Berkshire Economic Recovery Program Technical Assistance Offerings

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire, in partnership with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and with support from the United States Economic Development Administration, announces the second slate of technical assistance offerings of the Berkshire Economic Recovery Program (BERP).
 
Through a series of seven cohorts across four topical areas in the Fall of 2021, the Berkshire Economic Recovery Program Technical Assistance series was able to support more than 20 businesses through targeted, need-specific offerings, resulting in business improvements, and quantified by the over $200,000 in funding collectively accessed by businesses through their participation. 
 
Going into the Spring of 2022, the series continues with returning offerings including the popular “Essentials of Digital Marketing” and “Get Ready to Get Funded”, also now being joined by at least two new topics; critical communication skills, and branding for business growth. Additional workshops and technical assistance may be added over the coming weeks.
 
Participants in each topical cohort will join a scheduled kickoff workshop with the technical assistance provider. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant will be provided up to two hours of free one-on-one technical assistance from the consultant leading the workshop.
 
The BERP Technical Assistance series is free, and offered to any business that has been operating for at least one year. Each cohort has a capacity of 7 participating businesses (fewer in some cases), so space is limited and registration is required. For a list of Spring 2022 technical assistance offerings, please visit: https://1berkshire.com/1berkshire-programs/berkshire-economic-recovery-project-technical-as sistance-program/
 
For more information, or for additional inquiries, please contact the 1Berkshire Economic Development Team at EconomicDev@1berkshire.com.

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BCC Wins Grant for New Automatic External Defibrillator

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is the recipient of a $2,326 grant, funded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for the purchase of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) device. 
 
The grant specifically covers a device for use inside one of BCC's security vehicles for easy access when traversing the campus.  
 
In total, the Commonwealth awarded more than $165,000 in grant funding to 58 municipalities,
13 public colleges and universities, and nine nonprofits to purchase AEDs for emergency response vehicles. The program is designed to increase access to lifesaving equipment during medical emergencies, when every second matters.  
 
An AED is a medical device used to support people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. An AED analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.  
 
"Immediate access to AEDs is vital to someone facing a medical crisis. By expanding availability statewide, we're equipping first responders with the necessary tools to provide lifesaving emergency care for patients," said Governor Maura Healey. "This essential equipment will enhance the medical response for cardiac patients across Massachusetts and improve outcomes during an emergency event."  
 
The funds were awarded through a competitive application process conducted by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).  
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