Hello, Friend of the Franklin County CDC
Happy spring!
Last month I had the honor of spending a week in Mexico with Eduardo and a week in Guatemala with Paola learning about their work with entrepreneurs. These two smart and motivated young Professional Fellows visited the Franklin County CDC for a month last fall, and this was the exchange part of the program: my chance to visit them!
Eduardo connects young people with older artisans and craftspeople to ensure the traditional ways are not forgotten. I was invited to give a presentation at his Entrepreneurial Bootcamp in Oaxaca. Learn more about Eduardo’s project, Hacer Commun.
Paola helped start a shared-use commercial kitchen in her city of Quetzaltenango. I was thrilled to be there for her grand opening celebration and honored that she asked me to give a presentation about our 22-year-old shared-use food processing center. Read about Paola’s Project, Grupo Enlace.
I was reminded of how many similarities and challenges there are for entrepreneurs around the world. And like the Franklin County CDC does in this region, Eduardo and Paola are helping to provide the training, resources, and support necessary so more entrepreneurs will be successful.
This educational and cultural exchange program, funded by the U.S. State Department and administered by Amherst based Institute for Training and Development, is also a way to learn more about migration issues. I met many people whose relatives had come to the U.S. Many had stories about leaving because they were harassed and threatened by drug cartels or political opponents. Others had accumulated high levels of debt because of interest rates as high as 100% per year. Disreputable lenders, often connected to the cartels, threaten these people who often feel they have no choice but to flee and try to earn more money in the U.S. to get out of debt. Most people would have preferred to stay in their home countries and make a good life for themselves and their families, but only came to the U.S. out of fear for lives.
All of this made me question U.S. migration policies. We need workers here in the States and our hard-working southern neighbors need decent paying jobs. Surely we can figure out a win-win situation, especially since the U.S. appetite for drugs is the main reason the drug cartels have the power to destabilize the region. It is my hope that by continuing relationships with people in other countries, and sharing the outcomes with you, we can begin a conversation that will help the situation.
For more information about my trip and the other U.S. Fellows, please visit the blog at ITD’s website.
In Community,
Executive Director
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Join PVGrows at Many Graces Farm
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PVGrows Investment Fund is growing and we are welcoming more investors and food entrepreneurs. Next Thursday, April 27, join the PVGrows Investment Fund as we deepen connections at Many Graces Farm & Design on Thursday, April 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. Walk the fields and learn about how PVGrows Investment Fund impacts local agriculture. When you attend, you are eligible to win a Many Graces four-week Spring Subscription: four weeks of amazingly beautiful flowers (the photo at left is a sample)! Let us know you will be coming!
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If you've been in the business of agriculture in the last quarter century, you may already know Myra Marcellin. Myra joins the team of the Franklin County CDC as the Massachusetts Agriculture Innovation Center (MAAIC) Financial Business Advisor. In this role, she provides business technical assistance to farmers and value-added food producers across the state of Massachusetts. Myra has more than 25 years of working with New England farmers as Vice-President and Senior Loan Officer at Farm Credit East, supporting small and mid-size farmers in realizing their business goals and helping young, beginning farmers launch their businesses.
She most recently served as the Executive Director at The Carrot Project, advancing their mission of breaking down financial barriers in the agriculture and food sectors and increasing access to capital.
Myra is passionate about serving agricultural communities by bolstering local food economies, creating thriving farm operations, and building a more racially diverse, equitable, and just food system. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors at CISA and is a Trustee to the Eastern States Exposition representing the State of Massachusetts.
Welcome, Myra!
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Ang Buxton and Alex Noonan are creating a scene
If you’re suddenly realizing that people are going out again, and are looking for a fun scene, you may want to check out 10 Forward. The queer-friendly bar/venue, which borrows its name from the lounge on the USS Enterprise in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” is tucked under Mesa Verde on Fiske Avenue in Greenfield.
In late 2022, 10 Forward employees and partners Ang Buxton and Alex Noonan bought the business from its previous owner, using financing from the Franklin County CDC. Originally from Springfield, the two now live in South Deerfield. A quick glance at their Instagram feed (@10.forward) reveals the wide variety of events—raves, karaoke nights, open mic nights, film festivals, queer-networking game nights, and DJ classes to name a few—on offer. They are even working toward live streaming events for those who prefer to, or must for their health, attend only online, giving everyone an on-ramp to that long-awaited fun scene.
We recently caught up with Alex, who was recovering from a plumbing emergency at the property. Read the Q+A.
Photo by Paul Franz for The Recorder. From left, Ang Buxton and Alex Noonan.
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New State Inclusive Grant Money Available
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The Inclusive Recovery Grant Program is accepting applications of up to $75,000 from eligible businesses. The deadline is April 28. Businesses qualify if they focus on reaching markets predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups, underserved markets, or are owned by minorities, women, veterans, immigrants, first-generation immigrants, disabled individuals, or those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. They must have been operating in September 2020 and have between two and 50 employees.
Please note, a business and/or business owner will be ineligible for this grant program if they have received a grant from MGCC in 2022 or 2023, with the exception of a grant from Biz-M Power or Empower Digital.
Find more information and apply at this link. Download and review full details on the program's rules and eligibility requirements here.
We encourage you to consider applying if eligible, and if you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us at hello@fccdc.org.
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We're Hiring!
Small Business Lending Associate
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Are you, or is someone you know, passionate about helping entrepreneurs? The Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC) is seeking a Small Business Lending Associate who will work directly with potential borrowers and offer support in making loans to businesses throughout western Massachusetts. Responsibilities include communicating with clients, financial statement analysis, loan monitoring/reporting, and relationship management. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in supporting small businesses and community lending. Join us and help make a difference!
FCCDC is a leading small business lender in western Massachusetts with a current portfolio of 120 loans–and growing. Roughly half of our borrowers own farms or food businesses. In pursuit of our mission to align capital with social, economic, and racial justice, FCCDC works to drive transformational change in financially underserved communities. We help money flow to people and places traditional finance doesn’t reach. FCCDC is looking for a person that has a passion for the mission–someone who thrives on supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
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See You at the
Franklin County Chamber Breakfast
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The Franklin County CDC is a sponsor of April's Franklin County Chamber Breakfast, "Let's Get Technical" at Greenfield Community College on Friday, April 28, 7:30 a.m. Franklin County CDC Executive Director John Waite will be participating in a panel that will be discussing local resources available for businesses that want to boost their bottom lines. We hope to see you there! Register online.
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The Shelburne Falls Initiative (SFI) pocket park and mosaic projects on the Buckland side of the village has exceeded its goal, raising $56,375 to access a $50,000 MassDevelopment Commonwealth Places grant.
This winter and spring, artist Cindy Fisher has been working with property and business owners to create an array of mosaic murals along the RiverWalk on the Buckland side of the village. Her first mosaics of New England wildlife will be up by the end of the summer. At the same time, the Pocket Park Committee and Town of Buckland are planning a bike-friendly pocket park, to be complete by summer of 2025. Ultimately, the two linked projects are intended to boost the area’s arts community, support the local economy, and increase enjoyment of the historic village downtown and its rural region.
Mosaic fox by Cindy Fisher
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Connecting with Youth at Sustainathon
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The Franklin County CDC was excited to participate in this year's Sustainathon at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). Biology Professor Reena Randhir organized an inspiring celebration of sustainability in anticipation of Earth Day on April 22 for about 400 STCC and Springfield High School students. Many young people are doing amazing things to improve our environment and our communities. One student participant wrote this reflection.
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Chamber Featured Member: Kate Lawless
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The Franklin County Chamber's Featured Member for the month of April is our own Communications Director Kate Lawless! Read about how the Chamber and the Franklin County CDC complement one another in supporting the area's businesses, and how Kate enjoys the abundant recreation opportunities in the county.
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The fourth annual VegFest413 is coming up this Sunday, April 23, from noon to 5 p.m. at Rebecca Johnson School in Springfield. Organizers celebrate plant-based food and have been working to bring a grocery store to the city to give residents more healthy options. Several clients of the Western Mass Food Processing Center, as well as other vegan food entrepreneurs, will be on hand. Speakers include regenerative health practitioner Detox Tori, healthy food activist and Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group board member Sister Anna Muhammad, and Elizabeth Wills-O'Gilvie, board chair of Gardening the Community and Chair of the Steering Committee of the Springfield Food Policy Council.
The Franklin County CDC is a sponsor of this event and will be tabling there. Tickets are on sale now. Come join us!
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Save the Date: June 1
Celebrating Entrepreneurs Block Party
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The tent is reserved and the food trucks are coming! We'll be Celebrating Entrepreneurs, the life blood of our region, and we're throwing a block party in our parking lot! Who's invited? Everyone! Especially you. Tours of the Western Mass Food Processing Center, samples at the Artisan Beverage Coop Tasting Room, sidewalk chalk, music—you get the picture! Save the date, Thursday, June 1, 4:30 to 7 p.m., and we'll share more information in next month's newsletter and on social media.
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Grant Opportunities
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Farm Viability and Urban Agriculture Grant Programs
The application period is now open for several grant programs through MDAR: Farm Viability Enhancement Program, APR Improvement Program, and Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture. Deadline for all three is May 1. More information is online.
The Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Program supports commercial urban food production and community-based food production. Deadline to apply is May 22. More information.
Value Added Producer Grant
This guide to the VAPG was compiled by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Deadline to apply: May 11.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Grants (deadline May 12) and training opportunities. More information at their website.
Classes and Events
Fit for Success: Mastering Product-Retail Fit for Innovative Consumer Product Brands
Food Safety 3-in-1
The Cooperative Public Health Service is holding a certification class in ServSafe, Allergen Awareness, and First Aid/Choke Saver skills. May 10, 2023, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration form is online.
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
The Farmer Resource Fair, a one-stop shop for beginning and small-scale farmers to meet with essential farm service providers (including the FCCDC's Mass Ag Innovation Center). May 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information and registration link.
Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship
Food Business Lab, a 7-week business planning program with ongoing support. Participants work with experienced coaches and facilitators to launch or grow their food business over the course of the class. Starts May 18. Register by May 1.
Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources Events
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Double Your Impact with the CITC
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Start thinking now about next year's tax bill! Double your impact!
Now that tax day is behind us, here's some encouragement to think ahead and reduce your 2023 tax bill. Make a donation of $1,000 or more and receive 50% of your gift back as a tax credit through the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program. It's the state's way of supporting the work Community Development Corporations do for our region. Learn more about the CITC at the MACDC website—and donate below!
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Free Classes at the FCCDC
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Grow Your Farm with Value-Added Food Products
We'll guide you through the food business roadmap!
Fourth Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Upcoming virtual session is on April 26.
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Grow Your Business
For businesses of all types at any stage
First Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Upcoming virtual session is on May 3.
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Financing Farms and Healthy Food Retail
Professional guidance on local food businesses
Second Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Upcoming virtual session is on May 10.
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Starting a Food Product Business
Got a dream product? We can help!
Third Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Upcoming virtual session is on May 16.
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Franklin County CDC | 324 Wells Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 | 413-774-7204 | fccdc.org
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