LEE — The town has landed a $50,000 boost in its efforts to rejuvenate its local business scene.

The funding comes in the form of refundable tax credits to encourage local business growth through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program.

Businesses seeking to occupy storefronts that have been vacant for more than six months will be eligible to receive the tax credits. An assessment earlier this year identified 17 vacant storefronts throughout Lee, according to Town Planner Brooke Healy, though she noted that some may have since acquired tenants.

Healy added that she would be meeting with the Lee Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Regional Planning Committee to further develop the town’s economic development plans for the new year, with the tax credits serving as an important component.

The grant comes as Lee continues to explore opportunities that will make the town more inviting to local business owners. Part of that effort will include detangling any red tape posed by existing bylaws that could deter potential new business owners.

The town is also exploring redevelopment opportunities for three vacant mills, which could see some of them turned into business complexes.

Lee was one of three Berkshire County municipalities to receive the vacant storefront tax credits this year, alongside North Adams and Pittsfield.

Originally created in 2018, the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program is now being administered through the Community One Stop for Growth initiative for the first time starting this fiscal year.

One Stop includes 12 grants designed to promote economic development at the local level. Through the initiative, Lee additionally received a $200,000 grant to repave Greylock Street and replace its sidewalks through the Rural Development Fund for fiscal 2026.