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.
ArtWeek Kicks Off This Weekend!
North Adams is taking center stage during ArtWeek Berkshires, with a packed lineup of open studios, live music, gallery events, artist talks, workshops, and community gatherings showcasing the city’s vibrant creative economy. From downtown venues to artist spaces and cultural institutions, North Adams is one of the region’s most active and well-represented creative destinations.
We ARE Better Together!
Students from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts partnered with MASS MoCA to host the Better Together Block Party, a student-led arts event connecting campus, downtown, and community through live music, art activities, and creative business tours ahead of FIRST Fridays North Adams. The North Adams Partnership is proud to have been part of the launch of such a successful pilot—can’t wait for next year! 🙌
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.
MASS MoCA Art Futures Benefit & After Party
As MASS MoCA’s Art Futures Benefit winds down, join us to dance the night away at our high-energy, outdoor after party featuring music by DJs Cooper Gangemi and Sören Smedvig, and immersive, large scale projections by artist Pamela Hersch.
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 Your ArtWeek Event—Deadline May 1!
Welcome to ArtWeek Berkshires! Individuals and organizations throughout the county are invited to take part in this multi-day festival of creativity. Enter a performance, studio visit, gallery show or talk—anything creative that includes an experiential component!
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.
ADU Financing 101
Join our ADU Financing 101 webinar to learn about Massachusetts’ new ADU financing program, home equity strategies, and low-interest loans for ADUs—plus eligibility, real-world options, and next steps.
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.
Small & Smart Design Award Ceremony
Congratulations to the winners of the Small & Smart Design Awards! Fifty creative submissions—including outstanding student designs—highlighted innovative, small-scale housing solutions. See the winning ADU concepts online!
Small & Smart Design Awards!
Come connect with designers, community members, and housing advocates as we celebrate the ideas shaping the future of housing in North Adams.
MCLA Student Showcases the Power of Public Art in New Video
MCLA junior Conall Mannion, the Partnership's first intern, set out to understand and document the impact of public art on a community, through the lens of the Hatchlings installation at the Eagle Street Parklet. Here is the story. Special thanks to Northern Berkshire Community Television for making this project possible.
Celebrate a Year of Partnership!
Join us to toast our first year of connection and collaboration on Thursday, October 9, from 5–7pm! Enjoy great company, light snacks, a glimpse into what we’ve accomplished this year, and a look ahead at what’s next for the North Adams Partnership.
First Friday Welcomes Students!
Join us for a Student Community Welcome during First Friday on September 5! The event will bring students from Williams College and MCLA downtown for an afternoon and evening of food, music, and community connections to celebrate the start of the semester and highlight all that North Adams has to offer.
North Adams to Host Third Community R2OS Event
Join the July 10 Route 2 Overpass Community Visioning Session at MASS MoCA to share feedback on final concepts before recommendations are made.
AARP ADU Design Challenge
North Adams Partnership Awarded AARP Grant to Launch Innovative ADU Design Challenge Supporting Senior Housing
R2OS Info Sessions
If you missed the April 5 visioning event for the Route 2 Overpass Study, you still have lots of opportunities to learn more about the project, ask questions, and make your voice heard! The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the North Adams Partnership will co-host several community information sessions Tuesdays from 5:30–6:30pm throughout the months of May and June in locations throughout the city.
Events are free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.