Whether you want to launch, pivot, or expand your small business, the goal of our Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) program is to equip you with foundational business operations knowledge and practical guidance on business development issues, tasks, and initiatives.
SBTA empowers business owners and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to be successful and grow in a sustainable way. With business growth comes job creation, and a long-term goal of the program is to decrease the wealth gap in southern Berkshire County.
“While there is a lot I’ve learned through trial and error as a small business owner, it was really nice to get the support to fill in gaps I didn’t have.”
“My consultant’s keen insights helped me pinpoint financial resources available to small-business owners to help me grow and expand. She also helped me finalize a business plan, which will allow Berkshire Camino to get the funding for a marketing budget. Working with the Impact South County and the small business program very much feels like a giant step in my entrepreneurial growth. With the help of Impact South County, I’m creating something that didn’t exist outside of my mind, and I’m determined to make it a success.”
“The people who own small businesses here live in the Berkshires, work in the Berkshires, and care about the Berkshires.”
“Our SBTA consultant is one of our biggest cheerleaders and we have developed so much more than just a mentor/student relationship. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of the Impact South County. We’re very proud to be working with them and are very excited to grow as a company.”
“While there is a lot I’ve learned through trial and error as a small business owner, it was really nice to get the support to fill in gaps I didn’t have.”
“My consultant’s keen insights helped me pinpoint financial resources available to small-business owners to help me grow and expand. She also helped me finalize a business plan, which will allow Berkshire Camino to get the funding for a marketing budget. Working with the Impact South County and the small business program very much feels like a giant step in my entrepreneurial growth. With the help of Impact South County, I’m creating something that didn’t exist outside of my mind, and I’m determined to make it a success.”
“The people who own small businesses here live in the Berkshires, work in the Berkshires, and care about the Berkshires.”
“Our SBTA consultant is one of our biggest cheerleaders and we have developed so much more than just a mentor/student relationship. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of the Impact South County. We’re very proud to be working with them and are very excited to grow as a company.”
The SBTA program provides business support in strategic planning, marketing, sales, bookkeeping, and human resources. Projects range from 5-15 hours of assistance over weeks or months to help address issues that help start, stabilize, and grow businesses. Services are funded by state and donor funds for marginalized communities.
Once you’ve been accepted into the program, our team will conduct an in-depth, individual conversation with you to develop your individualized program. The result is a rigorous and highly participatory program in which you’re paired with a professional consultant who is a subject-matter expert on your identified needs. Together, you will co-create the work and leave with new skills in your toolbox.
In this interview, she shares how her business was impacted by the pandemic, and how she worked, learned, prepared, and pivoted during this time with the help of her SBTA mentor Robin Helfand and other local programs. (Video: Community Television for the Southern Berkshires)
The SBTA program is open to all small businesses in Berkshire County with fewer than 20 employees, with a special focus on underserved populations including, but not limited to low/moderate-income individuals, women, LGBTQIA+ community members, those with disabilities, people of color, and immigrants. It can be a sole proprietorship, an existing business with employees, or just an idea that needs help getting off the ground. We offer a limited number of opportunities for participation and must select participants who can commit to the rigor of the program. Please be in touch to learn more about SBTA and how we can help you and your business grow.
We are currently accepting applications for the next round of SBTA clients.
For more information, contact Giulia Laveto-Emery at giulia@cdcsb.org or (413) 528-7788.
In our monthly newsletter, you will receive project updates, event invitations, and updates on activities happening at Impact South County and our partner organizations.
