Massachusetts
Massachusetts
Massachusetts

Massachusetts SBDC

Your Guiding Light

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneur Leverages Creative Economy Assets to Spur Rural Economic Development, Revives Theater

The Adams Theater will soon be a multi-functional performing arts center providing a new stage for artists and cultural entrepreneurs to collaborate and build a thriving community in Berkshire County.

Founder and Executive Director Yina Moore was approved for $800,000 in SBA 7a funds and she is investing an additional $300,000 of her own funds for the theater. Yina became an MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office client in April 2021 when she requested assistance with developing a business plan and to prepare for financing.

The theater has already hosted a Susan B. Anthony Festival, a business roundtable with state dignitaries and local businesses, and a “Bones of the Adams Theater” Halloween event which attracted over 400 visitors.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneur Leverages Creative Economy Assets to Spur Rural Economic Development, Revives Theater

The Adams Theater will soon be a multi-functional performing arts center providing a new stage for artists and cultural entrepreneurs to collaborate and build a thriving community in Berkshire County.

Founder and Executive Director Yina Moore was approved for $800,000 in SBA 7a funds and she is investing an additional $300,000 of her own funds for the theater. Yina became an MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office client in April 2021 when she requested assistance with developing a business plan and to prepare for financing.

The theater has already hosted a Susan B. Anthony Festival, a business roundtable with state dignitaries and local businesses, and a “Bones of the Adams Theater” Halloween event which attracted over 400 visitors.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneur Leverages Creative Economy Assets to Spur Rural Economic Development, Revives Theater

The Adams Theater will soon be a multi-functional performing arts center providing a new stage for artists and cultural entrepreneurs to collaborate and build a thriving community in Berkshire County.

Founder and Executive Director Yina Moore was approved for $800,000 in SBA 7a funds and she is investing an additional $300,000 of her own funds for the theater. Yina became an MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office client in April 2021 when she requested assistance with developing a business plan and to prepare for financing.

The theater has already hosted a Susan B. Anthony Festival, a business roundtable with state dignitaries and local businesses, and a “Bones of the Adams Theater” Halloween event which attracted over 400 visitors.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneur Leverages Creative Economy Assets to Spur Rural Economic Development, Revives Theater

The Adams Theater will soon be a multi-functional performing arts center providing a new stage for artists and cultural entrepreneurs to collaborate and build a thriving community in Berkshire County.

Founder and Executive Director Yina Moore was approved for $800,000 in SBA 7a funds and she is investing an additional $300,000 of her own funds for the theater. Yina became an MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office client in April 2021 when she requested assistance with developing a business plan and to prepare for financing.

The theater has already hosted a Susan B. Anthony Festival, a business roundtable with state dignitaries and local businesses, and a “Bones of the Adams Theater” Halloween event which attracted over 400 visitors.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Filling a Transportation Niche in Western Massachusetts

Jessika Rozki, owner and CEO of Rozki Rides in Springfield, created a transportation services company in 2019 to help parents with safe transportation for their children, and whose working hours make it difficult to pick up and drop off the children. Jessika contacted the MSBDC Western Regional Office for assistance with starting a business. Her first step was to attend a Basics of Starting a Business workshop. “The advice that I received from the MSBDC was key to understanding what I needed to do to start and strengthen my business”, said Jessika. Rozki Rides has achieved consistent growth over the past two years. Future plans include transportation for daycare centers, after school and youth programs, and senior care facilities.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Filling a Transportation Niche in Western Massachusetts

Jessika Rozki, owner and CEO of Rozki Rides in Springfield, created a transportation services company in 2019 to help parents with safe transportation for their children, and whose working hours make it difficult to pick up and drop off the children. Jessika contacted the MSBDC Western Regional Office for assistance with starting a business. Her first step was to attend a Basics of Starting a Business workshop. “The advice that I received from the MSBDC was key to understanding what I needed to do to start and strengthen my business”, said Jessika. Rozki Rides has achieved consistent growth over the past two years. Future plans include transportation for daycare centers, after school and youth programs, and senior care facilities.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Filling a Transportation Niche in Western Massachusetts

Jessika Rozki, owner and CEO of Rozki Rides in Springfield, created a transportation services company in 2019 to help parents with safe transportation for their children, and whose working hours make it difficult to pick up and drop off the children. Jessika contacted the MSBDC Western Regional Office for assistance with starting a business. Her first step was to attend a Basics of Starting a Business workshop. “The advice that I received from the MSBDC was key to understanding what I needed to do to start and strengthen my business”, said Jessika. Rozki Rides has achieved consistent growth over the past two years. Future plans include transportation for daycare centers, after school and youth programs, and senior care facilities.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Filling a Transportation Niche in Western Massachusetts

Jessika Rozki, owner and CEO of Rozki Rides in Springfield, created a transportation services company in 2019 to help parents with safe transportation for their children, and whose working hours make it difficult to pick up and drop off the children. Jessika contacted the MSBDC Western Regional Office for assistance with starting a business. Her first step was to attend a Basics of Starting a Business workshop. “The advice that I received from the MSBDC was key to understanding what I needed to do to start and strengthen my business”, said Jessika. Rozki Rides has achieved consistent growth over the past two years. Future plans include transportation for daycare centers, after school and youth programs, and senior care facilities.

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

When I decided to buy my restaurant, I relied solely on the MSBDC for help in putting together my business plan and loan package.

Owner/Chef of Fair & Just Kitchen

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

When I decided to buy my restaurant, I relied solely on the MSBDC for help in putting together my business plan and loan package.

Owner/Chef of Fair & Just Kitchen

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

When I decided to buy my restaurant, I relied solely on the MSBDC for help in putting together my business plan and loan package.

Peter Duff

Owner/Chef of Fair & Just Kitchen

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

When I decided to buy my restaurant, I relied solely on the MSBDC for help in putting together my business plan and loan package.

Owner/Chef of Fair & Just Kitchen

EXPORT

Wilmington, MA Defense Technology Firm Launches Global Sales

Ascent AeroSystems, a new-to-export developer of unmanned aerial systems, recently began receiving interest from global markets. The firm turned to the MSBDC Massachusetts Export Center for support. Given the military applications of its technology, Ascent faced complex export regulatory requirements. The Export Center provided extensive trade compliance support and helped the firm to launch exports to Europe and the Middle East. The Export Center also supported Ascent in building its export compliance program, which will help its global trade operations to grow and support domestic government contracting requirements. Ascent AeroSystems is on track to take advantage of growing global markets for its cutting-edge drone technology.

EXPORT

Wilmington, MA Defense Technology Firm Launches Global Sales

Ascent AeroSystems, a new-to-export developer of unmanned aerial systems, recently began receiving interest from global markets. The firm turned to the MSBDC Massachusetts Export Center for support. Given the military applications of its technology, Ascent faced complex export regulatory requirements. The Export Center provided extensive trade compliance support and helped the firm to launch exports to Europe and the Middle East. The Export Center also supported Ascent in building its export compliance program, which will help its global trade operations to grow and support domestic government contracting requirements. Ascent AeroSystems is on track to take advantage of growing global markets for its cutting-edge drone technology.

EXPORT

Wilmington, MA Defense Technology Firm Launches Global Sales

Ascent AeroSystems, a new-to-export developer of unmanned aerial systems, recently began receiving interest from global markets. The firm turned to the MSBDC Massachusetts Export Center for support. Given the military applications of its technology, Ascent faced complex export regulatory requirements. The Export Center provided extensive trade compliance support and helped the firm to launch exports to Europe and the Middle East. The Export Center also supported Ascent in building its export compliance program, which will help its global trade operations to grow and support domestic government contracting requirements. Ascent AeroSystems is on track to take advantage of growing global markets for its cutting-edge drone technology.

EXPORT

Wilmington, MA Defense Technology Firm Launches Global Sales

Ascent AeroSystems, a new-to-export developer of unmanned aerial systems, recently began receiving interest from global markets. The firm turned to the MSBDC Massachusetts Export Center for support. Given the military applications of its technology, Ascent faced complex export regulatory requirements. The Export Center provided extensive trade compliance support and helped the firm to launch exports to Europe and the Middle East. The Export Center also supported Ascent in building its export compliance program, which will help its global trade operations to grow and support domestic government contracting requirements. Ascent AeroSystems is on track to take advantage of growing global markets for its cutting-edge drone technology.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Company Creates a Wellness Solution for Teens

As founder of nuxcrew, Caitríona Taylor bootstrapped the company into existence by drawing from experience in both the fitness industry and non-profits to create an online platform with programming for health and wellness aimed at tweens and teens. This age group suffers from high stress and lack of fitness, so the goal is to empower teens to grow into their most confident, truthful self. The teen-inclusive program is aimed at strengthening physical and mental health by using on-demand streamed yoga reflection sessions, online interactive and coached workout classes, and monthly health and wellness topic sessions led by experts. The MSBDC Southeast Regional Office assisted with the development, launch and marketing of the company.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Company Creates a Wellness Solution for Teens

As founder of nuxcrew, Caitríona Taylor bootstrapped the company into existence by drawing from experience in both the fitness industry and non-profits to create an online platform with programming for health and wellness aimed at tweens and teens. This age group suffers from high stress and lack of fitness, so the goal is to empower teens to grow into their most confident, truthful self. The teen-inclusive program is aimed at strengthening physical and mental health by using on-demand streamed yoga reflection sessions, online interactive and coached workout classes, and monthly health and wellness topic sessions led by experts. The MSBDC Southeast Regional Office assisted with the development, launch and marketing of the company.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Company Creates a Wellness Solution for Teens

As founder of nuxcrew, Caitríona Taylor bootstrapped the company into existence by drawing from experience in both the fitness industry and non-profits to create an online platform with programming for health and wellness aimed at tweens and teens. This age group suffers from high stress and lack of fitness, so the goal is to empower teens to grow into their most confident, truthful self. The teen-inclusive program is aimed at strengthening physical and mental health by using on-demand streamed yoga reflection sessions, online interactive and coached workout classes, and monthly health and wellness topic sessions led by experts. The MSBDC Southeast Regional Office assisted with the development, launch and marketing of the company.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Company Creates a Wellness Solution for Teens

As founder of nuxcrew, Caitríona Taylor bootstrapped the company into existence by drawing from experience in both the fitness industry and non-profits to create an online platform with programming for health and wellness aimed at tweens and teens. This age group suffers from high stress and lack of fitness, so the goal is to empower teens to grow into their most confident, truthful self. The teen-inclusive program is aimed at strengthening physical and mental health by using on-demand streamed yoga reflection sessions, online interactive and coached workout classes, and monthly health and wellness topic sessions led by experts. The MSBDC Southeast Regional Office assisted with the development, launch and marketing of the company.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Company Develops Robots to Automate Agriculture and Help Farms

Joshua Lessing, CEO and co-founder of Root AI, requested assistance with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in May 2018. The company had developed a universal harvesting robot. With the MSBDC’s help, the company won NSF (National Science Foundation) SBIR funding. The MSBDC advisor guided the company through the intricacies of setting up a government-compliant accounting system. The advisor also helped the client write the Phase II proposal and respond to questions about the proposal. The company was successful in securing Phase II funding. In 2021, the company received a very solid offer from a known competitor and accepted the acquisition offer. Josh stated that the MSBDC’s help played a vital role in the company’s success.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Company Develops Robots to Automate Agriculture and Help Farms

Joshua Lessing, CEO and co-founder of Root AI, requested assistance with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in May 2018. The company had developed a universal harvesting robot. With the MSBDC’s help, the company won NSF (National Science Foundation) SBIR funding. The MSBDC advisor guided the company through the intricacies of setting up a government-compliant accounting system. The advisor also helped the client write the Phase II proposal and respond to questions about the proposal. The company was successful in securing Phase II funding. In 2021, the company received a very solid offer from a known competitor and accepted the acquisition offer. Josh stated that the MSBDC’s help played a vital role in the company’s success.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Company Develops Robots to Automate Agriculture and Help Farms

Joshua Lessing, CEO and co-founder of Root AI, requested assistance with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in May 2018. The company had developed a universal harvesting robot. With the MSBDC’s help, the company won NSF (National Science Foundation) SBIR funding. The MSBDC advisor guided the company through the intricacies of setting up a government-compliant accounting system. The advisor also helped the client write the Phase II proposal and respond to questions about the proposal. The company was successful in securing Phase II funding. In 2021, the company received a very solid offer from a known competitor and accepted the acquisition offer. Josh stated that the MSBDC’s help played a vital role in the company’s success.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Company Develops Robots to Automate Agriculture and Help Farms

Joshua Lessing, CEO and co-founder of Root AI, requested assistance with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in May 2018. The company had developed a universal harvesting robot. With the MSBDC’s help, the company won NSF (National Science Foundation) SBIR funding. The MSBDC advisor guided the company through the intricacies of setting up a government-compliant accounting system. The advisor also helped the client write the Phase II proposal and respond to questions about the proposal. The company was successful in securing Phase II funding. In 2021, the company received a very solid offer from a known competitor and accepted the acquisition offer. Josh stated that the MSBDC’s help played a vital role in the company’s success.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Local Café Serves Community During the Most Challenging of Times

David Shalvoy, owner of Christopher’s Café in Lynn, began working with the MSBDC Northeast Regional Office in late 2017 for assistance with purchasing a building. In 2020, David reached out again for help with COVID-related funding as the restaurant had been hit hard by the pandemic. With the MSBDC’s guidance, the business was able to successfully apply for both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Without the funding, the business would not have survived the last almost two years. Even more importantly, with help from a local non-profit, the Café helped feed food-insecure families through April 2021. The business continues to offer a free food program to anyone hungry…no questions asked.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Local Café Serves Community During the Most Challenging of Times

David Shalvoy, owner of Christopher’s Café in Lynn, began working with the MSBDC Northeast Regional Office in late 2017 for assistance with purchasing a building. In 2020, David reached out again for help with COVID-related funding as the restaurant had been hit hard by the pandemic. With the MSBDC’s guidance, the business was able to successfully apply for both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Without the funding, the business would not have survived the last almost two years. Even more importantly, with help from a local non-profit, the Café helped feed food-insecure families through April 2021. The business continues to offer a free food program to anyone hungry…no questions asked.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Local Café Serves Community During the Most Challenging of Times

David Shalvoy, owner of Christopher’s Café in Lynn, began working with the MSBDC Northeast Regional Office in late 2017 for assistance with purchasing a building. In 2020, David reached out again for help with COVID-related funding as the restaurant had been hit hard by the pandemic. With the MSBDC’s guidance, the business was able to successfully apply for both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Without the funding, the business would not have survived the last almost two years. Even more importantly, with help from a local non-profit, the Café helped feed food-insecure families through April 2021. The business continues to offer a free food program to anyone hungry…no questions asked.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Local Café Serves Community During the Most Challenging of Times

David Shalvoy, owner of Christopher’s Café in Lynn, began working with the MSBDC Northeast Regional Office in late 2017 for assistance with purchasing a building. In 2020, David reached out again for help with COVID-related funding as the restaurant had been hit hard by the pandemic. With the MSBDC’s guidance, the business was able to successfully apply for both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Without the funding, the business would not have survived the last almost two years. Even more importantly, with help from a local non-profit, the Café helped feed food-insecure families through April 2021. The business continues to offer a free food program to anyone hungry…no questions asked.

VETERANS

The MSBDC was instrumental in helping Strategic Communications navigate through the uncharted territory and tough times of the pandemic.

President & CEO of Strategic Communications, Inc.

VETERANS

The MSBDC was instrumental in helping Strategic Communications navigate through the uncharted territory and tough times of the pandemic.

President & CEO of Strategic Communications, Inc.

VETERANS

The MSBDC was instrumental in helping Strategic Communications navigate through the uncharted territory and tough times of the pandemic.

Robert George

President & CEO of Strategic Communications, Inc.

VETERANS

The MSBDC was instrumental in helping Strategic Communications navigate through the uncharted territory and tough times of the pandemic.

President & CEO of Strategic Communications, Inc.

WOMEN-OWNED

Company Strengthens Communities through Innovative Work with Nonprofits

Debbi Mallinson came to the MSBDC Central Regional Office for help with starting a consulting business. She reached out for counseling to help build her business acumen and committed to launching a new venture, Magic Lamp Consulting. Debbi formed a female-owned enterprise and began a strategic planning project. She worked to develop operational procedures, sales plan, and pro forma financials with help from the MSBDC. By fourth quarter, Debbi hired a second full-time employee and is earning more money than ever before. The company recently won a business plan competition and Debbi plans to expand operations and hire new staff for 2022. Her biggest challenge is managing the growth of the company as word-of-mouth continues to spread.

WOMEN-OWNED

Company Strengthens Communities through Innovative Work with Nonprofits

Debbi Mallinson came to the MSBDC Central Regional Office for help with starting a consulting business. She reached out for counseling to help build her business acumen and committed to launching a new venture, Magic Lamp Consulting. Debbi formed a female-owned enterprise and began a strategic planning project. She worked to develop operational procedures, sales plan, and pro forma financials with help from the MSBDC. By fourth quarter, Debbi hired a second full-time employee and is earning more money than ever before. The company recently won a business plan competition and Debbi plans to expand operations and hire new staff for 2022. Her biggest challenge is managing the growth of the company as word-of-mouth continues to spread.

WOMEN-OWNED

Company Strengthens Communities through Innovative Work with Nonprofits

Debbi Mallinson came to the MSBDC Central Regional Office for help with starting a consulting business. She reached out for counseling to help build her business acumen and committed to launching a new venture, Magic Lamp Consulting. Debbi formed a female-owned enterprise and began a strategic planning project. She worked to develop operational procedures, sales plan, and pro forma financials with help from the MSBDC. By fourth quarter, Debbi hired a second full-time employee and is earning more money than ever before. The company recently won a business plan competition and Debbi plans to expand operations and hire new staff for 2022. Her biggest challenge is managing the growth of the company as word-of-mouth continues to spread.

WOMEN-OWNED

Company Strengthens Communities through Innovative Work with Nonprofits

Debbi Mallinson came to the MSBDC Central Regional Office for help with starting a consulting business. She reached out for counseling to help build her business acumen and committed to launching a new venture, Magic Lamp Consulting. Debbi formed a female-owned enterprise and began a strategic planning project. She worked to develop operational procedures, sales plan, and pro forma financials with help from the MSBDC. By fourth quarter, Debbi hired a second full-time employee and is earning more money than ever before. The company recently won a business plan competition and Debbi plans to expand operations and hire new staff for 2022. Her biggest challenge is managing the growth of the company as word-of-mouth continues to spread.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Re-entry Program Brings Hope with the Dream of Entrepreneurship

Fresh Start Up Worcester offers inmates and formerly incarcerated individuals a new learning opportunity to successfully bridge engagement with their community. The program builds on the strengths and potential of a re-entering citizen after incarceration. It lays the foundation for a community entrepreneurship model for marginalized persons with lasting positive effects. The recidivism rate for program graduates dropped to a stunning 7%. All MSBDC Central Regional Office advisors completed training through the DYME Institute in preparation to advise graduates of the program. Partners include CENTRO, Latin American Business Organization, DYME Institute, Worcester Sheriff Department, Clark University, and MSBDC Central Regional Office.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Re-entry Program Brings Hope with the Dream of Entrepreneurship

Fresh Start Up Worcester offers inmates and formerly incarcerated individuals a new learning opportunity to successfully bridge engagement with their community. The program builds on the strengths and potential of a re-entering citizen after incarceration. It lays the foundation for a community entrepreneurship model for marginalized persons with lasting positive effects. The recidivism rate for program graduates dropped to a stunning 7%. All MSBDC Central Regional Office advisors completed training through the DYME Institute in preparation to advise graduates of the program. Partners include CENTRO, Latin American Business Organization, DYME Institute, Worcester Sheriff Department, Clark University, and MSBDC Central Regional Office.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Re-entry Program Brings Hope with the Dream of Entrepreneurship

Fresh Start Up Worcester offers inmates and formerly incarcerated individuals a new learning opportunity to successfully bridge engagement with their community. The program builds on the strengths and potential of a re-entering citizen after incarceration. It lays the foundation for a community entrepreneurship model for marginalized persons with lasting positive effects. The recidivism rate for program graduates dropped to a stunning 7%. All MSBDC Central Regional Office advisors completed training through the DYME Institute in preparation to advise graduates of the program. Partners include CENTRO, Latin American Business Organization, DYME Institute, Worcester Sheriff Department, Clark University, and MSBDC Central Regional Office.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Re-entry Program Brings Hope with the Dream of Entrepreneurship

Fresh Start Up Worcester offers inmates and formerly incarcerated individuals a new learning opportunity to successfully bridge engagement with their community. The program builds on the strengths and potential of a re-entering citizen after incarceration. It lays the foundation for a community entrepreneurship model for marginalized persons with lasting positive effects. The recidivism rate for program graduates dropped to a stunning 7%. All MSBDC Central Regional Office advisors completed training through the DYME Institute in preparation to advise graduates of the program. Partners include CENTRO, Latin American Business Organization, DYME Institute, Worcester Sheriff Department, Clark University, and MSBDC Central Regional Office.