2nd Annual 1Berkshire/MCLA Business Bootcamp Announced

BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MA – 1Berkshire, as part of its Berkshire Starts program and in collaboration with MCLA, is proud to announce the return of its annual Business Bootcamp. The Business Bootcamp, which began as an idea in 2016, is now a fully formed program aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the Berkshires. The objective of the program is to provide participants with a basic understanding of the essential elements involved in successfully starting and growing a business venture in the Berkshires.

“We’re very excited to partner again with MCLA to offer this important educational resource for entrepreneurs. As the scope and breadth of small business ownership continue to evolve in the Berkshires, programs like these are critical to supporting the changing needs of those leading those businesses.”

– Jonathan Butler, President & CEO, 1Berkshire

Last year, we accepted thirteen entrepreneurs into the program, we are looking to grow this number twofold and also looking to expand the program in general. The Business Bootcamp will provide 12 workshops, covering, the Lean Canvas Business Plan model, Legal Structure & IP, Funding, Marketing and Pitching Investors, with extra focus in Business Accounting and Design Thinking. The 3-hour workshops will be co-presented by MCLA faculty paired with experienced business practitioners who serve as mentors in 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Starts program.

The Business Bootcamp is a free program open to students, entrepreneurs, and early-stage business owners. The workshops will begin on March 6th and run through April 12th, Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Pittsfield. The deadline to apply is November 15th and space is limited. Applications and more information can be found at 1berkshire.com/business-bootcamp/.

About Berkshire Starts
Berkshire Starts is a series of programs and resources that assist entrepreneurs and small business owners initiate and grow their ventures. Berkshire Starts provides business consulting, planning and evaluation assistance, connects owners and entrepreneurs with skilled professionals, incentive programs, funding sources, mentors and more. Along with the Business Bootcamp program, we also host Entrepreneurial Meetups and educational seminars, all aimed at helping the Innovation and Entrepreneurship community thrive in the Berkshires. To learn more about Berkshire Starts, contact us at economicdev@1berkshire.com or call (413) 499-1600.

About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business. It provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers, as well as works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.