For additional information, please contact:
Benjamin Lamb
1Berkshire Director of Economic Development
blamb@1berkshire.com
518-312-6363
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1Berkshire Receives $295,000 Regional Economic Development Organization Grant
February 10th, 2023 – Berkshire County, MA – 1Berkshire is excited to announce that it is the recipient of a $295,000 grant award through the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant program. This funding is made available thanks to statewide investments made by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) and the support of the Berkshire County Legislative Delegation.
The funding from the REDO grant will help to sustain the ongoing work of the 1Berkshire Economic Development team’s support of small businesses, implementation efforts associated with the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, and the ongoing regional efforts to bolster the Berkshire economy. Additionally, as part of this year’s grant, 1Berkshire received funding to support a series of five distinct collaborative, regional economic development projects through the competitive application process. These projects include:
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Year two of the Best Foot Forward Facade Improvement Micro-Grant Program: This effort, piloted in 2022, will again provide a series of one-time micro-grants to first-floor business storefronts to support investment in non-construction aesthetic improvements. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3XmC0sl
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“Insert Here” Vacant Window Art Program: This pilot program will provide up to three organizations or municipalities with a subaward grant of $5,000 to fund the commissioning and installation of printed vinyl artwork in vacant storefront windows to help draw attention to available commercial space and add to downtown beautification. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3kp1ff0
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Berkshire Innovation Center North Pilot Programming: This funding will support the piloting of programming and activities associated with extending the reach of the Berkshire Innovation Center into a northern Berkshire presence.
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Small Business Resource Expo: Following the successful inaugural Small Business Resource Expo held in 2022, this program will again convene a breadth of resource providers and members of the small business community to network, offer supportive resources, and build a stronger small business ecosystem in the Berkshires.
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GreylockWORKS Lighting and Signage: In an effort to support the ongoing development of GreylockWORKS, this project will support the production and installation of signage and lighting elements that allow for improved user experience and navigation of the North Adams multi-purpose, mixed-use complex and on-site events.
Benjamin Lamb, 1Berkshire Director of Economic Development notes, “We are again excited and thankful to have the ability, and support from the Commonwealth and our regional delegation, to tactically address ongoing needs in our regional economy through the REDO program this year, and equally excited to be able to leverage the project investments to foster deepened collaborations and act on high-impact initiatives that reach across the communities and businesses here in the Berkshires.”
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 and works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.