Business Development

Western Massachusetts E-Contractor Academy – In partnership with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Western Mass Economic Development Council, the Emerald Cities Collaborative recently launched the Western Massachusetts E-Contractor Academy. The collaborative effort will provide minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) with training and technical assistance to help them access business opportunities in energy…

Since its launch almost a decade ago, Tech Foundry has trained hundreds of students and partnered with scores of employers across Western Mass. to get people trained for good IT careers and help businesses grow with local talent. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar…

A $75,000 Urban Agenda grant has been awarded to Springfield WORKS, the primary applicant in partnership with Springfield Public Schools to expand the Two-Generation/Whole Family Approach to Career Pathways (2Gen) model to the Springfield Public School system. This funding, provided by the MA Executive Office of Economic Development, will assist in outreach and recruitment of…

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has named a cyber range manager for the Springfield Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCE) at Springfield Union Station. Following a comprehensive search, the college has hired Gene Kingsley, who will be responsible for a host of facility operations. Supported by local, state, and federal funding, the center is scheduled to…

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study Centers Equity in Economic Research and Highlights Vital Role of Arts and Culture in Building More Livable Communities Springfield Cultural Partnership, an AEP6 community participant, announces that Springfield’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $82.4 Million in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic…

In a surprise announcement, the city revealed it had acquired a substantial piece of property officials hope will spark economic development along the State Street corridor. Mayor Domenic Sarno said at an Oct. 19 press conference that the city would take ownership of the Vibra Hospital site on State Street with sights set on redeveloping…

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners for 2023. The Business of the Year Award is being presented jointly to Westfield Barnes Regional Airport and the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Kimberley Betts of Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply. Westfield…

Home City Development Inc. (HCDI) has begun construction of 34 new affordable apartments on a previously developed site in Pelham. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at 20 Amherst Road, Pelham. Elected officials, funders, and project partners will speak. Parking for the event is at 2 South Valley…

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) received a $39,000 charitable grant from KeyBank Foundation, the charitable foundation of KeyBank, during the bank’s Volunteer Build Day held on Chestnut Street in Holyoke. The donation will assist Habitat’s environmental-stewardship program, which strives to build homes utilizing a variety of environmentally friendly building practices to have a positive…

Hospice care has been a great source of comfort to individuals and families facing a difficult time of life, yet not everyone knows exactly what services are available and how they can access them. Maria Rivera has spent more than a decade guiding people through this process at Hospice of the Fisher Home, including the…