Sturbridge – Southbridge Business Breakfast
On December 5th the Sturbridge Tourist Association in collaboration with the Southbridge Business Partnership co-hosted a business breakfast at Fins & Tails restaurant in Southbridge. The event was well attended with over 40 business leaders present. Below is a brief summary of some of the items that were discussed at the meeting.
Sturbridge Update:
Kevin Filchak provided an overview of the projects that the Town has undertaken since the last business breakfast in September. These included: (1) a discussion on the new subsidized advertising the STA is conducting in 2018 (if you want information on how to get involved in advertising in the guide click here), (2) the new Business Advocacy Group that is being created by businesses for businesses (to get more information click here), (3) the new business newsletters, (4) the goal to have a Sturbridge Farmers Market starting this summer, (5) the results of the makerspace survey.
Southbridge Update:
Rosemary Scrivens provided a summary on several projects currently being undertaken in Southbridge. These included: (1) a discussion on the complete upgrade to the Central Street parking lot, (2) the new Code Enforcer, (3) the Town's efforts to re-write the Zoning Bylaws and (4) how the Southbridge business SJC Drums was featured in news articles.
The business leaders then heard from several speakers highlighting the various ways in which they can help local businesses through trainings, financial support, loans, etc. Links to their websites are found below.
Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation: Micro-loans and Business Plans | Workforce Training Funds
Janice Hills, Loan Program Manager, (413) 967-3001, janice@qvcdc.com.
Gail Farnsworth French, Training Program Manager, (413) 967-3001, gailff@qvcdc.com
MA Growth Capital Corporation: Working capital, loan guarantees, and financial & operational technical assistance
Bob Jones, Sr. Loan Officer, (617) 337-2811, rjones@massgcc.com
Mass Development Finance Agency: Tax-exempt bonds, loans & guarantees, real estate planning and development services
Bob Seega, VP Investment Financing,(508) 363-2799, ext. 132, RSeega@Massdevelopment.com