BERP Works to Boost Women and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise Certifications

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PITTSFIELD, Mass—The Berkshire Economic Recovery Project announced the launch of its women- and minority-owned business enterprise (W/MBE) module in an effort to Boost Women and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise Certifications.
 
This training module, available in both English and Spanish, provides a high-level overview of what it means to be a certified woman and/or minority-owned business enterprise, and how such a certification can help support the small businesses here in the Berkshires.
 
In addition to the short overview training modules, interested businesses will also find a direct link to schedule a free intake consultation with the Economic Development team at 1Berkshire. 
 
These consultations will allow 1Berkshire to make direct referrals to technical assistance support to help guide interested women- and minority-owned businesses through the certification process. 
 
The Berkshire Economic Recovery Project is a program of 1Berkshire and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, with funding from the United States Economic Development Administration. 
 
Businesses and business owners are invited to visit the W/MBE module page for more information and to view the recordings. 

Tags: 1Berkshire,   BRPC,   

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Bousquet Sport Upgrades to All-Liquor License

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bousquet Sport has upgraded its beverage license so guests can enjoy a cocktail while watching a tennis or pickleball match. 

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved a change of category and an alteration of premises for the facility at 100 Dan Fox Drive.

Attorney Jesse Cook-Dubin explained that Bousquet Sport wants to convert to an all-alcohol license under the new state law, "which we're very appreciative exists." 

"Not likely for the purpose of having a full bar, but really just ready to drink cocktails as an additional option," he explained. 

A state law passed last year allows restaurants and bars with existing wine and malt beverage licenses to convert their licenses to all-alcohol licenses. 

Throughout the 2020s, Milltown Capital has acquired and renovated Bousquet and the former Berkshire West into Bousquet Sport. In 2023, the City Council approved a tax increment financing agreement for the project that will relieve about $215,000 in real estate taxes. 

There is a small bar area between the tennis and pickleball courts where people gather after playing a match, but Dubin said it is not a night spot. Right now, they have to prohibit people from leaving the building with a drink. 

"They would like to expand into the outdoor areas," he said. 

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