A Core Value
Supporting Entrepreneurship in the Berkshires
Do you have an idea for a new business? Are you wondering how you might turn a skill into a company? Looking for resources or collaborators? The Economic Development team at 1Berkshire can help.
We offer free, 30-60 minute consultations for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to bring an idea to fruition. Whether seasoned or just beginning to explore, these sit-downs with our Econ Dev team can help you advance goals, tackle obstacles, and game out pivots, expansions, or the rollout of new goods and services.
“Our consultations have helped connect hundreds of entrepreneurs and businesses,” said Ben Lamb, Director of Economic Development. “These consultations are a great landing pad for anybody who has questions, ideas, or aspirations to open, grow, move, or shift their business in our region.”
Fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship and ingenuity of the Berkshires’ economic ecosystem is a core value. Take advantage of all we have to offer today!
The Basics
- To get started, fill out this form. Include your challenges, needs, and expectations.
- We will reach out to schedule a one-on-one meeting, either in person, by phone, or by Zoom.
- In advance of your meeting, take time to articulate the assistance you’d like to receive.
- Bring with you: investment figures, no. of employees, current challenges, successes, and a list of goals.
The Benefits
- 1Berkshire operates within a strong ecosystem to support new business. We can offer referrals to various agencies, public and private, that can be of assistance. Plus, we help make connections so you don’t have to cold call another business.
- We have a strong working knowledge of available resources, initiatives, and programs designed to support new and growing businesses and help launch ideas.
- Our team is an excellent sounding board. Our goal is to support you, your ideas, and the success of all local businesses. We are your cheerleaders.
- Your consultation is completely confidential.
Other Good to Know
- 1Berkshire offers other benefits to entrepreneurs such as monthly Entrepreneurial Meetups, ongoing programs like GoFundU and the ongoing technical assistance through the Berkshire Economic Recovery Project.
- We have strong partnerships with other agencies that support entrepreneurs through training and programming, including the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and EforAll Berkshire County.
- Not interested in sitting down for a consultation? You can email us a question!
- These services are all free and available to the entire community. You do not need to be a member of 1Berkshire.
Sign up today and take the next step to making your dreams a reality.