In 2012 we developed our first business

development programming as part of our

project to build the first business incubator for

Gardner, MA.

At the time founder Scott M. Graves had discovered the work of a multitude of creative class innovators. James Cossler of the Youngstown Business Incubator (Ohio), Cambridge Innovation Center (Cambridge, MA), gener8tor (Wisconsin) and others throughout the continental United States.

Gardner, MA at that time was reeling from the loss of some 4800 jobs representing the end of a 150 year history of success in furniture and precision manufacturing.  Professional, highly skilled individuals found themselves on the precipice economically. For some, their very lives hung in the balance.

Thus began the journey to discover the link between successful property development and direct responses to a communities most pressing economic issues.

SMGraves Associates utilizes the most current and robust capabilities to discover your communities most pressing issues, then direct resources to turn them into real opportunities. 

We understand through experience why housing, childcare, access to capital and other key services are vital to the success of economic development projects in your rural or post-industrial community.

We develop or partner with programming that is right for your town.  We work to house these programs and the people who bring them to life in our properties so the people living and working in our neighborhoods have the tools they need to live meaningful lives.

You don’t have the right tools if your community isn’t creating a constant cycle of new opportunities, new products and new ideas to the marketplace.

Your town NEEDS to be in the innovation business. 

Your town NEEDS the housing and commercial space to facilitate vibrant community building.

SMGraves Associates develops both.