Small Business Assistance
Looking to grow your small business?
Whether you want to launch, pivot, or expand your small business, the goal of our free Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) program is to equip you with foundational business operations knowledge and practical guidance on business development issues, tasks, and initiatives.
SBTA empowers business owners and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to be successful and grow in a sustainable way. With business growth comes job creation, and a long-term goal of the program is to decrease the wealth gap in southern Berkshire County.
“My consultant’s keen insights helped me pinpoint financial resources available to small-business owners to help me grow and expand. She also helped me finalize a business plan, which will allow Berkshire Camino to get the funding for a marketing budget. Working with the CDCSB and the small business program very much feels like a giant step in my entrepreneurial growth. With the help of CDCSB, I’m creating something that didn’t exist outside of my mind, and I’m determined to make it a success.”
What SBTA provides
The SBTA program is free and offers a project-based (10-15 hours) track that can lead to a longer-term training program (60 hours). Once you’ve been accepted into the program, our team conducts an in-depth, individual conversation with you to develop your individualized program. The result is a rigorous and highly participatory program in which you’re paired with a professional consultant who is a subject-matter expert on your identified needs. Together, you will co-create the work and leave with new skills in your toolbox.
The program can offer you specialized assistance and mentorship with the following:
Business Plans
Sales Strategy
Marketing and Advertising
Financial Planning
Technology Support
Bookkeeping
Risk Management
Staffing & Benefits
Criteria for participation
The SBTA program is open to all small businesses in Berkshire County with fewer than 20 employees, with a special focus on underserved populations including, but not limited to low/moderate-income individuals, women, LGBTQIA+ community members, those with disabilities, people of color, and immigrants. It can be a sole proprietorship, an existing business with employees, or just an idea that needs help getting off the ground. Preference is also given to individuals and businesses that are ready to launch their new business or initiative. We offer a limited number of opportunities for participation and must select participants who are able to commit to the rigor of the program. Please be in touch to learn more about SBTA and how we can help you and your business grow.
Interested in learning more about SBTA? Download our FAQ.
“Our SBTA consultant is one of our biggest cheerleaders and we have developed so much more than just a mentor/student relationship. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of the CDCSB. We’re very proud to be working with them and are very excited to grow as a company.”
How to apply
We are currently accepting applications for the next round of SBTA clients. For more information, contact Giulia Laveto-Emery at giulia@cdcsb.org or (413) 528-7788.
SBTA is funded in part by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation.
