Please consider a
contribution to the FCCDC so we can continue to help our local economy grow for another 30 years! |
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Upcoming Workshops
Free Information Sessions
First Wed. of the Month 3:30-5 pm
July 7 FCCDC
Aug 4 FCCDC reserve a spot
Securing Business Financing
Marketing Strategies
an Internet Plan
June 16 6-9pm FCCDC reserve a spot
reserve a spot
or call 413-774-7204 ext 300 |
| FCCDC Staff |
Amy Shapiro, Business Assistance Director
Alan Singer, Lending Director
John Waite, Executive Director
Jackie Spooner, Commonwealth Corps Member
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| FCCDC Board of Directors |
| Jessica Atwood
Franklin Regional Council of Governments
Chuck Bellinger Architectural Components Inc.
Denise Coyne
Greenfield Savings Bank
David Farrick
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Margaret Fitzpatrick
Ollie's Down Under
Bar & Grill
Darren Gale Innovative Design Concepts
Gary Gruber
Attorney
Mark Lattanzi
WRSI Clara Lopez Entrepreneur Eric Marsh Greenfield Cooperative Bank
Roberta Wilmore
The Children's Equitation Center
Susan Worgaftik UMass Amherst Dick Haas Director Emeritus Hillside Plastics, Inc. | |
June 2010
 Now is the perfect time to grow your business with some timely workshops! |
Marketing Strategies using Social Networking
Is your business on Facebook? Do you have a LinkedIn Profile to connect to other business people? Do you know how to use Google for more than just searches?
Find out why businesses are using these tools and how they can be part of YOUR business marketing strategy.
On Wednesday June 16 from 6 - 9 pm, Darren Gale, FCCDC Board member and owner of Innovative Design Concepts will teach you how to actually set up a Google account, a Facebook page, and a LinkedIn profile.  The cost is $10 payable at the door. Bring your laptop if you have one. Refreshments
Sign up or call 413-774-7204 ext 300 for more information |
Does your business have a WISP?
If not, you probably need one ASAP!
As of March 1st, all businesses - large and small, for profit and non profit - that have access to personal information on MA residents must comply with the new laws designed to prevent identity theft.
 If you receive payments by check or credit card, keep social security or driver's license numbers, you need to have a comprehensive Written Information Security Program ( WISP) in place and designated employees to implement and enforce it. There are very specific security measures for computer systems, even including those handy flash drives, that will need to be encypted and password protected.
To help you understand the regulations and what they mean for your business, the FCCDC is hosting a seminar on
June 23 from 9 - 11 am with Amy Royal of Royal and Klumczik, LLC at the FCCDC in Greenfield. The seminar costs $10 and refreshments will be served.
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Securing Business Financing Workshop
Need to get a loan for your business now or in the future? Find out what you need to know to be successful! Free 1 1/2 hour sessions to inform people about developing a plan for obtaining financing.
Thursday June 17, 8 - 10 am Greenfield Savings Bank, Turners Falls
Sign up or call 413-774-7204 ext 300 for more information |
Plan for Success Business Plans Presented
After 12 busy weeks of research, evaluation, and planning, the Spring class presented their business plans. The range of business ideas varied from Bookkeeping, Retail Shops, Cat Furniture manufacturing, Photography, Pottery, Dog Treats, Mobile Food Cart, Specialty Foods, Compost, Tours, Tree Service, and Landscape Design. Here are a few comments from participants about what was most useful:
"Learning how to do financials"
"All of it. It was fast but full of information"
"I found the support group amongst the class most helpful (critiques, ideas etc.)"
"Being able to have a tangible plan to guide my business. I would never have been able to put it together"
"Overall what it takes to start a business"
"Product benefits + features mission statement and cash flow"
"Drive to finish the business plan with guest speakers input"
"I am more clearly in touch with the business start-up process"
"Industry research and financials"
"Going over financials/insurance and market research"
This class is usually offered Fall and Spring. The Fall class will start Tuesday September 21, and will run until December 7, from 6-9pm at the FCCDC in Greenfield. If you would like to improve your
business, or start a new one, this class may be for you!
Several participants are still interested in receiving feedback for their businesses. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to complete these online surveys by clicking the links. Your time is appreciated and will make a difference in better understanding our community. Thank you. Homstead Pottery Valley Farm Tours Lynch's Doggie Cuisine Loot |
Thanks to People's United Bank for their support of the FCCDC
 The People's United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People's United Bank, of which The Bank of Western Massachusetts is a division, recently awarded $25,000 to the Franklin County CDC. Lynn Cantell, Jeremy Leap and Sue Dillon, local representatives from the Bank of Western MA, visited the CDC's Food Processing Center with staff from the Foundation to present the award. The CDC has used the contribution to purchase a much needed piece of equipment for the FPC as we continue to help entrepreneurs launch their food businesses. "We are proud to support the Franklin County CDC," said Timothy P. Crimmins, Jr., President of The Bank of Western Massachusetts. "As partners with the CDC we are delighted to assist in them in making a profound difference to new entrepreneurs in their early years."
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Part time position available at the Food Processing Center!
FCCDC is seeking a motivated individual to continue the growth of our Food Processing Center (FPC). This position will report to, and assist the Food Processing Center Manager in the delivery of services to members of the FCCDC's FPC in Greenfield, MA.
The Production Assistant will work with food entrepreneurs and farmers to help them produce their products in a safe, healthy and efficient manner. S/he will also assist with the execution of contract manufacturing of a wide range of food products. Shifts and hours will vary and will include some nights and weekends. More info or email Larry DiLuzio
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 A Unique Part time position in Farm & Specialty Food Production! FPC Member, Saw Mill Site Farm is looking for a person to do marketing for high-end horseradish products business. For more information call Terry 413-665-3005 |
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Valley CDC has a First Time Homebuyers class starting Wednesday July 7th. For more info or call Fern Selesnick
at (413) 586-5855 x16 |
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