The STRONGER BUSINESSES™ Program
A five-session program
Ideal for: Startups, Growth/Second-stage, Established
Cost: $349 per company, for up to three participants
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Presented by: Laurie Breitner and Karen Utgoff
Sponsored by: The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation
Practical tools and techniques to help business owners build long-term success. Each of the five sessions begins with breakfast to offer nourishment and opportunities for informal peer mentoring and then continues until noon with a content rich workshop. Each participating business will receive one-on-one assistance from these two experienced business consultants. Scholarships are available for qualified businesses.
WomenUpFront
A facilitated monthly roundtable for women business owners
Ideal for: Growth/Second-stage, Established
Cost: $1,300 annually
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Facilitated by: Cathy Crosky
Sponsored by: Peoples Bank
WomenUpFront offers a curriculum designed for the small business owner including guest speakers who impart knowledge, support and inspiration. WomenUpFront helps accelerate women entrepreneurs to transition their businesses to the next level. Roundtable meets the 3rd Wednesday morning of each month and includes lunch.
Basic Business Start-up
Offered in Springfield and Greenfield
Cost: Free
Ideal for: Pre-startups, Startups, Growth/Second-stage, Established
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Presented by: Allen B. Kronick, Senior Business Advisor, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Western Regional Office. The MSBDC is a Growth Center partner.
A primer in starting a business, focused on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business plan development and funding sources. Entrepreneurs will learn how to write a business plan and provide structure to manage their venture. Information on the Small Business Administration and its programs and services will also be offered.
Business Planning and Cash Flow
A three-session program.
Cost: $75 for all three sessions
Ideal for: Pre-startup, Startup, Growth/Second-stage, Established
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Presented by: SCORE, a Growth Center Partner
Learn to create your business plan and predict your cash flow. Suggested prerequisite is our Starting Your Business workshop. Attendees are encouraged to meet with a SCORE mentor between workshop sessions for one-on-one counseling. Note: all three sessions are required.
Navigating the Small Business Loan Process
Cost: $25
Ideal for: Pre-startup, Startup, High-Growth, Established
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Presented by: Tom Cebula and Jeff Lomma, Westfield Bank
Sponsored by: Westfield Bank
Learn how to fund your start-up business and navigate the loan application process. Topics to be discussed include five areas of credit that are considered; financial reporting; traditional loan types; and nonconventional loans.
Marketing Pillars and Success
Cost: $25
Ideal for: Pre-startup, Startup, High-Growth, Established
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Presented by: Liz Provo, Authorized Local Expert with Constant Contact
Learn strategies that will make your marketing efforts as effective as possible. Topics include the 4 Pillars of Marketing Success; how to use newsletters and announcements; and effective best practices.
Starting Your Business
Cost: $25
Ideal for: Pre-startup, Startup
Hosted by: The Business Growth Center
Presented by: SCORE, a Growth Center partner
Clearly understand the details, challenges, opportunities and rewards of owning and operating your own business. This workshop is a suggested prerequisite to SCORE’s Business Planning Workshop.