Please consider a
contribution to the FCCDC so we can continue to help our local economy grow for another 30 years! |
|
|
|
Upcoming Workshops
Free Information Sessions
First Wed. of the Month 3:30-5 pm Sept 1 FCCDC
Oct 6 FCCDC To reserve a spot or call 413-774-7204 x 300
Securing Business Financing
Family Business Sucession Planning Sept 22, 6-8pm FCCDC
Marketing Strategies: using the internet Sept 29 FCCDC
Plan for Success: 12 week Business Planning Class starts Tuesday Sept 21 6-9 pm FCCDC
For a complete listing, see our Business Training page
|
| FCCDC Staff |
Amy Shapiro, Business Assistance Director
Alan Singer, Lending Director
John Waite, Executive Director
Jackie Spooner, Commonwealth Corps Member
|
| 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 LopezEntrepreneur Eric Marsh Greenfield Cooperative Bank Roberta Wilmore
The Children's Equitation Center
Susan Worgaftik UMass Amherst Dick Haas Director Emeritus Hillside Plastics, Inc. |
|
|
|
AUGUST 2010
 FCCDC Staff and Board celebrated together with good food and friendly game of Botche with long time CDC supporters Dick and Janet Haas.  The CDC Botchee team might be temped to play other teams should there be interest. |
The Venture Center is a Great Place to Start -
Space Available for Your Business to Grow!
In 1989 the CDC purchased and renovated a 36,000 sq. ft. industrial building at 324 Wells Street in Greenfield. The Venture Center is a small business incubator and provides light industrial and office space for start-up and growing businesses. In addition, tenants can sharee the conference room, kitchen facilities, shared copier and fax, and technical assistance from FCCDC staff. And they are greeted every day by Amelio, the FCCDC feline receptionist!
The facility is convenintly located just one mile from downtown and within 2 miles from both Route 2 and Route 91. This is an ideal way for businesses to keep their capital costs lower during their early years of operation. Space now available!
Fred Wheeler, a past tenant and owner of Auto Trim and Sign had this to say about renting from the FCCDC: " I was glad to be able to find an inexpensive place to work out of when first starting my business. The CDC offered nice working conditions and a good location. The reasonable rent allowed me to test the market without a lot of start-up capital. I also benefitted from the technical assistance that I received from Amy Shapiro. I am glad that I did it."
Our current tenants include:
|
If you are Serious about Success,
You need a Plan
Plan for Success: Business Planning for New and Established Entrepreneurs
This twelve week class is an opportunity for people serious about their business to complete a business plan for starting and sustaining a business. Topics include: Exploring your business idea, developing a mission statement, understanding legal structures, designing & implementing market research tools and strategies, developing income/expense projection, and evaluating financing alternatives. Individual assistance is provided.
$250 (sliding scale fee available).
Fall session is Sept 21- Dec. 7, 6-9pm FCCDC, Greenfield
|
|
Thinking about starting a business? Want to grow your current business? Seeking a plan to transfer ownership?
Exploring Going Into Business and Business ResourcesThis 1-1/2 hour workshop is for new and existing businesses to learn about business planning, local resources and options for moving forward. This monthly session is held on the first Wednesday of the month from 3:30-5:00 pm at the FCCDC. Tours of the Western MA Food Processing Center are available for food-related businesses. Free
Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1 3:30-5pm FCCDC
Marketing Strategies: Incorporating an Internet Plan
Learn how to set up a Google account, Facebook and LinkedIn profiles. Find out why businesses are using these tools. Explore how the internet can be part of your business marketing strategy. $10
September 29, 6-9pm ,FCCDC Secure Business Financing
This 1- 1/2 hour workshop informs people about developing a business plan in addition to what lenders are looking for and how best to prepare for obtaining financing. Free
Sept. 23, 8:30-10:30am Shelburne Falls Visitor Information Center Nov. 4, 9-11am FCCDC Greenfield
Succession in Your Family BusinessYou create a business and before you know it, it is time to think about what to do next. This interactive workshop begins the process of evaluating the next steps in a family business. These include the challenging personal,
emotional and financial issues that are loaded with lasting impact. The presenter is Ira Bryck of the UMass family business Center. Refreshments served.
Fee $10 per business
Wednesday, September 22, 6-8pm FCCDC
Co-sponsored with FCCDC, SFABA, GBA and Montague Business Associations
|
CommonWealth Corps Positions Available!
The FCCDC has openings for 2 part time Commonwealth Corps members starting Sept 1. These positions offer an opportunity to learn about community economic development in a unique and interesting way. Approx 18 hours a week, stipend wth a bonus for completing the year. Flexible hours, training.
This year's Corps members, Amanda Abramson and Jackie Spooner brought valuable experiences and insights to their positions.
Amanda describes her internship as "a once in a lifetime experience where I learned to promote the FCCDC by organizing a variety of fundraisers and community outreaches."
"I can't believe that my time here is almost over! I learned something new almost every day, either about running a small business, marketing a product or providing technical support to our clients. I am glad that I have had this opportunity to learn so much while assisting the FCCDC in a myriad of duties." said Jackie.
For more information about this unique job opportunity contact Judy 413-774-7204 X 100 |
Collaboration Fosters Business
One component of the Fostering Arts and Culture Project features  who have taken initiative to build relationships among communities through a new project called Rural Initiative that cross markets small businesses in the region with art and culture audiences. This effort helps expand demand for our region's products and services. The goal of Rural Initiative is simple: to promote local goods, businesses, and artists through gift bags (filled with all sorts of goodies) through the experience of Double Edge's Theatre performances. The Summer Spectacle at Double Edge Theatre has grown to be a regional treasure that draws 2000 people from all over the United States as well as internationally. Last year's Arabian Nights is being followed by the magical story of the Firebird in 2010 with sold out performances.
Double Edge Theatre and these local businesses, farms, and specialty food producers create products that are unique and share similar values. The result is a partnership between local arts and local industry. Partners include Zoar, Bread Eurphoria, Hope & Olive, Rayan & Casey, Real Pickles, Bug Hill Farm, Pierce Brothers Coffee, Saw Mill Horseradish, Real Pickles, Hedgie's Hot Sauce, Applalacian Naturals, Herrell's Hot Fudge Sauce, Benson Farm, Natural Roots Farm, Simple Gifts Farm, Hager's Farm Market, Dufresne's Sugar House, Drew's Naturals, Chai Wallah Chai,and Side Hill Farm Jam.
To achieve this goal Double Edge Theatre provides: promotion to their summer audience members, ongoing information about the area and strategic campaigns from Double Edge performances at the theatre center in Ashfield and on tour throughout the year, along with outreach to local, regional and national Double Edge Members.
The FCCDC likes to celebrate and share creative strategies by business owners who develop new ways to market and promote small businesses in our region. Please contact us if you have something to share. |
Northeast Biodiesel Ground Breaking!
 On Tuesday, August 3 at 11 am, Northeast Biodiesel broke ground on a new Biodiesel plant in the Greenfield Industrial Park. This manufacturing plant is a win for our community, a win for the environment, and a win for our local economy.
Northeast Biodiesel will produce 3.5 million gallons of recycled oil beginning in January of 2011. They will hire 13 staff to operate the plant. They will also create many indirect jobs in construction, facility maintenance, and transportion. Co-op Power, a Massachusetts energy cooperative, is the majority owner of Northeast Biodiesel and has raised more than $300,000 in member equity to create a community-owned sustainable energy business. |
Eat out at a local Hero Restaurant on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 17-18 to support local farms and restaurants. More information at CISA or call Devon Whitney-Deal at 413-665-7100 x22
And don't forget the Annual FREE HARVEST SUPPER is Sunday, August 22, 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Contact Linda Slattery at 413-774-2756 if you would like to volunteer. |
GCC's Weaterization Installer Course
Will be held at the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Fall at the end of September to train workers to insulate and air seal homes. GCC is one of four community colleges across MA to pilot this new course as a partner of the MassGREEN Initiative. Cost $450.00
September 28 - November 20, 2010
T/W/Th, 4:30-7:30 pm, including two Saturdays from 9am-3pm on 10/16 and 11/20 (8 weeks)
To register visit www.gcc.mass.edu/shopcreditfree, print and mail in the attached brochure with a check, or call 413-775-1803 to pay with credit card by phone.
For more information 413-775-1660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
