Kate Lawless, Communications Director, Franklin County Community Development Corporation, Greenfield
Tell us about your business or organization in 50 words or less
The Franklin County CDC helps low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and business owners all over western Massachusetts, providing one-on-one help with business planning and operations, flexible financing, the opportunity to invest in our food system, and our food processing center for food product entrepreneurs! We work with folks from the idea stage to start-up, and all the way through as they grow their business.
What motivates you at work?
Entrepreneurs are a different breed of human. They have an incredible amount of grit, determination, and innovation. Being able to work with them, sharing their stories and the impact of this organization—these make me happy to come to work every day.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
We work with so many businesses around Franklin County and beyond! Nearly every day I discover that a business I frequent as a customer is a Franklin County CDC client.
When you’re not working, where in Franklin County do you like to spend your time?
Cross country skiing in Hawley, hiking North Sugarloaf, stand-up paddle boarding on Ashfield Lake or Fisk Pond (which is also great for ice skating!)—the older I get the more this city girl appreciates the recreation opportunities right here at home.
Why do you value your Franklin County chamber membership?
The connections (and reconnections) I make at Chamber breakfasts and other events remind me that Franklin County is very much a community and there are so many people here working toward making it a stronger and more resilient place. The Chamber also gives me a chance to check in with clients and get the word out to prospective clients that we are here to help.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If you have a business idea you want to explore and want to check out one of our free weekly information sessions or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. One more thing! Thinking ahead to next year’s tax season: you can lower your tax burden with the Community Investment Tax Credit! Give $1,000 or more to the Franklin County CDC and get 50% back on your taxes. It’s a great way to double your impact and support the work we do to help small businesses and our community thrive. Visit www.fccdc.org/support to find out more.