Business Counseling
At the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, we provide in-house advisors to new and aspiring business owners. We have access to industry specific consultants who have the practical experience an entrepreneur needs to get the customized business plan that will give their startup the best chance of success. Whatever advice you are looking for, whether it’s for marketing, finance, insurance, we have the experts you need to get the best advice and the latest industry secrets.
Our business counselors provide personal advice, feedback, and information to help you:
Assess, confirm, and enhance your current plans
Discover & evaluate new opportunities, and
Acquire new ideas
What is SCORE?
Our mentors offer the business experience that new business owners need to bring the best possible business plan to the table. Our SCORE experts have experience in every aspect of business management, from the macro issues a business faces to the little details that allow everything to run smoothly. They are the ultimate asset to new business owners and the perfect sounding board for your new ideas and strategies.
How much will a SCORE session cost?
Absolutely nothing! Our network is volunteer based, professionals who offer their time to new business owners as a way to give back to the community. The counseling is free and confidential for any small business in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island.
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
What is MSBDC?
The MSBDC (Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, located in Clark University) provides free one-on-one comprehensive and confidential services focused on business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance, and strategic analysis. The statewide program has three integrated product lines: Business Advisory Services, Government Contracting, and International Trade Services.
What do MSBDC advisors do?
We work with business owners to develop business and marketing plans, evaluate financials and cash flows, and offer general business advice that will help their companies succeed.
How will MSBDC help my business?
The MSBDC business advisors are well versed in every aspect of business from the basic business plan a startup needs to a more aggressive business model designed to save a business. Whatever difficulty you as a business owner are encountering, the safe bet is that one of our professionals has experienced it too, and has the knowledge to walk you through the process.
Our advisors aren’t just business savvy professionals. They also work closely with local banks and the Small Business Administration (SBA) and it’s these crucial connections give our clients an opening directly to the financing source. This invaluable association gives our clients a better chance of securing a loan or financing plan they need to make their venture a reality. In addition, with this knowledge our advisors are often able to introduce owners to financing options they may not have considered, through federal, state, or local financing sources
How much will an MSBDC appointment cost?
Connect with MSBDC
Rob DelMastro, Senior Business Advisor
Clark University Small Business Services
https://www.msbdcatclarku.com/
Other Business Resources
Economic Development Partners
Massachusetts Office of Business Development
1350 Main Street, Suite 1110
Springfield, MA 01103
Tel: 617-595-6363
Email: debra.boronski@mass.gov
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
1 Mercantile Street, Suite 520
Worcester, MA 01608
www.cmrpc.org
Tel: (508) 756-7717 x 119
Fax: (508) 792-6818
Email: jpierce@cmrpc.org
MassDevelopment
33 Andrews Parkway
Devens, MA 01434
massdevelopment.com
Office: 978-784-2901
Cell: 774-312-3733
Email: karvidson@massdevelopment.com
MassMEP
100 Grove St.
Worcester, MA 01605
massmep.org
Office: 508.831.7020 x20
Cell: 781.454.9596
Fax: 508.831.7215
Boston Area
MA Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
Bob Jones, Sr Loan Officer
TEL: 617-337-2811
Email: rjones@massgcc.com
ISP provides financial and management assistance to companies and re-employment training to workers with the goal of ensuring the competitiveness of Massachusetts manufacturing companies.
TEL: 617-727-8158
MBDC provides supplemental financing to promising small- and medium- sized companies in Massachusetts.
TEL: 617-350-8877
Kelly Arvidson, VP Business Development
MDFA provides a one-step economic development financing source and has the ability to assemble complete financing packages for companies wishing to start-up or expand in Massachusetts.
TEL: 978-784-2901
Email: KArvidson@Massdevelopment.com
