Walden Woods Brewing, Marlborough’s first craft brewery and taproom, is preparing to open this fall after being selected as the first recipient of a new local economic development program.

The Marlborough Economic Development Corp.’s amenities financing program reimburses up to $25,000 for rent and equipment expense for new businesses.

Founded by Chris Brown and Alida Orzechowski, Walden Woods Brewing’s taproom is expected to open at the location in the Victoria building at 277 Main St. by year’s end, the EDC announced this week.

The financing program is part of the MEDC’s efforts to attract more restaurants and pubs to the city. The corporation has launched a marketing campaign to solicit additional applicants.

The program offers new, expanding and relocating “amenity” businesses such as restaurants and brewpubs reimbursement of their first year of rent up to $15,000 and 50 percent of initial supply costs up to $10,000.

Applicants must provide documentation they have entered or intent to enter a minimum five-year lease and have the financial ability for successful long-term operations.