NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — North Adams businesses are being encouraged to fill out an online survey designed to guide the use of state grant funds.
The fiscal 2018 MassWorks Infrastructure grant had initially been focused on helping small business find its customers online through social media marketing but has since morphed in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The North Adams Wayfinding Project will now assist businesses with finding resources in this dramatically changed economic environment.
Many smaller businesses have been fully or partially closed since mid-March by order of the governor to help contain the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19.
The survey takes about 5 minutes and asks business about their current status, past and future employment needs, if they plan to reopen and what their technical and training needs will be, such as legal or financial strategies or training on new platforms or social media.
The project's coordinators are asking business owners or managers to take the survery "so we can better understand how to communicate with you and how to better serve you during this time."
Some 300 local businesses should have received a postcard with survey information. The survey link can also be found here along with other business resources.
Businesses are asked to complete the survey before the end of May.
This project, funded through the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant Program through the State Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, is a partnership between the North Adams, the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Community Development Corp. Its first project had been a training
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Weekend Outlook: Cabin Fever
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening in Berkshire County this weekend, including art, fun, maple sugar and more.
Editor's picks
North Adams First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Music, art, and games will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Cabin Fever."
Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.
The Fitzpatrick Greenhouse at Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to welcome the new season amongst hundreds of flowering bulbs.
The greenhouse is free and open to the public. More information here.
Lee High Drama Presents 'The Addams Family'
300 Greylock St., Lee
Friday through Sunday
Lee Memorial High stages the musical comedy of the infamous Addams family in the auditorium.
Tickets are $10 adults and $8 for students and seniors.
'Glow Ocean': First Friday Opening Reception
Eagle Street, North Adams
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Future Gallery's opening reception makes it look like you're under water. The walls will be glowing with underwater creatures, coral, and more. The work was made by 75 locals.
Cosmic Bowling: Strike Out Glioblastoma
K&M Bowling, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy music, black lights, party lights, and of course bowling for a good cause. There will also be raffles and T-shirt sales to help raise money for glioblastoma research.
These easy-paced, 1 to 3-mile guided hikes are geared for seniors, but open to all ages. A wonderful opportunity to join other hiking enthusiasts who share in the joy of the great outdoors. Hiking times may vary from 90 minutes to two hours. Be prepared for variable weather, wear appropriate clothing and sturdy boots.
Caprese Conyers scored 22 points, and Kyana Summers had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds to go with eight assists as Pittsfield got back to the state semi-finals for the second year in a row. click for more
Surrounded by local maple producers and community members, Agricultural Commissioner Ashley Randle drilled a hole in a maple tree to release a true sign of spring — drops of sap. click for more