Issue #31 | Thursday, February 10, 2022

Valentine’s Day Specials

Gifts

In The News

From the iBerkshires article:

Chris Handschuh, tenant operations and special events coordinator at Mass MoCA, said the couple had moved here from California in the past year or so and hosted a pop-up last September at A-OK Barbecue on the museum campus.

"Their first night of operations will coincide with Bright Ideas Brewing's movie night, followed by other programming at the brewery that is yet to be determined," he told the Mass MoCA Commission on Monday. "The customers will be able to order from Door Prize at the Courtyard A service window or online from their homes. ... Customers will either have their food delivered to the brewery to eat indoors or be able to get it to-go off-site."

How to Take a Quick Food-Filled Trip to North Adams in the Berkshires via Eater Boston

Congratulations to all the small businesses mentioned in Eater’s most recent highlight on the Northern Berkshires. Chingón Taco Truck, Mezze Bar & Bistro, The Break Room at Greylock Works, The Distillery at Greylock Works, A-OK Berkshire BBQ, Public Eat & Drink and Bright Ideas Brewing.

Grant Opportunities

Level up your online presence

Workshops & Webinars

Allyship 101 - Black History Month Series
February 15 @ 10 a.m.
Corporations, businesses large and small, and people in general are looking for ways to take action in building diverse and inclusive workspaces. You may have heard the term 'ally' but are unsure of what it really means for you and your business, or where to start.

Start a Mission-Driven Business
February 15 @ 11 a.m.
Are you starting a business with changing the world or impacting your community as its focus? If so, this workshop will help you to learn how to:

• Develop your business ideas and planning, keeping that mission at the center what you offer and how you operate

• Decide on the right legal structure for your goals, including choosing between nonprofit, B Corporation, and business structures

• Choose a name and develop a brand identity

• Learn how to obtain an employer identification number, licenses, permits and insurance

Surviving and Thriving after Omicron
February 15 @ 2 p.m.
In these challenging times, it is important to remember that we are stronger together than we are alone and that when business owners collaborate instead of competing, everyone wins! In this spirit, we invite you to join us for a roundtable discussion centered on the fitness industry, where we will share our struggles, celebrate our successes, brainstorm together, and build each other up in a supportive, judgment-free zone. Bring your free weights, bring a snack, bring a box of tissues, but most of all, bring yourself and come prepared to engage!

Business Plan Basics
February 15 @ 5 p.m.
Topics include:
• Why you need to write a business plan
• Overview of each section of a business plan
• Research and writing tips
• Resources for help and support

Marketing on a Shoestring
February 16 @ 12 p.m.
Learn how to maximize your resources to gain visibility for your products and services

• Discover how to market your product

• Determine and refine your target audience, and

• Reach customers with the right message and the right media

• Discuss effective, affordable ways to connect with your audience

• Learn how to repurpose engaging content from Instagram

Become a Digital Media Creator with Canva
February 17 @ 11 a.m.
In this session, we will explore the advanced functionality of Canva, including integrations, embedding, and sharing. You will learn:
-How to improve your digital media
-Tips and ticks for embedding live content on websites
-The ins and outs of sharing content to different social media platforms

How to Open a Business in Massachusetts Legally
February 22 @ 10 a.m.
A basic webinar covering topics such as characteristics of an entrepreneur; selecting a business site; licensing, permitting, and zoning; creating a funding proposal; legal structure of your business; how to secure start-up costs; and employer responsibilities to name a few.

EforAll: Deep Dive Webinar: Why You Need a Brand
February 28 @ 4 p.m.
Register
Brand consultant Lee Rafkin will explain why brands matter and show entrepreneurs how to clearly define their value proposition. Rafkin will use case studies and other examples to cover essential topics like strategic positioning, branding, naming, logos, taglines, and key messages. Bring your questions for this lively session!

ICIC Building for Growth

Accelerating Profitable Growth for BIPOC- and Woman-Owned Construction Contractors 

Building for Growth (BFG) is a new tuition-free executive education program designed by ICIC that aims to help BIPOC and woman construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies that position their businesses to increase revenues and profits.
BFG’s inaugural cohort will begin in Spring 2022 with a maximum class size of 50 companies that are independent, for-profit corporations in the construction industry, at least 51% BIPOC- or woman-owned, and have annual revenues of $2MM – $10MM, or be on course to reach or exceed $2MM within the next three years (companies with current revenues below $2MM will be evaluated based on recommendations from nominators, and the business’s growth trajectory and readiness to benefit from this program).

1Berkshire Virtual Entrepreneurial Meetup
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

 The featured speaker will be Liam Gorman of CozQuest, who will share his experiences in building his business and launching it in 2021!

1Berkshire Entrepreneurial Meetups are free to attend and made possible through the support of the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Registration is required. Register here: https://bit.ly/3tEmps4

Berkshire Economic Recovery Project Kickoff Workshop: Why Brands Matter
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

In this session, brand consultant Lee Rafkin will explain why brands matter, and show entrepreneurs and business owners how to clearly define their value propositions by building an authentic brand platform, using cases and examples to explore topics including positioning, branding, naming, logos, taglines, and key messages.

Registering for any of these cohorts is a commitment to completing it. By registering, you are claiming a limited opportunity only offered to a limited number of businesses in each cohort. If you attempt to register and the cohort has reached capacity, contact economicdev@1berkshire.com to be added to the waiting list.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3G7FHZK

NAC Business Development Team

Marketing: Makayla-Courtney McGeeney
Business: Nico Dery

Need help with your books, business proposal, or assistance with loan applications? Can’t quite wrap your head around social media? The North Adams Chamber of Commerce Business Development team can help! Email for a 1-1 free consultation at our NEW office on 85 Main Street. Virtual or in-person consultations available.

Contact: businessdevelopment@nachamber.org