PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration joined state and local officials in Fitchburg to celebrate awards through the state's Community One Stop for Growth, including $950,000 in grants from the Collaborative Workspace Program.   

 

In October, the Administration announced $164 million for 338 grant awards through the One Stop to support local economic development projects in 161 communities across the state. 

 

"One of the things that makes Massachusetts special is our talent for innovation and entrepreneurship," said Governor Maura Healey. "These grants through the Collaborative Workspace Program will help turn that energy into outcomes by providing creatives, entrepreneurs, and business owners with the partnerships and resources they need to thrive."

 

The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) was included and recived a $50,000 grant to fit out BIC Works @MOCA, a "node" at Mass MoCA in North Adams in partnership with BIC members, academic institutions, and economic development partners. The partnership will leverage the energy of the MoCA community, giving the BIC a physical presence and ease-of-access to serve students and organizations in northern Berkshire County. 

 

"Collaboration keeps Massachusetts competitive and fuels our innovation economy," said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. "The Collaborative Workspace Program provides resources to accelerate business growth, job creation, and entrepreneurial activity in communities across the state, and we're excited to celebrate these awards." 

 

Administered by MassDevelopment, the Collaborative Workspace Program provides funding to support the development of collaborative workspaces and accelerate the pace of new business formation, job creation, and entrepreneurial activity. Since the program was created in 2014 through FY23, it has supported more than 210 awards for a total investment of more than $11 million.