Chamber Connection
March 2022
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What an amazingly strong end to the first quarter of 2022! Our Chamber is hard at work building our internal capacity to meet the needs of our growing membership, delivering relevant and usable programming, and connecting our members to funding and financial support opportunities. You — our members, partners, and supporters — are our most valuable asset, and the motivation for all we do. I'm thrilled to feature so many members in this newsletter, and look forward to highlighting more small businesses and their successes and accolades in future editions.
Proudly forward,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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$20 MILLION TO INCREASE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Last fall, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development created the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program, aimed at developing, strengthening, and investing in historically disadvantaged communities. Charitable and non-profit organizations, as well as public entities, were eligible to apply for the grants. Senate President Karen E. Spilka honored Chamber Executive Director Grace Moreno by appointing her to the program's advisory board.
BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT EXCELERATOR PROGRAM
At the end of the application process, 62 different organizations received a combined $20 million of funding. In partnership with BECMA, Lawyers for Civil Rights, Black and Pink MA, and the City of Easthampton, the Chamber applied for and received a $1 million grant to support LGBTQ+ business development as well as resources for LGBTQ+ citizens returning from incarceration. With these funds, our coalition has been able to launch the Business Empowerment Excelerator (BEE) Program. BEE is already underway, providing hands on, one-on-one coaching assistance to early-developing businesses to help them compete and thrive in the marketplace. Currently, 20 businesses have enrolled and are already receiving access to grants, accounting, legal assistance, and more.
If you would like to apply to have your business supported under the BEE program, and feel you meet the criteria, please complete the intake form located here. ( Please note: the BEE program is largely for businesses that are extremely early in their development and need assistance with initial organizational set-up.) |
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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
NEW APPLICANT GRANT PROGRAM
Grants between $10,000–$75,000 capped at 3 months of annualized operating expenses based on your 2020 Federal Tax Return are available for businesses that have NOT yet received COVID-19 relief from MGCC.
Please note: Empower Digital and Biz-M-Power are NOT COVID-19 relief grants, so you may still qualify for this grant if you have received one of those, or if your application is in process. Priority will be given to businesses established after June 30, 2019 and before September 30, 2020.
Businesses that did not qualify for previous grants because there was no loss of revenue in calendar year 2020 are eligible, and they must also:
- be MA-based, operating in MA, and demonstrate negative impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- employ between 2–50 full time employees (FTE)
- have had a minimum of $40,000 in operating expenses and between $40,000–$2,500,000 in revenue in 2020 (verified through tax returns)
- have been established before September 30, 2020
INCLUSIVE GRANT PROGRAM
Grants between $10,000–$75,000 capped at 3 months of annualized operating expenses based on your 2020 Federal Tax Return.
To be eligible, businesses must:
- be LGBTQ-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, disability-owned, and/or focused on serving socially/economically disadvantaged groups
- be MA-based, operating in MA, and demonstrate negative impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- employ between 2–50 FTEs
- have had a minimum of $40,000 in operating expenses and between $40,000–$2,500,000 in revenue in 2020 (verified through tax returns)
- have been established before September 30, 2020
The deadline for these two grant applications is April 4, 2022. Contact the Chamber as soon as possible if you intend to apply so we can help you navigate the process!
HIRENOW GRANT PROGRAM
HireNow provides funding to eligible MA employers — any for profit or nonprofit employer in good standing with the Commonwealth with a physical business location in MA — to hire/retain MA-based workers. There's a $4,000 flat rate for each eligible new hire. Please visit this website for more information.
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ASCENDUS LOANS LISTEN & LEARN
Funding is no doubt one of the toughest nuts to crack as a small business. To facilitate your access to the dollars you need to grow your business, the Chamber has created a relationship with Ascendus to bring loan opportunities to our members. Ascendus believes in the bold vision of creating financial ascension for those who have been systemically excluded from financial opportunity. For over 30 years, they have provided small business owners — primarily BIPOC, women and immigrants — with the tools to move up, improve their lives, care for their families, and contribute to their communities. Loans from $500–$150,000 are available through Ascendus. Join this webinar to learn more.
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Time: 12–1 PM
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EMPLOYMENT LAW 101 WEBINAR
Brandon Clippinger, founder of Clippinger Employment Law, will provide an overview of foundational employment law concepts to help businesses mitigate legal risk.
When is someone classified as an independent contractor vs. an employee? When should someone be paid a fixed salary vs. hourly pay and overtime? What is employment discrimination and what steps can you take to avoid allegations of unlawful conduct? Find out at this webinar!
Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Time: 12–1 PM
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NEW PARTNERSHIPS
BANKW STAFFING, SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY, REGIS COLLEGE, DRAFTKINGS, BLACK AND PINK & ASCENDUS
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
DEVIN DEVON
Authentic Hand-crafted Footwear, Bags & Apparel
Devin Davon designs comfortable lifestyle footwear for people who struggle to find their size. They are a size-inclusive brand that focuses on the forgotten sizes like 7, 8, 13, 14, and up, and offer free shipping to anywhere in the US or UK.
Each style is created to give customers flexibility for any occasion while making a bold statement. Each design is meticulously constructed by a skilled network of selected Italian artisans, there are no finer hands in the field. The handcrafting and materials at Devin Davon are state-of-the-art.
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COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTING GROUP
Developing & Executing Collaborative, Strategic, Optimal & Value Adding Business Solutions
Comprehensive Consulting Group (CCG) is a risk, compliance, and operations management consulting firm based in Boston and Chicago. Serving government agencies, nonprofits, and small businesses nationwide, CCG provides comprehensive solutions to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities, improve operational efficiencies, and build capacity for sustainable growth.
CCG’s vision is to improve how organizations operate, beginning with the implementation of end-to-end solutions that address risk, compliance, and operational challenges. CCG partners with leaders and their teams to think critically, explore the “what ifs,” and plan for potential outcomes. Build a strong and secure foundation for operational success with CCG.
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BID WORLDWIDE
Business Improvement & Development for Small Businesses, Nonprofits & Creatives Worldwide
BID Worldwide is a Creative Agency that serves small businesses and nonprofit organizations, connects creatives to opportunities that pay, and improves business worldwide. They are a one-stop-shop for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking support in building, improving, and developing their brand.
BID Worldwide is also a platform for creatives to gain experience in supporting small business owners and nonprofit leaders in their communities, and professionals to offer their expertise in preparing the next generation of creative leaders. This collaborative is committed to creating sustainability within the creative community.
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BERKSHIRE BOTANICALS
Organic & All Natural Bed, Bath & Skincare
Berkshire Botanicals is an all natural and organic wellness brand committed to creating high quality skincare, bed, bath and body products using the finest ingredients wrapped in eco-friendly sustainable packaging. These products are made with love in Massachusetts in the heart of the Berkshires.
- Aromatherapy sprays
- Eye and dream pillows
- Handmade natural soaps
- Nourishing lotions
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SARAH SCALA CONSULTING
Leadership Development, Coaching & Culture
Sarah A. Scala is a sought-after speaker and leadership coach supporting unique needs and challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. Serving as consultant, coach, and educator, Sarah Scala Consulting’s work increases client revenue, reduces turnover, creates business value, and transforms performance of executives, leaders, and teams, helping them reach their highest potential.
Sarah delivers acclaimed LGBTQIA+ ERG/BRG workshops on emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and optimism, resilience and grit, as well as:
- LGBTQIA+ leadership coaching
- Executive coaching
- Public speaking & facilitation
- Leadership development
- Organization development
- Change management
- Team development solutions
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FAUXMAGGIO
Cultured Tree Nut Cheese
Fauxmaggio produces plant-based cheese from a blend of cashew and macadamia nut cream that is cultured in traditional cheese making traditions. These hand-crafted cheeses provide a non-dairy alternative for everyday meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find Fauxmaggio’s spreads and aged cheeses — as well as their very popular pesto — at stores across New England, continuing to expand their reach with the goal of one day being a global brand.
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LAUNCH — COMPUTER TRAINING & CONSULTING
Thorough, Engaging Hands-On Education
Launch — Computer Training & Consulting provides computer training and consulting to users of today’s most popular business productivity software. Trainings may be held at your facility using your own equipment or in Launch’s mobile classroom. Launch can also teach your road warriors and staff in remote locations using web conferencing software, and they can help your team with projects as well.
Launch specializes in Microsoft Office and Tableau and provides instruction in other software packages such as Acrobat, Bluebeam, FileMaker, and GroupWise.
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NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
Welcome to the small businesses that have joined us as members since our last newsletter!
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Ascendus Loans Listen & Learn
April 12 • 12–1 PM
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Funding is no doubt one of the toughest nuts to crack as a small business. The Chamber has created a relationship with Ascendus to bring loan opportunities of $500–150,000 to our members. Join this webinar to learn more. |
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Employment Law 101
May 3 • 12–1 PM
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In this session, Chamber member Brandon Clippinger, founder of Clippinger Employment Law, will provide an overview of foundational employment law concepts to help businesses mitigate legal risk. There will be time at the end of the presentation for an audience Q&A. See you there! |
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Corporate Partners Now Hiring! |
Have you checked our Job Board lately? Our corporate partners are posting positions that could be perfect for you!
Positions by partner name:
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50 Years of Speaking OUT
March 31 • 4:30 PM
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A Conversation about the Importance of Telling Our Stories
Join us to hear from SpeakOUT Executive Director Ellyn Ruthstrom and other SpeakOUT members and find out about their upcoming Spring Speaker Training (April 9, Suffolk University), where you could learn the skills to tell your own story effectively and engage with various audiences.
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There are over 3 million LGBTQ+ parents raising school-age children in the U.S. Teach All Families is a website dedicated to helping parents make schools more inclusive of families with LGBTQ+ parents and other diverse families, including adoptive families. Dr. Abbie Goldberg developed this resource based on her 20+ years of research on the real life experiences of LGBTQ+ families across the country. The website offers practical guidance and helpful downloadable materials to parents, teachers, and school administrators.
Share this website with your network! Dr. Goldberg is available for Zoom consultations, discussions, and/or Q&As about this resource, for small or large groups. Contact her directly at agoldberg@clarku.edu or via the website. |
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