In 1978, the City of Fall River established the private, nonprofit Fall River Office of Economic Development (FROED) as its “one-stop shop” for business and economic development. Incorporated as Jobs for Fall River, Inc., FROED’s key objectives are job creation, job retention and the expansion of the city’s tax base. The office maintains a professional staff that is organized into four main areas – finance, business development and marketing, business retention and project administration.
FROED helps businesses evaluate the many advantages of locating in Fall River, offering aggressive incentive programs including low-interest financing, tax exemptions, employee recruitment and training services, and site selection assistance. We also provide consultation and technical support in areas ranging from permitting to international trade assistance. These programs complement Fall River’s low business costs and can be packaged with other private and public sector incentives. All of our services are free of charge.
Over the years, FROED has loaned nearly $61 million to more than 520 new and expanding businesses, leveraging nearly $205million in private investment. These loans have helpedcreate and retain over 12,300 jobs, nearly a quarter of Fall River’s total workforce. Our loan portfolio includes a mixture of startups, local expansions and relocations that have taken advantage of such programs as the low-interest Business Advantage Fund and innovative Microloan Fund.
FROED’s mission has remained unchanged for more than a quarter century. The City of Fall River is deeply committed to business development, working closely with companies to assist their expansions. We believe we have created the premier business location in the region, and as FROED celebrates more than 25 years in business, we are still focused on keeping the people of Fall River working in Fall River.
NOW AVAILABLE
Annual Meeting – Powerpoint Presentation
Fall River Hydropower and Geothermal Energy Feasibility Study
Ameresco Solar Photovoltaic Feasibility Study
Navigating Through Regulations and Licensing Requirements
FRRA IS CURRENTLY EXAMINING OPTIONS
FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
ROUTE 79/DAVOL STREET CORRIDOR