1Berkshire Receives Regional Economic Development Organization Grant
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire announced that it is the recipient of a $295,000 grant award through the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant program.
This funding is made available because of statewide investments made by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) and the support of the Berkshire County Legislative Delegation.
The funding from the REDO grant will help to sustain the ongoing work of the 1Berkshire Economic Development team's support of small businesses, implementation efforts associated with the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, and the ongoing regional efforts to bolster the Berkshire economy. Additionally, as part of this year's grant, 1Berkshire received funding to support a series of five distinct collaborative, regional economic development projects through the competitive application process. These projects include:
- Year two of the Best Foot Forward Facade Improvement Micro-Grant Program: This effort, piloted in 2022, will again provide a series of one-time micro-grants to first-floor business storefronts to support investment in non-construction aesthetic improvements. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3XmC0sl
- "Insert Here" Vacant Window Art Program: This pilot program will provide up to three organizations or municipalities with a sub-award grant of $5,000 to fund the commissioning and installation of printed vinyl artwork in vacant storefront windows to help draw attention to available commercial space and add to downtown beautification. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3kp1ff0
- Berkshire Innovation Center North Pilot Programming: This funding will support the piloting of programming and activities associated with extending the reach of the Berkshire Innovation Center into a northern Berkshire presence.
- Small Business Resource Expo: The Small Business Resource Expo, that was first held in 2022, will be held again.
- GreylockWORKS Lighting and Signage: In an effort to support the ongoing development of GreylockWORKS, this project will support the production and installation of signage and lighting elements that allow for improved user experience and navigation of the North Adams multi-purpose, mixed-use complex and on-site events.
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