North Central Mass Development Corp Provides Financing to Local Small Businesses

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) has recently granted two small business loans totaling $30,000 to Norma’s Corner Dog Day Care in Townsend and to Gallery Sitka in Downtown Fitchburg. The loans enabled these businesses to expand and retained three jobs.

NCMDC granted a loan to Norma Foster, owner of Norma’s Corner Dog Day Care, for $20,000 to assist with relocating and the expansion of her business. Norma had been operating her grooming and dog breeding business from her home in Pepperell, MA for over 30 years. Recently she moved the business to a storefront in the Townsend Harbor Village Shopping Center, Townsend. The move will enable the Norma and her son/partner, Joseph Bouchard, to expand their services to include dog day care, overnight boarding and offer retail dog products. This loan is being made in conjunction with a loan by North Middlesex Savings Bank and will help to retina two jobs. For more information please visit www.normascorner.com.

Gallery Sitka was the recipient of the first Fast Track Loan, a new NCMDC product

“Helping strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs stimulates job creation and is critical to North Central’s economic growth,” said Raymond J. Martino, President of Simonds International and Chairman of the Board of the NCMDC. “The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is providing much needed capital and technical assistance to help our local businesses grow and thrive in the region.”

As amicroloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $75,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

New Customized Market Research PR Final

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Chamber Launches Customized Market Research Service

(North Central, MA) –The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of a new customized market research service that will help member businesses and organizations save money by finding and reaching new prospects more effectively. The Chamber can now help members make their existing direct-mail or telemarketing lists more efficient, analyze sales data to build a profile of their ideal customer targets, or even build a marketing list from scratch based on more than 100 data points such as income level, geography, education, interests, and purchasing tendencies. This information can help local businesses in North Central Massachusetts learn more about their current customers, help them find and reach like-minded prospects, and acquire new customers.

For example, companies offering products & services for the home might benefit from knowing which families have purchased new homes or recently moved into the area. Customized reports comparing a business’ customer profile with that of their target geographic area can provide enhanced segmentation, insight, and personalization to improve current marketing efforts. Additional tools enable businesses to update and verify information, remove duplicates, and improve the odds of response to direct-mail offers, marketing like large companies on a small business budget.

“We are excited to launch this new service that offers businesses greater access to potential customers. This type of high-value market information has traditionally been out of reach for many small and mid-size businesses,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO “We think that access to this customized research will be a powerful tool that can give North Central Massachusetts small businesses a competitive advantage.”

Current members or businesses interested in learning more about the customized market research offered through the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce should contact Jeff Ardis, Manager of Member Services at (978) 353-7600 ext. 234 or via email at [email protected].

NCMDC Press Release Entrepreneur Seminar 9-13-2016

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All-Day Workshops Scheduled for Entrepreneurs in Clinton, Ma

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Savings Bank are holding two business workshops on September 13, 2016 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

The free workshops are being held in partnership with the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), SCORE, NewVue Communities and the Town of Clinton Community & Economic Development Office.

Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton, MA on Tuesday, September 13.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Roland Nutter, AdviCoach

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:00. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978-353-7607 ext. 232 or [email protected] or register online at northcentralmass.com.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

NCMDC Press Release Entrepreneur Seminar 5-10-2016

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All-Day Workshops Scheduled for Entrepreneurs in Athol, Ma

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and North Quabbin Community Coalition are holding two business workshops on May 10, 2016 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

The free workshops are being held in cooperation with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), SCORE, Town of  Athol and NewVue Communities (formally Twin Cities CDC).

Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the North Quabbin Community Coalition, 251 Exchange St., Athol, MA, on Tuesday, May 10.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Roland Nutter, AdviCoach

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:00. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978-353-7607 ext. 232 or [email protected] or register online at northcentralmass.com.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

NCM Development Corporation Press Release Express Loan Program

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has developed a new Express Loan Program to assist existing small businesses that need quick access to funding.  The new program offers a 48 hour loan decision for a loan request up to $5,000 with financing available within a week.  If approved, the business is also eligible to receive business assistance from NCMDC staff and consultants.

The new program was developed to help local businesses that find themselves in a situation where they need fast access to capital and want to avoid high-interest credit cards or expensive and un-regulated online lenders.  Eligible businesses include existing businesses such as restaurants, retail shops, service businesses, small manufacturers, home-based businesses or other businesses that would typically meet the definition of a small business.  The loans can be used for inventory, equipment, working capital or to refinance existing business debt. Loans terms vary on the use of the funds and the interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.

The new program was launched by the NCMDC because of concerns over some small businesses having difficulty getting traditional loans and then turning to predatory lenders that offer a quick turnaround, but burden the business with exorbitant and deceptively high interest rates.  The high interest and associated costs then make it harder for the business to grow and be successful.

“We don’t want our local businesses saddled with high interest and hidden fees,” said Roy Nascimento, President of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We want them to consider us first. Our goal is to help these businesses grow and prosper, which ultimately helps the North Central Massachusetts economy.”

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts.  The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4.2 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the new express loan or the other loan programs available through the NCMDC, please call 978-353-7607 or visit http://northcentralmass.com/lending/.

NCM Development Corporation Press Release Entrepreneur Seminar 1-12-2016

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All-Day Workshops Scheduled for Entrepreneurs in Fitchburg

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and Hometown Bank are holding two business workshops on January 12, 2016 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

The free workshops are being held in cooperation with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), SCORE, City of Fitchburg, City of Leominster, and NewVue Communities (formerly Twin Cities CDC).

Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, 860 South St., Fitchburg on Tuesday, January 12, 2016.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Roland Nutter, AdviCoach

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:00. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978-353-7600 ext. 232 or [email protected] or register online at northcentralmass.com.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

NCM Development Corporation New Logo

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logo

(North Central, MA)  – The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently unveiled a new logo design. The new branding features updated fonts and a new, more contemporary look to symbolize the vibrancy of the regional economic development organization and its work advancing the economy of North Central Massachusetts. The new logo is also reflective of the organization’s growth and transformation over the years while also signifying its connection as an affiliate to the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

“This rebranding is coming at a perfect time as we are in the process of adding new and progressive programs that will make it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to receive alternative loans and technical assistance from us” said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the NCMDC.

Along with the new logo, the NCMDC will be unveiling an upgraded website in the upcoming month. The new website will make it easier to find information on available loan programs, as well as build awareness about the region as a place to do business. The new logo, and the website redesign, were both created by Lysa Miller of 3 Media Web, a marketing firm and member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts.  The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4.2 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation’s new logo or its programs, please call 978-353-7607 or visit http://northcentralmass.com/doing-business-here/.

Chamber Offers New Solar Marketplace

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Partnership to Help Homeowners and Businesses Save on Energy Costs

(North Central, MA) –The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of a new online solar marketplace for the benefit of residents and businesses in North Central Massachusetts.  The Chamber, in collaboration with EnergySage, Inc. and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) have launched this unique partnership to help residents and businesses in North Central Massachusetts take advantage of cost savings from installing solar energy.

Through this collaboration, local businesses and homeowners can use a free online tool on the Chamber’s website to examine options for putting solar panels on their commercial or residential buildings.  With a few clicks, the EnergySage Solar Marketplace provides consumers with multiple quotes from high-quality installers in an easy to compare, “apples-to-apples” format — to ensure that they get the best deal possible. In addition to connecting with local installers, the online marketplace also helps simplify the complex solar process by providing educational tools and unbiased information that enables consumers to fully understand their options and to gauge the potential long-term costs and savings.

“We are excited to partner with EnergySage and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to help homeowners and businesses in North Central Massachusetts make informed energy decisions,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great one-stop shop for homeowners and businesses to navigate the complex maze of solar options and to find the best choice for their needs.”

Based in Boston, EnergySage is the “Kayak.com of Solar”, the only independent comparison-shopping website for solar energy systems and options in the country. Their unique, innovative platform provides unprecedented levels of choice, transparency, and information at no cost to consumers.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has long been a leader on energy initiatives, promoting measures and initiatives that support and encourage a reliable and more affordable energy supply that keeps pace with the region’s growing population and economy, while protecting our environment.  In addition to the new Solar Marketplace, the Chamber piloted a successful solar energy program that provides “net-metering credits” to local manufacturers to help reduce their cost of doing business and afford them the opportunity to enhance their ‘Green Business’ profile.

The Chamber has long advocated, to state and federal officials, in support of legislative and regulatory initiatives that help make state energy costs more competitive and ensure a diverse energy portfolio. The North Central Massachusetts Chamber also participates in CICE in an effort to share best practices and navigate and prosper in the clean energy and innovation spaces.

For more information or to access the Chamber’s new online solar marketplace, please visit northcentralmass.com.

Gallery Sitka Bolsters Creative Economy in Downtown Fitchburg

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t-russell-gallery-1

Gallery Sitka is the latest addition to the arts and culture economy in Downtown Fitchburg, after receiving support with a North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation micro-loan. Obtained through the Express Loan program, Gallery Sitka – located at 454 Main Street – was able to receive a small loan to help with start-up costs at their Main Street Gallery that features local artists.

“A downtown business in the creative economy, that received financing through our micro-loan program epitomizes smart, coordinated economic development,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.

Gallery Sitka was welcomed to Downtown Fitchburg at a ribbon cutting event by a large crowd of community leaders, elected officials, and downtown business owners. Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Senator Jennifer Flanagan and Representative Stephen Hay were on hand to welcome Gallery Sitka and owner Tamar Russell Brown to Fitchburg.

“This is so important to our creative economy – and that is a focal point that we have in the city of Fitchburg,” said DiNatale to the crowd at Gallery Sitka. Mayor DiNatale noted how important it is for businesses and the city to work together to improve the economy. The creative economy has a particularly important role in Fitchburg’s downtown area. The Fitchburg Art Museum, Boulder Art Gallery, and proposed artist housing in the former B.F. Brown building positions Fitchburg as a leader in the arts and culture arenas.

Sitka Gallery was referred to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation by NewVue Communities and Hometown Bank, providing a great example of organizations working together to provide assistance to a local business.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation is the region’s leading resource for economic development and job creation. The micro-loan program provides financing to small businesses that cannot access traditional bank capital. Recently, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation established an Express Loan program that allows borrowers to access loans valued at $5,000 or less in just a few days.

Over the last year, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has lent nearly $400,000 to 21 start-up and existing businesses, which resulted in the creation or retention of 36 jobs in North Central Massachusetts. Micro-loans over the last year were leveraged with over $1.4 million in bank capital.

For more information about Gallery Sitka, visit their website at www.gallerysitka.com

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.

AMP IT UP

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AMP IT UP! MATCHING GRANTS TO THE NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TOTALING $10,000 FOR INCREASING
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CAREER AWARENESS

MassDevelopment announced 10 partnerships will receive AMP it up! matching grants to conduct outreach and other innovative programs that will educate young people and adults about career options in advanced manufacturing. Among those partners is the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation who will receive $10,000 for the 4th concecutive year to continue to promote and grow awareness for careers in advanced manufacturing.

The lead organizations on these 10 partnerships are: Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield), Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable), Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board (Greenfield), Greater Lowell Workforce Investment Board (Lowell), Metro North Regional Employment Board (Cambridge), New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Council (Fitchburg), Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester), Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (Springfield), and Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School (Billerica).

In a complementary effort to promote the attractiveness of careers in advanced manufacturing, MassDevelopment is also holding a second edition of the AMP it up! Video Challenge, which invites students to research the inner workings of an advanced manufacturing innovation and show in a three-minute video how it impacts the world around them. An online balloting tool will allow the public to help determine the winning videos, which will earn cash prizes donated to their schools. One middle school, one high school, and one community college will each win $5,000 in funding for a total of $15,000 in prize money.

“These 10 partnerships have developed creative, thoughtful proposals – in conjunction with industry – to reach students, guidance counselors, and veterans about the great potential of manufacturing careers,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “This grant round and the AMP it up! Video Challenge will build on previous AMP it up! efforts to educate everyone about the opportunities in the Massachusetts advanced manufacturing industry and the increasing need for skilled workers to fill these high-paying jobs.”

The community-based programs that are receiving the awards include student internships, tours of advanced manufacturing companies, career awareness workshops, teacher and guidance counselor information sessions and externships with manufacturers, and other planned activities. The AMP it up! campaign highlights the exciting, technology-driven, high-paying career options in manufacturing, dispels outdated misconceptions about the industry, and bolsters the prospective employee base for these quality jobs with Massachusetts companies. The fourth round of grants builds on the successes of the campaign’s first, second, and third years.

“North Central Massachusetts boasts the largest concentration of manufacturing in the state. One out of every five people employed in the region has a job in manufacturing. This AMP it up! award will be a great help to us in our ongoing efforts to support and grow this critical industry for the region,” said Roy Nascimento, president of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation.

North Central Massachusetts Economic Development Council, Fitchburg*** – $10,000
In partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), Manufacturing Roundtable of North Central Massachusetts, and Fitchburg Public School System
These partners will provide tours of manufacturing companies to district superintendents, career counselors, and students to increase awareness of potential manufacturing careers. The partnership will also host roundtables for superintendents and business leaders to discuss and collaborate on educational issues, along with exploring creation of a teacher externship program.

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MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2015, MassDevelopment financed or managed 294 projects generating investment of more than $2.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 6,100 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 2,000 residential units.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978-353-7607.