Regional Level Resources

Mentorship

SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to entrepreneurial education through face-to-face and email counseling.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Western Regional Office provides free and one-to-one business advising to prospective and existing small businesses.

Networking

Regional Technology Corporation is a catalyst for the growth and development of technology-based industries.

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield represents about 1,600 businesses and several local chamber chapters.

Private Capital

Long River Ventures invests in seed and early stage companies in technology, healthcare and related sectors with a typical initial investment of $500,000 to $1MM,; a partner fund of The Berkshires Capital Investors.

(Both are part of the Village Ventures network.)

Longmeadow Capital Partners typically invests between $2 and 20 million, sponsors financial transactions that include management buy-outs and provides post-transaction operational assistance.

Pioneer Valley Capital invests in profitable and growth companies with revenues in excess of $5MM.

River Valley Investors is a group of individual investors who's contact is Paul Silva of Angel Catalyst.

Meadowbrook Lane Capital is an advisory and investment firm formed by serial entrepreneurs and professionals.

Government

The Western Massachusetts Enterprise Fund, Inc. reviews loan requests up to $150,000 considered them for funding based on community benefit, business viability and risk considerations. WMEF offers a variety of loan products for a range of credit needs with loan amounts beginning at $1,000. Borrowers may be individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. WMEF funds both start-up enterprises and established businesses. WMEF serves businesses in the First and Second Congressional Districts in Massachusetts, which include Franklin County, Berkshire County, Hampshire County, Hampden County and parts of Worcester County.

The State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance promotes the development of business enterprises and non-profit organizations owned or operated by minorities and women.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) aids with starting, building and growing businesses. A branch office is located Springfield.

Prototyping

Greentech Skunkworks is a local resource for the design, prototyping and engineering of green technology solutions.

Other

The University of Massachusetts Library, Amherst, provides free access to a wealth of reports and databases.

The Springfield Business Incubator provides comprehensive support services and a professional office environment for new businesses initiatives, enhancing and accelerating their growth and stimulating economic development in Western Massachusetts through affordable, customized leases from 400 to 2500 square feet.

State-Level Resources

Government

The Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund grants funds for training current employees and new hires.

The Massachusetts Community Development Finance Corporation provides financing to small businesses in Massachusetts with the purpose of creating or preserving jobs and promoting economic development.

MassDevelopment offers Tax-Exempt Bonds which provide a very low interest rate financing for capital projects. Projects financed must be eligible for tax-exempt financing under the federal tax code. Tax-Exempt Equipment Lease/Purchase Program provides manufacturers, nonprofit institutions, and environmental enterprises with a low-cost alternative for financing $300,000 or more in new equipment needs. This organization was formerly known as the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency before merging with the Massachusetts Industrial Finance Authority and Massachusetts Land Bank.

Funding

The Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) of Massachusetts, is a public/private partnership that provides financing to small companies. SBICs are privately organized and managed venture capital firms that are licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). More information on SBICs is available here.

Northern Connecticut Resources

Funding

Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) of Hartford

First New England Capital

Ironwood Capital

National Resources

Mentorship

MicroMentor aids emerging entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through mentoring and relationship advising done by experienced peers and business professionals.

iMantri is an online peer-to-peer community for seeking and offering mentoring and coaching.

Online Funding Resources

Go Big Network is an on-line marketplace that connects the startup and small business community. The company allows startup companies, investors, advisors, job seekers and service providers to post requests for help on-line and have those requests routed to other members of the Network who can help them.

IdeaCrossing is an internet resource available to individuals and organizations with an interest in supporting and promoting entrepreneurial activity.

Business Plan Posting provides a current listing of investment firms.