Grow in North Adams

North Adams, the most affordable city in Massachusetts, offers an exceptional opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to lower costs while enjoying a high quality of life. This walkable city combines affordability with world-class arts at MASS MoCA, abundant outdoor recreation, and a growing year-round tourism economy. Surrounded by mountains and trails, North Adams is an ideal location for businesses and investors seeking value, vibrancy, and long-term growth potential.

A scenic view of a small American town with historic buildings, church steeples, and lush green hills under a clear blue sky.
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What’s New

What's New
Northern Berkshire Business Meetup
Northern Berkshire Business Meetup

The next Northern Berkshire Meetup will take place July 22 from 6–8 p.m. at Blue Vista Motor Lodge. Hosted by the North Adams Chamber of Commerce, this free monthly gathering welcomes business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit and cultural workers, remote employees, and community members from across the Northern Berkshires. Attendees can connect informally, share updates and challenges, and build relationships across sectors. 

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Optimal Healing: A Whole-Person Approach to Wellness
Optimal Healing: A Whole-Person Approach to Wellness

Discover Optimal Healing in North Adams, where mental health care and holistic wellness come together. Founded by Ashley Benson, the center offers therapy, yoga, sauna, red light therapy, movement classes, and wellness services in a compassionate, community-focused environment dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and thrive at every stage of life.

Read more →
New Businesses Are Opening in Downtown North Adams. Seriously.
New Businesses Are Opening in Downtown North Adams. Seriously.

Downtown North Adams is welcoming a wave of new businesses, from the highly anticipated Zio Roberto Ristorante and Taverna to the newly opened Cole Mountain Café and an exciting new restaurant taking shape in the former TD Bank building. Together with a forthcoming retail concept on Holden Street, these investments reflect growing momentum, entrepreneurial confidence, and a vibrant future for downtown.

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Need One Thing to Grow? Microloan Program May Be the Answer
Need One Thing to Grow? Microloan Program May Be the Answer

MassDevelopment’s revamped Microloan Program offers $5,000–$100,000 in flexible financing for Massachusetts small businesses. Funds can support equipment upgrades, hiring, working capital, and other catalytic investments that unlock growth. Ideal for businesses needing targeted, one-time improvements like ovens, lighting, or staffing to scale operations and strengthen long-term success.

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Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MSVP)
Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MSVP)

Thinking about opening a business in downtown North Adams? The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program offers eligible businesses up to $10,000 in refundable state tax credits for locating in qualifying vacant storefronts. Designed to support economic revitalization, the program helps fill empty downtown spaces, create jobs, and attract new investment. Scroll down to learn about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and how to express interest in participating.

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Steeple City Jiu Jitsu: Building Confidence and Community in North Adams
Steeple City Jiu Jitsu: Building Confidence and Community in North Adams

What began as a shared passion between two dedicated martial artists has grown into a thriving community hub in downtown North Adams. Steeple City Jiu Jitsu founders Jon Manley and Tim Stys saw an opportunity to bring year-round martial arts training to an underserved region while investing in a city they believe in. Now, with a growing youth program, they are helping shape the next generation of athletes, leaders, and community members.

Read more →
Northern Berkshire Business Meetup
Northern Berkshire Business Meetup

The next Northern Berkshire Meetup will take place May 27 from 6–8 p.m. at The Store at Five Corners. Hosted by the North Adams Chamber of Commerce, this free monthly gathering welcomes business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit and cultural workers, remote employees, and community members from across the Northern Berkshires. Attendees can connect informally, share updates and challenges, and build relationships across sectors. 

Read more →
Western Mass Economic Ecosystem Summit
Western Mass Economic Ecosystem Summit

Regional leaders gathered last Friday for the 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit to advance collaboration around clean energy, food systems, innovation, and economic development. The convening brought together cross-sector partners from across Western Massachusetts to strengthen regional alignment, support coordinated growth strategies, and shape future economic investment priorities.

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From Market to Main
From Market to Main

As recently highlighted by  The Berkshire Eagle, the North Adams Farmers Market is helping grow the next generation of local businesses. At Red Shirt Farm, Door Prize, Hexagon Bagels, and Steeple City Social, entrepreneurs are transforming market stand success into permanent storefronts, strengthening downtown North Adams. And we are here for it! 🙌

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New $25K Down Payment Assistance Available for First-Time Homebuyers
New $25K Down Payment Assistance Available for First-Time Homebuyers

There’s good news for aspiring homeowners across Massachusetts—including here in the Northern Berkshires. MassHousing has expanded its homebuyer assistance program, making up to $25,000 in interest-free down payment support available to more first-time buyers.

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Mastic Opens on Eagle Street
Mastic Opens on Eagle Street

A new shop is adding a quirky, creative touch to North Adams. Mastic, opened April 3 by Jared Shockcor, offers “a little weird” mix of home goods, vintage finds, books, and locally made products with a metaphysical twist.

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Grants Boost Local Business Ecosystem
Grants Boost Local Business Ecosystem

Great news for North Adams’ small business community! Door Prize, Lickety Split, and The Plant Connector have all secured grant funding to fuel growth and improvements—from enhanced dining spaces to new equipment and a mobile plant cart. Plus, Assets for Artists received $80,000 to expand support for entrepreneurs, strengthening the local creative economy.

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Small City, Big Stories Launches in Partnership with NBCTC
Small City, Big Stories Launches in Partnership with NBCTC

Small City, Big Stories celebrates the people and projects driving downtown North Adams forward. Hosted by Jenny Wright, Executive Director of the North Adams Partnership, and produced with Northern Berkshire Community Television Corporation, each episode highlights the creativity, innovation, and community spirit that make North Adams so special.

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From Market to Main: Hexagon’s Next Chapter
From Market to Main: Hexagon’s Next Chapter

The future home of Hexagon Bagels, on Main Street in North Adams, still has kraft paper on the windows, but the reimagining of the space proceeds steadily toward a planned opening in October!

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Boost Your Business
Boost Your Business

Looking to launch or grow your business? Discover two powerful small business programs in Massachusetts: EforAll’s free 12-week Accelerator offers expert training, mentorship, and networking, while Biz-M-Power provides funding support for small businesses with big goals. Don’t miss these game-changing opportunities—find out if you qualify and apply today!

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Success Stories

Featured
Optimal Healing
Optimal Healing

Discover Optimal Healing in North Adams, where mental health care and holistic wellness come together. Founded by Ashley Benson, the center offers therapy, yoga, sauna, red light therapy, movement classes, and wellness services in a compassionate, community-focused environment dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and thrive at every stage of life.

Read more →
Steeple City Jiu Jitsu
Steeple City Jiu Jitsu

What began as a shared passion between two dedicated martial artists has grown into a thriving community hub in downtown North Adams. Steeple City Jiu Jitsu founders Jon Manley and Tim Stys saw an opportunity to bring year-round martial arts training to an underserved region while investing in a city they believe in. Now, with a growing youth program, they are helping shape the next generation of athletes, leaders, and community members.

Read more →
Roxie’s Barkery
Roxie’s Barkery

Roxie’s Barkery is a woman-owned, family-operated pet boutique and Barkery focused on bringing high-quality, thoughtfully sourced products to pets and their people. They specialize in all-natural dog treats and baked goods, handmade right in our on-site commercial kitchen, enrichment products, dog food, wellness products & more. 
Owner McKenna Burzimati started her business in 2020 out of her love of her dog, Roxie, as well as her desire to give her healthier, better-quality treats.

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Hexagon Bagels
Hexagon Bagels

At the heart of Hexagon's offering is a commitment to slow, intentional craft. The bagels are naturally leavened and hand-rolled with a focus on choosing ingredients with exceptional care. The menu also leans into regional produce, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients from nearby farms whenever possible. Hexagon has made Boston.com's list of the best bagels in Massachusetts — notably the only Berkshire establishment to appear on that list!

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Freia Fine Handpaint Yarns
Freia Fine Handpaint Yarns

Freia is a woman-owned small business specializing in handcrafted, hand-dyed yarn made from merino and wool produced in the U.S. They have earned a devoted following in the fiber arts community, used by knitters, crocheters, and fiber enthusiasts around the world.

Read more →

Resources for Small Businesses

  • You are bound to have a ton of questions about starting your business, so start getting some of them answered by contacting one of the following business assistance programs:

  • There are a variety of grant and loan programs available in the Berkshires and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help you get your business started or to expand your business.

    • MA Vacant Storefront Program

      The City of North Adams has been awarded up to $50,000 in refundable state tax credits through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program, part of the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth initiative. The program is designed to encourage businesses to locate in downtown North Adams storefronts that have been vacant for at least six months.

    • Berkshire Funding Focus 

      If you are unfamiliar with grants as a funding option for your business, this is a greate place to start learning about grants, available grants and how to apply for them.
      Learn More

    • MassDevelopment

      Discover available grants, small business resources, technical assistance programs and other funding options.
      Learn More

    • Franklin County CDC 

      Provide loans between $5,000 and $250,000 to both existing and start-up businesses with a focus on job creation.
      Learn More

    • 504 Loan Program 

      The Small Business Administration provides long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets.
      Learn More

    • Common Capital 

      A non-profit community loan fund and Small Business Administration microlender offering fixed-rate loans from $1,000 to $300,000.
      Learn More

  • City of North Adams Permitting + Licenses Guide 

    Resource to help you learn about all the permits you may need to start or expand your business including permits for building, health, zoning,  environmental and industry-specific licenses. Learn More

    Business Certificate 

    To legally conduct your business in North Adams, you will need to register your business with the Office of the City Clerk. Complete Application

  • Stay up to date about the latest business news, opportunities and events in North Adams be signing up for the following newsletters:

    • 1Berkshire

      Receive updates about events happening throughout Berkshire County, information about local economic trends, opportunities to promote your business and networking events.

    • North Adams Chamber

      Get information about all the local networking events, funding opportunities, business trainings  and other resources. 

    • Discover North Adams

      Get weekly updates about all the local happenings in and around North Adams, including business, art, outdoor recreation, community and music events.

    • Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

      Get updates about local community needs, events and ways to get involved to support the local community of North Adams. 

    • iBerkshires

      Find out about new business openings, expansions and other business updates throughout Berkshire County.

    • Living Local 413

      Get updates on how to connect with and collaborate with other local businesses throughout Western Massachusetts.

  • HIRING

    TRAINING

    • Commonwealth Corporation

      The Express Program offers quick, easy grants for workforce training, helping Massachusetts businesses adapt, upskill, and thrive in changing conditions.

    • ServeSafe Training Programs

      ServeSafe training programs are offered throughout the Commonwealth by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Learn More 

    • Retail Training Certifications

      The National Retail Foundation provides a variety of training certifications for your employees from retail fundamentals to customer service to the business of retail. Learn More

    • On-the-Job training
      MassHire’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program helps employers hire and train new workers by reimbursing a portion of wages during a structured training period. Learn More


    HOUSING

    • Furnished Finder
      A nationwide platform connecting renters with furnished, 30+ day rentals, originally created for traveling healthcare professionals. It offers over 300,000 listings, no booking fees for renters, and direct landlord communication, filling the gap between short-term rentals and traditional leases for flexible, mid-term housing needs.  Learn More

  • FINANCIAL SERVICES

    ACCOUNTING SERVICES

    ATTORNEYS

    Grandchamp Law Offices

    Rumbolt Law

    Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP

    Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian, P.C.

  • Browse available commercial properties in North Adams and the surrounding region on LoopNet, the most widely used commercial real estate marketplace. Search available properties

Not sure where to start? That's what we're here for.