NewVue’s Role in “Remaking Main Street” in Athol

Athol is on the move and NewVue is honored to be taking part in “Remaking Main Street.’’ This is a community driven effort to revitalize Athol’s downtown by developing  small businesses, identifying clean energy career pathways and fostering public arts engagement. The project is being spearheaded by the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, in partnership with the Athol Credit Union.
Historically a bustling hub of manufacturing and small business activity, Athol’s Main Street has suffered decades of economic decline following industrial outsourcing and disinvestment. The area has faced high vacancy rates, reduced foot traffic, and a lack of sustainable business development infrastructure. However, several community members and organizations including NewVue, have come together for a collaboration to address this need through those three core initiatives.

The Polus Center has partnered with NewVue’s Small Business Technical Assistance program to provide one-on-one coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs in the Athol area and surrounding towns. NewVue is also working with The Polus Center and Athol Credit Union to develop a small business development course curriculum that is on track to be implemented in the community by the end of 2026. Sarah Tavitian, NewVue’s Small Business Senior Manager, is the key point of contact for this initiative, meeting with the team regularly.
“Having NewVue as a partner in the Remaking Main Street is a real game changer,’’ said Michael Lundquist, executive director of the Polus Center. “The organization’s reputation and experience add credibility to the program and through its leadership experience can help partners focus on institutionalizing a sustainable and scalable economic downtown revitalization effort.”