1Berkshire Launches Pilot Program to Support Immigrant Entrepreneurs

PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  1Berkshire has announced a two-year pilot program aimed at supporting immigrant entrepreneurs in the Berkshires, funded by a one-time earmark from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Berkshire Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Program consists of four key initiatives:

• Collaborative Partner Resource Allocations - These pre-identified funding allocations will help launch, sustain, or complete programs, projects, or efforts that add new capacity. 1Berkshire's support to Berkshire Community College's ESOL program for Spring and Fall 2025 is one such investment being made through this program. Future allocations will be announced as they occur.

• Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (WMBE) Certification Micro-Grants - For immigrant entrepreneurs and immigrant-owned businesses that it makes sense for, this program is offering micro-grants to help cover the cost of the certification process.

• Translation and Interpretive Services - By investing in ongoing translation and interpretation services, more materials, programs, training, and resources will be distributed in multiple languages to support entrepreneurs and their business growth.

• Tailored Technical Assistance and Training - Based on past and ongoing feedback, this tailored training and technical assistance will focus on the specific needs identified by members of the immigrant entrepreneur community and the partners providing them support already. Workshops will be announced and posted on the 1Berkshire Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Program website.

Ben Lamb, 1Berkshire VP of Economic Development, highlighted the program's potential impact, emphasizing the contributions of immigrant-owned businesses to the local economy and downtown revitalization efforts.

"1Berkshire is excited that it can put these resources to good work and support our growing immigrant business community in ongoing and new ways over the next two years. Berkshire County has seen such an immense amount of private investment by many such businesses in recent years; creating jobs, driving redevelopment, building community, and injecting life into our downtowns," he said. "These added resources will further that regional, local and individual economic impact for these entrepreneurs committed to building their businesses in the Berkshires." 

More details and program updates can be found at 1Berkshire's website.

Wahconah High Club, Green Committee Host Earth Week Activities

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
11:41AM / Sunday, April 19, 2026

There was information and games last week at the high school and volunteer and other opportunities this week. 

DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School students are cultivating an environmentally friendly atmosphere in its school, across the district, and now, thanks to a partnership with the Green Dalton Committee, into their communities.

 

As the grass continues to get greener many communities are preparing for Earth Day, April 22, but the school's Green Umbrella Club and Dalton's Green Committee question why limit it to one day?

 

With spring break just days away, club members organized several events to promote eco-friendly habits and environmental awareness, from a Family Feud competition, bake sale, golden-trash scavenger hunt, and a prize wheel activity at lunch.  

 

"It brings a more positive association with taking care of our environment," said Ella Scalise, senior and Green Umbrella Club secretary. 

 

School is a very structured environment where students are often directed on what to do. Earth Week activities introduce the topic in a fun and engaging way, with the goal of fostering environmentally friendly habits, she said. 

 

Taking care of the environment is something that some people do not consistently think about so incorporating it in fun activities and events makes it memorable, said Ellianna Chaffee, junior and Green Umbrella Club member. 

 

When the last bell rings, the experience doesn't end, as students can also take part in Dalton's townwide activities, including a guided birdwatch, a walk and cleanup at the Pines Trailhead, Family Feud, and a townwide scavenger hunt, all culminating in an Environmental Spectacular Fair at the Senior Center. Line-up at the end of the article.