic Plan for Arts District/Downtown Development Organization
Assessed past and current activities of a public/private downtown partnership organization that has been operating over 10 years, evaluated existing business and market conditions, solicited input from business and property owners, and assisted the organization to develop strategic priorities and course of action to guide downtown planning and development for next 5-years.

Economic Analysis and Planning for Public Property Disposition
In association with a plan for disposition of several public owned properties, conducted economic analysis, assessed market opportunities and worked with community members to create business development goals, identify target businesses for recruitment and create development scorecard – criteria for evaluating potential benefits of proposed business and real estate development projects

Downtown Market and Development Opportunity Assessment
Conducted assessment of assets and challenges, investigated market potential for new retail and restaurant development, explored impacts of additional residential development and identified opportunities and strategies to improve the downtown.

Retail/Mixed Use Site Development Assessment
Evaluated the potential for mixed-use development on a 20,000 sq. ft. parcel in a low-to-moderate income urban neighborhood and the likelihood of attracting retail tenants.

Main Street Business District Analysis and Planning
Conducted market analysis and assessment for distressed urban business district. Provided consulting assistance to identify opportunities and establish business development priorities in 4 commercial nodes, create business recruitment brochure, and develop shopping & dining promotional material.

Financial Analysis Modeling and Business Planning for CDC
Developed financial analysis model to enable non profit organization to evaluate income and expenses by department and project/product line for better planning and revenue generation. Activities include real estate development and management, workforce development, environmental conservation and cultural programming.

Village Center Retail Market Study
Provided a refined understanding of the market potential for achieving the community’s vision for the Village Center that balances its position as a regional shopping destination with a desire among area residents for a pedestrian-friendly mixed use center that includes more “home-grown” smaller scale retail and services. Analyzed business composition and clusters, evaluated unmet market demand based on year round and seasonal residents, current competition and sales leakage. Assisted the community to identify a preferred business mix and develop strategies and policies for business development and recruitment that would achieve that mix.

Mill Site Redevelopment Assessment
Conducted site assessment, created community economic profile and preliminary analysis of development potential to provide a basic foundation of information prior to the start of a master planning process for a vacant mill site.

Downtown Market Study and Business Recruitment Strategy
Evaluated commercial composition of downtown, business clusters, trade area demographics, lifestyle segmentation, and sales leakage. Identified key retail and restaurant market opportunities and developed business recruitment materials.

Retail Market Study and Business Composition Analysis
Conducted retail market study, evaluation of business mix and projected market demand generated by planned future residential development.

Strategic Planning for Arts & Culture Organization
Provided strategic planning assistance to an organization focusing on cultural economic development, including: 1) creation of a Mission Statement, 2) developing a set Recommended Action Steps to help the organization prioritize, manage and implement its planned activities with limited resources, and 3) crafting a draft organizational structure with a board, committee and staff structure designed to increase the organization’s productivity.

Commercial Real Estate Finance Curriculum
Developed and delivered advanced commercial real estate development finance training and technical assistance program for statewide private, non-profit and public clients of Redevelopment Authority.

Planning Assistance for Downtown Arts and Culture/Revitalization Program
Analyzed the potential customer market, evaluated the business mix and explored strategies for promoting arts and culture activities and creative economy business development.

Downtown Market Assessment and Strategy Recommendations
Analyzed potential customer base, projected market demand, current sales leakage, evaluated existing business mix and provided recommendations for business development strategy.

Program Evaluation & Strategic Planning for Multi-Cultural Rural Organization
Worked with Board and staff to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organization, its current projects and opportunities, and develop a 5-year strategic plan. This included mission and vision statements, goals, objectives, outcome measures, projects/programs and detailed descriptions of planned activities. Projects included: 40 artists live-work units, theater, computer lab, business incubator, purchase of historic downtown plaza, arts and environmental programs and planned commercial shared-use kitchen.

Urban Renewal Plan Market Study
Conducted a market study In order to better define the private investment and development opportunities created by an urban renewal plan that included numerous development parcels, roadway improvements, expanded parking, a new rail trail, and new riverfront park. Analyzed potential customer base, projected market demand, estimated current sales leakage, evaluated business mix and business clusters, provide recommendations regarding the types of businesses to target for recruitment and how the Town might market itself to potential new businesses.

CDC Shopping Center Development Performance Assessment
Assessment and recommendations to improve performance of an urban shopping center, developed by a Community Development Corporation, that aside from a successful anchor grocery was not performing as well as expected and not fully leased.