Wednesday, November 2nd / 11am - 12pm
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Veteran Small Business Outreach Center of New England as we celebrate the strength and resilience of the veteran and military small business community on a virtual small business roundtable featuring successful veteran entrepreneurs from throughout New England.
Featured Speakers Include:
- Larry Stubblefield, Associate Administrator for SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
- Mike Vlacich, SBA New England Regional Administrator
- Jennifer "Jennie" Murphy, Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England
Veteran Business Owner Panelists Include:
- SBA Connecticut 2022 Veteran Small Business of the Year - William Pastyrnak, Counterweight Brewing Company
- SBA New England & New Hampshire 2022 Veteran Small Business of the Year - AJ Jarnagin, Expansia
- SBA Rhode Island 2022 Small Business of the Year - Mark Torok, Anchor Physical Therapy
- SBA Vermont 2022 Small Business of the Year - Brian Kippen, KAD Models & Prototypes, Inc.
During this webinar you will:
- Hear from successful veteran entrepreneurs about how military service prepared them for life as small business owners and what resources they used to make their journeys successful.
- Learn about resources available to the veteran small business community to help start, grow, expand or recover a small business.
11/16 How to Submit a Winning SBA Small Business Week Awards Nomination Package
Wednesday, November 16th / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
In this workshop, Norman Eng, Public Affairs Specialist, for the SBA Massachusetts District Office will provide an overview of the SBA's National Small Business Week Awards and share what it takes to submit a winning nomination package.
We will share ideas on how to answer some of the questions and review all of the required forms needed in order to be considered a complete package.
You will also see examples of winning packages from previous years and get your questions answered about the process. For complete details check out the Massachusetts District Office NSBW Awards Memo.
Questions? Contact: Norman.Eng@sba.gov
Massachusetts District Small Business Week Categories:
- Small Business Person of the Year (National and District)
- Small Business Exporter (National and District)
- Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Minority Small Business Owner
- Veteran Small Business Owner
- Women Small Business Owner
- Microenterprise
- Young Entrepreneur
- Small Business Manufacturer
- Homebased Business Owner
- Financial Services Champion
The Massachusetts District Office must receive all nominations by electronic submission ONLY no later 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 2022.
Wednesday 11/2/22 / 9:00am - 11:00am
The Basics of Email Marketing Part 2
Wednesday 11/2/22 / 11:00am - 12:00pm
Access to Capital
Wednesday 11/2/22 / 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Writing a Business Plan Part 1 - Legal Formation
Thursday 11/3/22 / 10:00am - 11:00am
Surplus Federal Personal Property for Veteran-Owned Small Business Program
Thursday 11/3/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Business Plan Basics for Veterans
Thursday 11/3/22 / 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Understanding Financial Reports
Friday 11/4/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Franchising 101 for Veterans: Fundamentals, Facts, Myths and more
Friday 11/4/22 / 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Best Practices for Global Trade Compliance Risk Assessment
Monday 11/7/22 / 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Kickstart Your Social Media Blueprint: LinkedIn for Biz
Monday 11/7/22 / 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Basics of Starting Your Business
Tuesday 11/8/22 / 10:00am - 11:30am
How to Open a Business in Massachusetts Legally
Tuesday 11/8/22 / 11:00am - 12:00pm
Business Plan Basics - CWE Eastern MA - Live Webinar
Tuesday 11/8/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00am
Fraud & Cyber Crime Awareness for Businesses
Tuesday 11/8/22 / 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Steps to Starting a Business
Tuesday 11/8/22 / 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Entrepreneurship for Veterans
Wednesday 11/9/22 / 10:00am - 11:00am
PTAC Nuts and Bolts for Federal Contracting
Wednesday 11/9/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
The Four Financial Pillars - Session I - Budgeting - Central MA - Live Webinar
Wednesday 11/9/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Women Supporting Women: Virtual Networking - CWE Central MA - Live Webinar
11/9 Virtual Meeting with The Possible Zone & the Small Business Administration
Tuesday, November 9th / 12pm - 1pm
(A link to the Zoom meeting will be forwarded to your email address by November 8th)
Join us online and learn about a new collaboration between the SBA's Massachusetts District Office, The Possible Zone and Three Squares Main Street in Jamaica Plain!
The Possible Zone (TPZ) and the Small Business Administration, MA District, will sign a Strategic Alliance Memorandum between the two entities, during the corresponding in-person event at TPZ’s Innovation Center in Boston’s Jackson Square neighborhood.
The Possible Zone is located at 31 Heath Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Upcoming Events (con't)
Thursday 11/10/22 / 9:00am - 11:00am
Business Tax Considerations for 2022 and 2023
Thursday 11/10/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
How to Start Getting Paying Customers Before You Have a Website or Social Media - CWE EM - Virtual Live
Thursday 11/10/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Cash Flow Management - CWE Central MA - Live Webinar
Thursday 11/10/22 / 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Massachusetts Health Connector: Affordable, Flexible Health Coverage for Small Business
Thursday 11/10/22 / 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Writing a Business Plan Part 2 - The Business Description
Friday 11/11/22 / 12:00pm - 1:30pm
So You Wanna Sell Online, Huh?
Monday 11/14/22 / 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Business Entities 101 - CWE Central MA - Virtual Live
Monday 11/14/22 / 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Women Supporting Women: Virtual Networking - CWE Central MA - Live Webinar
Tuesday 11/15/22 / 9:00am - 10:00am
GET STARTED-Doing Business with the Federal Government
Wednesday 11/16/22 / 11:00am - 12:00pm
How to Become Women-Owned Certified with SBA
Wednesday 11/16/22 / 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Writing a Business Plan Part 3 - Location and Facilities
Thursday 11/17/22 / 9:00am - 12:00pm
Basics of Starting Your Business
Friday 11/18/22 / 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Red Flags Reimagined: Antidiversion Best Practices in Today’s World
Tuesday 11/22/22 / 9:00am - 10:30am
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Wednesday 11/30/22 / 10:00am - 11:00am
PTAC Webinar: PTAC NAICS, PSC, FSC and Forecasts
Wednesday 11/30/22 / 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Writing a Business Plan Part 4 - Market Research
NEWS RELEASE: SBA Announces Microsoft President Brad Smith, Industry Leaders as Speakers for Inaugural Small Business Cyber Summit
On October 26, Administrator Guzman Will Convene Experts from the Cybersecurity and Business Worlds to Share Best Practices and Practical Tools to Help Small Businesses Bolster Their Cyber Defenses
Release Date: October 19, 2022
Release Number: 22-87
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the initial speaker slate for its inaugural Small Business Cyber Summit, including Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft. The summit takes place on October 26, during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and follows the recent announcement of awardees for the SBA’s new pilot program, created to help emerging small businesses steel themselves against cyber-attacks. The free, virtual cybersecurity forum is a first for the agency and aims to help introduce American small businesses to tools, tips, and resources to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure in addition to exploring new trends and challenges entrepreneurs are increasingly facing.
Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA and voice for America's 33 million small businesses in President Biden's Cabinet, will kick off the summit with an intimate fireside chat featuring Microsoft’s Brad Smith to discuss both organizations’ efforts to empower small businesses and startups across America to develop their cybersecurity infrastructure and combat evolving, increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks – a priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, outlined in the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act).
In addition to this segment, other featured participants will include Kiersten Todt, Chief of Staff for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Biography for Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft:
As Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith leads a team of more than 1,900 business, legal and corporate affairs professionals located in 54 countries and operating in more than 120 nations. He plays a key role in spearheading the company’s work on critical issues involving the intersection of technology and society, including cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, human rights, immigration, and philanthropy. Smith joined Microsoft in 1993, first spending three years in Paris leading the legal and corporate affairs team in Europe. In 2002, he was named Microsoft’s general counsel and spent the following decade leading work to resolve the company’s antitrust controversies with governments around the world and companies across the tech sector. Before joining Microsoft, Smith was an associate and then partner at the law firm of Covington and Burling.
Speakers
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Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft
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Kiersten Todt, Chief of Staff, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Kimberly Mentzell, Director of Cybersecurity and Aerospace, Maryland Department of Commerce
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Jacob Blacksten, Digital Solutions Manager, Delaware Small Business Development Center
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Earl Gregorich, Area Manager & Business Consultant, Greenville Area Small Business Development Centers
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Joshua Lawton, Director of Engagement (Americas), Global Cyber Alliance
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Scott Anderson, Executive Director, Forge Institute
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Eric Toler, Executive Director, Georgia Cyber Center
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Ashley Podhradsky, Associate Professor of Digital Forensics, Dakota State University
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Jennifer Gold, Director of the Board, InfraGard New York Chapter
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Arthur Plews, Chief of Staff, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Entrepreneurial Development
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Jennifer Kim, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations
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Larry Stubblefield, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Veterans Business Development
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Bruce Purdy, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Small Development Centers
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Jack Bienko, Senior Innovation Advisor, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Entrepreneurial Development
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Aikta Marcoulier, Regional Administrator – Rocky Mountain region, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations
Additional speakers and schedule to be announced. The schedule is subject to changes.
Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required. Visit bit.ly/SBACyberSummit to register for this event.
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About the SBA’s Inaugural Small Business Cyber Summit
The inaugural summit will feature various experts including the SBA, SBA Resource Partners, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), state government collaborators, and public/private sectors including small business owners and major technology platforms.
Comprised of digestible and compact segments, attendees will have the opportunity to network and access practical tips, problem-solving strategies, industry trends, threat avoidance, and small business testimonials to learn how to help small business owners defend themselves against cyber-attacks. To register for this free summit, please visit www.bit.ly/SBACyberSummit.
NEWS RELEASE: Administrator Guzman Advances New Small Business Investment Company Reforms to Expand Access, Strengthen and Diversify SBA’s Public-Private Investment Partnership Program
Release Date: October 18, 2022
Release Number: 22-86
WASHINGTON -
Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, announced the Federal Register publication of SBA-proposed reforms to the Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) program designed to reduce financial barriers and increase access and diversity in the U.S. small business investment ecosystem.
“SBA’s SBIC program has helped generations of entrepreneurs bridge capital gaps to build and scale resilient businesses. Despite the program’s impact, we still see underinvestment in communities across America, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to filling those capital gaps,” said Administrator Guzman. “Our proposed reforms to the SBIC program aim to diversify our SBIC network and portfolio, and incentivize patient capital to support critical industries as we build a better America. I look forward to working with our private investment partners and receiving important feedback to make this vital program even stronger.”
The proposed rule, SBIC Investment Diversification and Growth, seeks to address structural aspects of the SBIC program which have historically limited the flow of SBIC regulatory capital to small businesses and startups not adequately served by private investors alone.
The proposed reforms published in the Federal Registry include:
- Reduce barriers to SBIC program participation for new private fund managers and private funds focused on equity and longer-term debt investments in small businesses and startups, especially those in underserved communities and geographies, capital-intensive industries, and technologies critical to national security.
- Establish an alternative borrowing structure to the traditional Debenture SBIC. This alternative is constructed to align with the cash flow patterns of equity-oriented investment funds and longer-duration strategies.
SBICs are private market investment funds that are licensed as “SBICs” and regulated by SBA. SBICs invest or lend private capital, plus funds borrowed with an SBA guarantee, to make equity and/or debt investments in small businesses and startups. This past year, 299 SBICs invested in over 1,500 companies, which created and sustained over 103,000 U.S. jobs. Such investments are funded by an SBIC program portfolio of over $37 billion in committed and invested capital focused exclusively on small businesses and startups across the United States.
“The SBIC Program was established in 1958 in response to a report published by the Federal Reserve Board acknowledging the important role of small businesses and startups in our country’s economic vitality and a lack of adequate sources of private equity and long-term loans to support the creation and growth of such businesses. SBA’s proposed rulemaking presents an opportunity for the Agency to evolve how we fulfill this mission by strengthening, expanding, and diversifying the reach and impact of the SBIC program. We look forward to hearing from industry as we work to advance a shared mission of solving our nation’s access to capital challenges,” said Associate Administrator for Investment & Innovation Bailey DeVries.
The proposed rule was placed on public inspection and made available in the Federal Register on Oct. 19, 2022. Comments are due Dec. 19, 2022, and proposed reforms are planned to take effect with a final rule to be published in the coming new year.
Springfield Branch Manager, Oreste Varela is leading the Boots to Business program at Hanscom Air Force Base on the 24th and 25th of October. In collaboration with local SBA resource partners, this two-day “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course gives a primer on key elements of small business ownership to assist in determining if entrepreneurship is a feasible and practical transition strategy.
The Massachusetts chapter of the American Rental Association hosted their inaugural conference with a series of panels helping people in the hospitality sector get back on their feet. The association is dedicated to advancing the equipment and event rental industry. The MA DO participated in a panel moderated by Outreach and Marketing Specialist Diane Darling, with speakers including District Director Bob Nelson, MSBDC Boston director Debbie Raisner Thompson, Eastern Bank rep Paul Ruocco, and Patrick Daaboul from Needham Bank. Members of ARA were delighted to hear about the many resources available through the SBA and it partner network and to also hear updates about EIDL as well as personally meet lenders.
On Friday, October 28th, the SBA MA District Office held a Capital Matchmaker event at Brockton Community Access studios in Downtown Brockton in collaboration with SBA Community Navigator, Cape Verdean Association of Brockton. Executive Director Moises Rodrigues of the CVA of Brockton and District Director Bob Nelson opened the event with welcome remarks, followed by an Access to Capital panel moderated by MSBDC Senior Advisor Cliff Robbins with lenders including: Mark Walker, Senior Vice President, Eastern Bank; Jay Pateakos, Senior Vice President, Mass Development; and Jessica Mello, Business Assistance Officer at SEED Corporation. Later, a networking session connected the attendees with resource providers -- with over 50 participants joining this event.
     
Wednesday 11/9/22 / 10:00am - 11:00am
PTAC Nuts and Bolts for Federal Contracting
Tuesday 11/15/22 / 9:00am - 10:00am
GET STARTED-Doing Business with the Federal Government
Wednesday 11/16/22 / 11:00am - 12:00pm
How to Become Women Owned Certified with SBA
Tuesday 11/22/22 / 9:00am - 10:30am
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Wednesday 11/30/22 / 10:00am - 11:00am
PTAC Webinar: PTAC NAICS, PSC, FSC and Forecasts
Get weekly information on eligibility assistance for HUBZone certification
Members of the HUBZone team answer questions on a weekly basis to help firms navigate the certification process.
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When
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Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. E.T.
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How
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Find a local number, or call 208-391-5817 and enter Skype conference ID #278449067
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For PDF versions of information about the HUBZone Program and related improvements, select the HUBZone Fact Sheet, Program Improvements, and SBA’s latest FAQs.
Learn How to Apply to Get Certified as an 8(a)BD Small Business
Microsoft Teams 8(a)BD “Straight Talk” meeting Public Access
Members of the 8(a) team answer questions on a monthly basis to help firms navigate the certification process, including program benefits and eligibility requirements for 8(a) certification.
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When:
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Third Wednesday of each month - 2:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. (ET)
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How:
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Call 202-765-1264 (Washington, DC) and enter phone conference ID#: 217 121 169
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7(j) training, provided to eligible firms and their employees, includes very specialized training in the areas of federal contracting. The training will be provided in an online format with live instructors and the ability for students to participate and ask questions. Up to 40 participants per workshop will receive training on how to make "real world" business decisions that will facilitate their firm's success.
Please check out the 7J training schedules for Stover & Associates, The Catalyst and Gabriel Enterprises below.
Stover & Associates Workshops
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Click the “Register for Training” button on the left side navigation pane and check out a complete list of topics offered this month.
Apply now to CWE’s Spanish-Language Programs!
Are you looking to grow an existing business? Do you have a business idea and want to know how to develop it?
CWE, in collaboration with Surfside Capital Advisors, as its technical assistance provider, have the pleasure to announce the launch of Spanish-language programming:
“10 WEEKS TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN.”
AND “ONE TO ONE STRATEGIC BUSINESS CONSULTING”
These programs are for all who want to have a successful business, regardless of the stage you are in formation, start-up, growth, development, or expansion
Program- 10 Weeks to Create Your Business Plan
Aimed at potential business owners who are defining or beginning to formalize their business and need the support of expert consultants to develop their strategic business plan.
What benefits do the programs offer?
→ Develop a business plan supported by CWE Surfside Capital Advisors consultants.
→ CWE-sponsored subscription to LivePlan, an online, interactive tool to help you write your business plan.
→ Option to continue with personalized consulting to address a specific area of your project or access capital (the business plan must be completed)
Program - One to One Strategic Business Consulting
This program is aimed at all business owners who want to: increase sales, stabilize cash flow, improve their finances, digitalize processes, develop digital marketing strategies, or prepare to obtain access to capital, among other needs.
What benefits does the program offer?
→ Personalized consulting focused on solving or developing a critical element of your business.
→ Immediate execution of the strategies with the resources that your business has today: people, equipment, system, and capital
→ Flexible hours adapted to your own schedule.
To learn more about the programs visit and register at CWE www.cweonline.org/EnEspanol
The program is free for all participants. Applications are open now!
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 ¡Inscríbase en los programas de CWE en español!
¿Tienes un negocio y necesitas estrategias para crecer tu empresa? ¿Tienes una idea de negocio y quieres saber cómo desarrollarla?
CWE, en colaboración con Surfside Capital Advisors, tiene el placer de anunciar el lanzamiento de los programas en español:
"10 SEMANAS PARA CREAR TU PLAN DE NEGOCIOS"
" UNO A UNO ASESORÍAS ESTRATÉGICAS DE NEGOCIO"
Ambos programas, completamente gratuitos, están dirigidos a las todas las mujeres que tienen como meta un negocio exitoso, sin importar la etapa en la que se encuentre.
Programa- 10 Semanas para crear su Plan de Negocios
Dirigido a potenciales dueñas de negocio que están definiendo o comenzando a formalizar su empresa y necesitan el apoyo de consultores expertos para desarrollar su plan estratégico de negocios.
¿Qué beneficios ofrecen los programas?
- Desarrollo de un plan de negocios con el apoyo de los consultores expertos.
- Suscripción a LivePlan, una herramienta interactiva que lo ayudará a crear su plan.
- Opción de continuar con asesorías personalizadas para atender un área de su plan.
Programa - Uno a Uno Asesorías Estratégicas de Negocio
Dirigido a las dueñas de negocio que quieren ejecutar acciones para: aumentar las ventas, estabilizar el flujo de efectivo, mejorar sus finanzas, estrategias de marketing digital, tener acceso a capital, entre otros.
¿Qué beneficios ofrece el programa?
- Consultorías personalizadas enfocadas en resolver solventar o desarrollar elementos críticos de su negocio.
- Ejecución inmediata con los recursos que hoy tiene disponible: personas, equipos, sistemas y capital.
- Horario flexible y adaptado a su tiempo.
Para conocer más acerca de los programas y aplicar visite www.cweonline.org/EnEspanol
Please direct all other inquiries and questions to our District Office email at:
MassachusettsDO@sba.gov
FREE and confidential counseling services are available across the Commonwealth.
Virtual education, training and networking sessions are happening daily.
Please schedule a virtual session with any of our Resource Partners below...
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WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Staff are working remotely and can be reached via email or telephone. MSBDC is committed to supporting entrepreneurs during these very challenging times.
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MSBDC advisors can assist businesses with disaster loan applications.
If you are not currently a client and would like to speak with a counselor, please find your region and reach out to the REGIONAL OFFICE SERVING YOU.
Berkshire Regional Office
33 Dunham Mall, Suite 103
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-0933 | Fax: 413-499-3005
www.msbdc.org/berkshire
Central Regional Office
Clark University
The Carriage House, 125 Woodland Street
Worcester, MA 01610
508-793-7615 | Fax: 508-793-8890
www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdc
Northeast Regional Office (SPANISH-SPEAKING COUNSELOR)
Salem State University
121 Loring Avenue, Suite 310
Salem, MA 01970
978-542-6343 | Fax: 978-542-6345
www.salemstate.edu/sbdc
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Scibelli Enterprise Center
1 Federal Street, Building 1
Springfield, MA 01105
413-545-6303 | Fax: 413-737-2312
https://www.massptac.org
Southeast Regional Office
200 Pocasset Street
Fall River, MA 02721
508-673-9783 | Fax: 508-674-1929
www.msbdc.org/semass
Western Regional Office
Scibelli Enterprise Center
One Federal Street, Building 101
Springfield, MA 01105-1160
413-577-1768 | Fax: 413-737-2312
www.msbdc.org/wmass
Reach out to other SCORE CHAPTERS throughout the state below.
Eastern Massachusetts Center - Boston
44 School St., Suite 200
Boston, MA 02108
www.cweonline.org
Central Massachusetts Center - Westborough
69 Milk St., Ste. 217
Westborough, MA 01581
Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE)
132 George M. Cohan Blvd.
Providence, RI 02903
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) (cweonline.org)
Disclaimer: The SBA does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. All programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
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