Small Business Newsletter - Entrepreneur's Edge
Valley Community Development's Small Business program offers all business services at no cost. Simply reach out to Dee Dice our Small Business Coordinator to set up an appointment or ask a few questions. Email her at dd@valleycdc.com or call and leave a message 413.586.5855 x230
UPCOMING WEBINARS
GRANTS



Visit our website for a continually-updated list of grants, both local and national, for small businesses.
Partners Who Pivot*
featuring people and businesses who
are making significant changes at this time.
“Pivot” is  a popular term  in the start-up world. If a business's initial idea doesn’t work as planned, entrepreneurs are expected to be ready to pursue a Plan B. - Wharton School of Business

Easthampton-based Corsello Butcheria not only got a LISC grant of $2500, they also illustrate another business who has pivoted during the pandemic.

As a small purveyor of local meats, they're now offering contact-less Butcher Boxes, similar to a vegetable CSA, at their Cottage St. store.

Info For Reopening Your Business
Here is a helpful reopening website, sponsored by one of our funders Mass Growth Capital Corporation

Note that you can find your industry and locate useful information per industry.

Before reopening, businesses must meet the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards and attest to compliance
  • Once the business has met the mandatory standards, complete, sign, and post the Compliance Attestation Poster.
  • Also post the Employer Guidance and Worker Guidance posters.
  • These should be displayed in an area within the business premises that is visible to employees, customers, and visitors. 
  • Notify your Chamber of Commerce that you've re-opened.

More reopening guidance:

When can my business reopen?
Sector-Specific Protocols & Best Practices
Review Workplace Safety Standards here

Read about the four-phased approach to reopening here
Facebook & Instagram Shops
Facebook and Instagram have rolled out Shops, allowing customers to buy directly from their Facebook and/or Instagram pages.

In a Facebook Live session, CEO Mark Zuckerberg described this as a way to help businesses suffering in the wake of COVID-19, though he acknowledged it will not “undo all the economic damage.”

You can read the full article in TechCrunch.
Worth Referencing
MSBDC provides free and confidential one-to-one business advice to prospective and existing small businesses. They provide a wide variety of business training programs.
Franklin County CDC is a resource to help start or grow your business at any stage. Counsel, Capital and Connections is their motto. They offer a free monthly 1.5 hr workshop on the first Wednesday of each month.
Common Capital offers small business technical assistance for their borrowers.Their online workshops and Facebook live trainings are open to the public.
Hi lltown Community Development assists Hilltown residents by addressing economic, housing, educational, social and community needs while preserving rural character.
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