What’s New
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 🙌
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!