By : Lucas Willard
Source : http://www.publicbroadcasting.net
Category : Small Business Grant
PITTSFIELD, MA (WAMC) - The proposal by first-term Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi is a fulfillment of a campaign promise. The Mayor is seeking to create the Small Business Fund - which would provide loans and grants to eligible existing small businesses in the Berkshire City. Mayor Bianchi said that cities and towns may have their own plans and incentives for attracting new business, but this fund will go towards supporting small business that may be struggling due to a variety of factors, including the sluggish economy.
Mayor Bianchi said that eligible businesses would be able to apply for up to 25,000 dollars through the program to help expand, purchase inventory, or provide consulting services.
The funding will be distributed by Pittsfield's Department of Community Development and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation. Funding will come from the former GE Economic Development Fund, now known as the Pittsfield Economic Development Fund. Applications will be receive final approval from the Mayor's office.
The $10 million Economic Development Fund was established after General Electric left, after a decades-long relationship with Pittsfield. Previously, some of the money has gone towards fostering Pittsfield's revitalization through the arts and culture.
Stuart Chase of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and 1Berkshire says that while Pittsfield does have some large employers, it's the majority of businesses with less than fifty employees that collectively support the Berkshire economy.
The Small Business Fund will still need to receive approval from Pittsfield's City Council.
Ward 4 City Councilor Chris Connell welcomes the idea and thinks it's a right step for Pittsfield, but other issues still need to be addressed, including energy costs.
Mayor Bianchi says this fund will contribute to the city's health and strengthen future economic growth.
Source : http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1908313/WAMC.New.England.News/Pittsfield.Mayor.Introduces.Small.Business.Fund
Source : http://www.publicbroadcasting.net
Category : Small Business Grant
PITTSFIELD, MA (WAMC) - The proposal by first-term Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi is a fulfillment of a campaign promise. The Mayor is seeking to create the Small Business Fund - which would provide loans and grants to eligible existing small businesses in the Berkshire City. Mayor Bianchi said that cities and towns may have their own plans and incentives for attracting new business, but this fund will go towards supporting small business that may be struggling due to a variety of factors, including the sluggish economy.
Mayor Bianchi said that eligible businesses would be able to apply for up to 25,000 dollars through the program to help expand, purchase inventory, or provide consulting services.
The funding will be distributed by Pittsfield's Department of Community Development and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation. Funding will come from the former GE Economic Development Fund, now known as the Pittsfield Economic Development Fund. Applications will be receive final approval from the Mayor's office.
The $10 million Economic Development Fund was established after General Electric left, after a decades-long relationship with Pittsfield. Previously, some of the money has gone towards fostering Pittsfield's revitalization through the arts and culture.
Stuart Chase of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and 1Berkshire says that while Pittsfield does have some large employers, it's the majority of businesses with less than fifty employees that collectively support the Berkshire economy.
The Small Business Fund will still need to receive approval from Pittsfield's City Council.
Ward 4 City Councilor Chris Connell welcomes the idea and thinks it's a right step for Pittsfield, but other issues still need to be addressed, including energy costs.
Mayor Bianchi says this fund will contribute to the city's health and strengthen future economic growth.
Source : http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1908313/WAMC.New.England.News/Pittsfield.Mayor.Introduces.Small.Business.Fund
