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Join us!
Become a Member
or Renew Your
Membership! |
Your support is essential to our success and to the success of entrepreneurs in our region.
Click HERE to make a donation! |
| Upcoming Workshops | |
Free Information Sessions: Explore Going Into Business
First Weds. of each month, 3:30-5 pm, FCCDC
Dec 7, 2011
Jan 4, 2012
Buzz on Biz
First Fri of each month
Start the New Year by Shredding Your old Documents! Why it is Important.
January 6, 8-9:30 am, FCCDC. Register online or call 413-774-7204 x100
For a complete listing, see our Business Training page. |
| FCCDC Staff |
Amy Shapiro
Business Assistance
Jill Fitzsimmons
Project Manager
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| FCCDC Board of Directors | |
Jessica Atwood
Franklin Regional Council of Governments
Chuck Bellinger Architectural
Components Inc.
AJ Bresciano
Greenfield Savings Bank
Regis Crosby
Franklin County Home Care Corp.
David Farrick
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Darren Gale
Innovative Design Concepts
Gary Gruber
Attorney
Mark Lattanzi
WRSI
Joe Shoenfeld
UMass Center for Agriculture
Mark Tanner
Attorney
Roberta Wilmore
The Children's Equitation Center
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The mission of Franklin County Community Development Corporation:
- to stimulate a more
vital, rural economy
-to maximize community control over our future economic destiny
-to expand opportunities
for low and moderate income residents
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As we took some time to look back on 2011, it became clear to all of us here at the Franklin County CDC, that we had much to be thankful for.
In May, in honor of Dick Haas, we gave out our first Haas Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Alden Booth and Lissa Greenough of the People's Pint in Greenfield. In September, you helped us raise over $5,200 during our 5% Day at Whole Foods Market in Hadley. And just last month we celebrated our 32nd Anniversary, and the Western Mass Food Processing Center's 10th anniversary.
We're very thankful for our new donors (over 200!), whose contributions help us deliver technical assistance and counseling to members of the community who dream of starting their own business. We're also thankful for our valley's bounty and for the farmers that have worked with us on our Farm to Institution Project. Getting locally produced food into our schools and institutions is quickly becoming a reality, and the response locally and nationally has been encouraging.
We are looking forward to many more opportunities to serve businesses and the community in 2012, and to what the future will bring. From all of us here at the Franklin County CDC, we wish you the best this upcoming year!
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Reflec tions from our Annual Meeting...
A festive evening on November 17 marked the 10th anniversary of the Western MA Food Processing Center. Senator Stan Rosenberg, Congressman John Olver, and Jay Healy (who was a state representative 10 years ago) were given the Champion Awards for believing a Food Processing Center can make a difference. The program included a 10 year overview, stories from one of the founding members Craig White co-owner of Hillside Pizza, and a current member Jessica Tudryn Wisniewski of Relish the Harvest. The evening wrapped up with Dave Gott's singing with his banjo!
The board of directors thanked Denise Coyne and Susan Worgaftik for their many productive years serving the board of directors. Denise was board chair for 2 years served on the executive and finance committees. Susan chaired the fundraising committee and was a member of the executive committee. Additional appreciations went to outgoing board members Eric Marsh, Clara Lopez and Margaret Fitzpatrick. The membership meeting included nominating and welcoming new board members.
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Business Assistance 
and Lending
Isn't it time to invest some time to assess your current business and plan for the future?
The FCCDC can help you to update or develop your business plan, look at trends and new avenues for growth, and strategically plan your next move.
And we have plenty of capital available to help you with your changes!
Contact Alan Singer, Lending Director, alans@fccdc.org
413-774-7204 ext 105 |
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 Dakor Center Inc., making changes and moving ahead
The Dakor Center has been in continuous existence now for over 40 years. Although originally started as a Benjamin Moore & Co. paint distributor, over the years The Dakor Center has increasingly developed both its flooring and window treatment businesses. Recently, they have chosen to focus solely on the flooring and window treatment aspects of their business.
As a result, the approximately 2,000 square feet front part of their store located at 251 Davis Street in Greenfield, MA is now available for rent. Additionally included in the rental is a side garage door entrance that is ideal for shipping and receiving, a large cellar and ample off-street parking. For those interested in learning more of renting the front part of The Dakor Center's building, please speak with Richard Rhodes, owner/general manager at: (413) 774-4046.
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Specialty Food Networking Group
On December first a small group of specialty food business owners gathered athte FCCDC to talk about the processes and challenges related to bringing their products to market.
The participants included people who have an idea for a product, but have not actually started producing and those who have been producing and distributing for a year or more. The meeting was facilitated by Eric Nusbaum of Wheelwright Consultants, Larry DiLuzzio, FCCDC's Food Center Production Manager and Amy Shapiro, Business Assistance Director. The participants identified the following benefits they hope to achieve through participation: sharing tips related to licensing and production, discussing issues they are facing and getting input on possible solutions, and learning about available resources.
The group will meet again on Thursday February 23, 2012 from 4:30-7:30 at the CDC. Specialty Food Business owners are welcomed to attend and encouraged to bring product samples. This is an informal group that if interest continues will continue to meet at the discretion of the group.There is no cost at this time. For more information, please contact Eric at wheelwrightconsultants@verizon.net or Larry at larryd@fccdc.org
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Workshops and Classes
at the FCCDC |
 | Participant Mary Patierno, of Lupita Fine Foods, holds up some of the market research that she collected and read.
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Fall Plan For Success Class Graduates!
We are pleased to announce that 11 participants have graduated from our Plan For Success Class! on December 6th 2011!
After 12 weeks of working on
business plans for new ventures, which ranged
from the artistic to food businesses, participants presented their mission statements, industry research, goals and objectives as well as financial projections. Many of their ideas that morphed into viable opportunities, and some have decided to continue on with their research.
The next class begins in March - be sure to register soon!
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 Buzz on Biz:
Friday January 6th
As promised, shredding day has returned! Join us on Friday, January 6th from 8 - 9:30 a.m. when Eric Wartel of Valley Green Shredding will discuss the importance of document destruction in preventing identity theft. Valley Green Shredding will have a shredding day at the FCCDC soon thereafter.
Light refreshments and hot drinks provided. Afterward there will be time to network with other business professionals.
Walks-in welcome, RSVP Recommended. Click the link below to register!!
First Friday of Each Month, 8-9:30 am, FCCDC
Register online or contact info@fccdc.org or 413-774-7204 x100. RSVP recommended, walk-ins welcome. Free!
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 Plan now for a more successful 2012!
Isn't it time to invest some time in assessing your current business and plan for the future? The FCCDC can help you to update your business plan, look at trends and new avenues for growth in your sector, and strategically plan so that you are ready for what is ahead. Our counseling services cater to all types of entrepreneurs and business owners, from those of you who are just starting out, to those of you with established businesses. You can become a:
- Plan Now! Participant: One hour of free individual counseling is available for anyone interested in starting or growing a business. Receive basic business planning instruction including marketing, financial planning and business plan critique.
- Individual session by appointment after attending a FREE monthly information session Exploring Your Business and Connecting to Resources on the first Wednesday each month, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. here at the FCCDC.
- Plan Now! Clients: Fee-based counseling will guide you through developing a mission statement, goals and objective, marketing plan, operation plan, and budget projections. This is structured for people who prefer individual counseling and can be done in face-to-face meetings, on the phone, by email, or a combination of any of these. We understand the challenges of running a business and want to make it work for YOU. Cost: $150 for 10 hours for the first three months, then $25/hour afterwards. Individual session by appointment.
- Plan for Success: Business Planning Class for New and Established Entrepreneurs: This twelve-week (36 hour) class is an opportunity for serious entrepreneurs and business owners to complete a business plan for starting and sustaining a business. Topics include:
- Exploring your business idea & entrepreneurship;
- Analyzing personal resources;
- Developing a mission statement;
- Legal structures;
- Market reserach tools;
- Marketing strategies;
- financial Overview;
- Income explense projection;
- Cash-flow projections;
- Income-expense balance sheet projections;
- Financing alternatives;
- Executive summary & supporting documents;
Individual assistance is provided. This class is offered in the Spring and Fall. Next class starts in March, 2012. This class is a $500 value; thanks to grants and donations, we are able to offer it for $250 (payment plan is available).
If you would like to find out more about any of these options, please contact Amy Shapiro at amys@fccdc.org or call 413-774-7204, ext. 107. |
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Explore Going Into Business
and Business Resources
Start your business the right way! This free 1 1/2 hour session is offered on the first Wednesday of the month for people interested in going into business, or taking a hobby to the next level. If you are also interested in using the Food Processing Center, this is your first step! Topics include:
- Business resources available
- The importance of developing a business plan
- Tour of the Food Processing Center
- Is business ownership right for you?
- Information about starting a food business
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, January 4th, 3:30 - 5 pm, FCCDC
Wednesday, February 1st, 3:30 - 5 pm, FCCDC
Wednesday, March 7th, 3:30 - 5 pm, FCCDC
Register online or info@fccdc.org or 413-774-7204 x100.
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 Grants now available from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts
The Women's Fund is pleased to announce that our 2012 Grant Application and Guidelines are now available for downloading on our website. Applications are due January 31, 2012. Click here for more information.  Upcoming Green Training & Education Opportunities from the Northern Tier Energy Sector Partnership!
The Northern Tier Energy Sector Partnership (NTESP) has funding available to support eligible participants interested int he Weatherization Installer training that starts in March, 2012. There may be funding also for GCC Spring semester RE/EE classes. NTSEP also offers free job coaching and placement services. Contact Andrew Baker 413-774-4361 x336 abaker@fhreb.org or Kathleen Capuras 413-774-4631 x320 greencareercoach@fhreb.org .  The Carrot Project announces Loan Fund
The Carrot Project is pleased to announce that their loan fund servicing farms and on-farm value added businesses in Massachusetts will be accepting the application for our winter deadline through January 6th, 2012 for loans of $35,000 or less. Click here for more information or contact Benneth Phelps at bphelps@thecarrotproject.org or 617-674-2371.  CISA Winter Workshop Series
CISA's "Marketing your Farm Business" series starts in January. The series of workshops provides farmers with strategies and support to improve direct marketing communications. To be eligible for the one-on-one support you must attend a minimum of four workshops including the first session. Dinner will be served at each session. Workshops include: - Brand Communications
- Media Communications
- Writing for Electronic Communications
- Merchandising fro Maximum (Profitable) Sales
- Print Design & Critique
- Website Design & Development
- Marketing Communications Wrap-up
Cost to attend the series is $50 for Local Hero Members, with individual workshops $10 each. The non-member fee is $70 for the series, $15 each for individual workshops. To register, complete a registration form online at www.buylocalfood.org or Contact Devon Whitney-Deal at devon@buylocalfood.org or 413-665-7100 ext. 22.  Valley CDC's First Time Homebuyer Program is coming up!
The Valley CDC's First Time Homebuyer Workshops provide a comprehensive overview of the homebuying process. During the four part workshop, you will learn: - Who's who in the homebuying process
- Advantages and disadvantages of homeownership
- Homebuyer's roadmap
- Budgeting
- Credit
- And so much more!
The classes will take place on four consecutive Monday's (Jan. 12th, 19th, 26th and Feb. 2nd) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To register, go to their website, www.valleycdc.com, or contact Fern Selesnick at 413-586-5855 ext. 16 for more information! |
| Keynote Speaker John Jeavons, author of "Food & Our Future"
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Mark your calendar for the NOFA 25th Annual Winter Conference! The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)/Massachusetts Chapter will be holding their 25th Annual Winter Conference on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at Worcester State University. The conference will feature an all-day seminar with Keynote Speaker John Jeavons, author of "Food & Our Future," and developer of GROW BIOINTENSIVE mini farming. There will also be over 60 workshops, dozens of exhibitors and vendors, a children's program, as well as the NOFA/Mass Annual Meeting. Registration is now open, and scholarships are available for beginning farmers. For more information about scholarships, click here. To register for the conference and to find out more information about workshops, click here.
Be ready for the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources Agricultural Business Training Program (ABTP) ABTP courses for 2012 will begin in January-March, with registration open in September. Those who provide their email addresses and course choices before then will be given priority in early contact. If you are interested, please send an email to rick.chandler@state.ma.us with your contact information (including address, phone and email), and tell us which course interests you most. We will give you priority notification as soon as the next round of courses is scheduled.
Each course is limited to 12 farms/potential agricultural businesses, with an option to bring a key partner for no extra cost. Full attendance is required to get expected results. Fees are kept low through MDAR support. You can visit the ABTP website
Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship Events for Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 The Center's Speaker Series, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Western New England College Blake Law Center, from noon - 1:30 p.m. on the follow dates: - Thursday, January 24, 2012: Prof. David Weber, Creighton University School of Law: "Undocumented Entrepreneurs: Business Structure and Immigration Compliance"
- Thursday, April 5, 2012: Prof. Barry Barnes, Nova Southeastern University, School of Business: "Management Secrets of the Grateful Dead"
Additionally, the Center will hold a Financial Literacy for Small Business Workshop, also at Western New England College Blake Law Center from 1 - 3 p.m. on the following dates. The cost is $20 per session or $100 for the entire series: - February 3, 2012: Managing credit and banking relationships
- March 2, 2012: Introduction to tax issues for small businesses
- April 6, 2012: Insurance risk management techniques for small businesses
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Other Local Business Classes
Valley CDC offers classes for business owners, artists, and first-time homebuyers.
Hilltown CDC has computer classes and classes for business owners.
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