ArtsHub of Western Mass 

Central online resource to help the region's creatives in business thrive and connect with each other - and with patrons, audiences and cultural leaders across all fields. https://www.artshubwma.org/

 BusinessWest

BusinessWest, the business journal of Western Massachusetts, bringing news, trends, and information to you from their print and digital publication, as well as the BusinessTalk podcast hosted by George O’Brien and their social media platforms. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter: @BusinessWest413, on Instagram @BusinessWest_HCNews413, or www.businesswest.com 

Common Capital, Inc.

A community loan fund and non-profit organization committed to a thriving local economy in order to create positive social and community impacts. They align capital and other resources to community needs and opportunities by providing financing and business assistance to small businesses and high-impact community projects. http://www.common-capital.org/

 

Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC)

Headquartered in Greenfield, FCCDC is an economic development non-profit organization providing comprehensive business development education, access to capital, commercial office and manufacturing space plus home of the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center. http://www.fccdc.org/

Franklin County Young Professionals

A new group sponsored by & affiliated with United Way. Formed to help develop and enhance opportunities for the next generation of Franklin county’s community & business leaders. Providing networking, social, professional and philanthropic opportunities.  http://uw-fc.org/get-involved/youngprofessionals/

Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Assocation (GSFABA)

The GSFABA's mission is to empower, strengthen and sustain the region’s economy by helping businesses prosper and communities thrive.  They promote and advocate, locally and with the state, to support the wide range of businesses that are part of our rural character through partnerships, networking, research, education and events. At the heart of what they do is the belief that forging closer regional ties strengthens us. http://www.gsfaba.org/

 

Greenfield Business Assocation (GBA)

The GBA helps local businesses attract their target audience, and promote public awareness of the strong business community that continues to serve Greenfield and Franklin County. With over 125 members, the GBA is a voluntary association of businesses, organizations and community members dedicated to making the region's future even better than its past. https://greenfieldbusiness.org/ 

 Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center's Western Regional Office provides free and confidential one-to-one business advising to prospective and existing small businesses. Services are available to Massachusetts start-ups and existing businesses located in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Areas of assistance include business plan development, pre-venture feasibility, conventional and non-conventional financing, cash flow analysis, organizational and personnel issues and marketing. http://www.msbdc.org/wmass/

MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board (FHWB)

The region’s policy-making authority in developing workforce skills. In partnership with government, business, labor, education and community-based organizations, the FHWB coordinates and oversees the region’s publicly funded workforce training and placement programs, including the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center and the School-to-Career/Connecting Activities program. FHWB also serves as a clearinghouse for labor market information and hiring/training incentives. The Board’s goal is to contribute to the economic health and growth of the region by creating an effective workforce development system that is responsive to job seekers and employers alike. https://www.masshirefhwb.org/

Pioneer Valley Creative Economy Network (CEN)

Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing. The programs are many and varied, and the qualifications for each are specific. SBA can help facilitate a loan for you with a third party lender, guarantee a bond, or help you find venture capital. https://www.sba.gov,  District office - https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ma/boston, Regional office - https://www.sba.gov/offices/regional/i


UMass Family Business Center (FBC)

FBC is a community of owners and managers of small and medium-sized companies from Western Massachusetts and beyond that come together to gain practical knowledge and inspiration, hear expert advice, and share experiences. Topics include learning how to: transition to future generations, govern wisely, communicate clearly and sensitively, manage risk and conflict, strategize realistically but ambitiously, and reward merit, passion, and talent. http://www.umass.edu/fambiz/

 
Valley Venture Mentors (VVM)

VVM is a nonprofit organization based in Springfield that provides key support to the entrepreneurial ecosystem through its Mentorship and Accelerator programs. VVM offers three monthly Mentorship Meetings: 1st Thursday in Greenfield, 2nd Wednesday in Springfield, and 3rd Tuesday in Springfield.  http://www.valleyventurementors.org/

 
Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC)

The EDC is a full-service organization that provides support for companies (and their representatives) that have, or are considering, investments in our region in the areas of, Real Estate Searches, Workforce, Manufacturing Supply Chain, Data and Demographics, Incentives and Financing, New Market Opportunities, Service Providers, Academic and R&D connections, and Visitation Programs http://www.westernmassedc.com/

 Western Massachusetts SCORE

The Western Massachusetts chapter of SCORE provides FREE, confidential counseling to small business entrepreneurs at six locations in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. SCORE, the nation’s largest volunteer business counseling service, is a nonprofit association dedicated to help those in business, about to start one, or just thinking about it. SCORE chapters provide Free Mentoring to small business owners and startups, and modestly priced local workshops as well. https://westernmassachusetts.score.org/