What’s New
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! 🙌
ICYMI: MSBDC at BIC Works
Nearly 20 North County businesses gathered at BIC Works @ MASS MoCA for a flexible networking event connecting entrepreneurs with advisors and resources. Speakers highlighted common challenges like “owner stalemate,” succession planning, and isolation—reinforcing the value of peer support, strategic thinking, and local organizations in helping small businesses grow and succeed.
Free Workshop to Boost Summer Visitor Engagement
Get ready for summer visitors at a free one-hour workshop on May 14 at Wild Soul River in Williamstown. Learn practical skills to engage customers, read cues, and turn casual visits into meaningful conversations that strengthen connections and share your business story.
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.
Small Business Owners: Drop In, Get Expert Help, and Grow
Join the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center for an open session meet-and-greet at BIC Works @ MASS MoCA in North Adams. This flexible three-hour event invites small business owners and entrepreneurs to drop in at their convenience, connect with advisors, and learn about available resources.
Register: Small Business Resource Expo
The Berkshire/Western Massachusetts Small Business Resource Expo returns May 21, 9 AM–3 PM at the Stationery Factory in Dalton. This free event connects entrepreneurs with expert advice, offering a one-stop hub to help businesses start, grow, and thrive across the region.
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.
Berkshire Innovation Center Hosts Small Business Support Seminar
Local entrepreneurs gathered at Berkshire Innovation Center to connect with partners, access guidance and capital, and learn they’re not alone.
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!