GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) is now offering technical assistance free of charge to small businesses throughout the Berkshire region.

 

This program was made possible by a grant awarded to the CDCSB by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The grant funds will enable CDCSB to provide small businesses, at various stages of development, customized, one-on-one professional business consultation.

 

"This is a truly outstanding opportunity for the CDCSB to directly support small businesses seeking to pivot during the COVID-19 crisis," said CDCSB Executive Director Allison Marchese. 

 

Since launching the new program in January, the CDCSB has helped a local food service business, a Main Street retail shop, and several personal service businesses.

 

"Along with being the leader in providing affordable homes in the southern Berkshires, the CDCSB's mission is fully focused on creating economic development opportunity and jobs," said Marchese. "Small business technical assistance is one of many initiatives we have planned to strengthen the Berkshire economy."

 

The Small Business Technical Assistance program allows the CDCSB to assist area businesses at various stages of development, from pre-start up to existing businesses planning for growth. Consultations are customized to each business's needs and can range from building business skills, identifying new customers or creating a pathway to financing. The program is open to all small businesses in the Berkshires with special consideration for minority and women-owned businesses.

 

This opportunity is available to small businesses through June 30, 2021. Small businesses in the Berkshires can apply at http://bit.ly/sbtaform.

 

For more information about the program or questions contact Emmalyn Gaertner at emmalyn@cdcsb.org.