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Summer 2004
  Articles on this page: • The Business Community The Business Community Business Departments & Loan Programs The City of Pittsfield, through its Department of Community Development and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) offers a number of programs as to developers and entrepreneurs locating or expanding businesses in Pittsfield. The Department of Community Development 499-9368 Rm. 205 at City Hall 70 Allen St., Pittsfield, MA, 01201. The Department of Community Development (DCD) is a significant contributor to Pittsfield's economic growth. One of the department's major responsibilities is the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses. DCD helps direct people to available land and existing space for potential use. North Street Relocation Program Legacy Bank has established a pool of $250,000 available in up to $25,000 loans to businesses either new or relocating to the downtown area. (Joseph Santora, Jr., Legacy Bank, 443-4421 ext. 505.) North Street Facade Improvement Loan Program A loan pool of $200,000 set aside by Legacy Bank available in loans of up to $20,000 for facade improvements to buildings between Park Square and Union Street. (Joseph Santora, Jr. Legacy Bank, 443-4421 ext.505.) Handicapped Accessibility Improvement Loan Program Loans may be obtained by private and non-profit property owners in the downtown area to make buildings handicapped-accessible with ramps, bathroom improvements, warning devices and widened doorways. Matching funds are required. Laura Mick, DCD specialist, 499-9378. Energy conservation Both Western Massachusetts Electric and Berkshire Gas offer energy conservation assistance to small and medium commercial and industrial customers. Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) A number of programs to assist entrepreneurs and developers locating or expanding businesses in the city - Ann W. Dobrowolski, DCD Specialist, 499-9371. Small Business Administration • Loans may be obtained through a combination of sources to qualifying businesses. • PERC small business loans for construction or acquisition of fixed assets or working capital. • CDFC Venture Capital Fund for approved loans of from $100,000 to $250,000 preferably for manufacturing companies that will increase employment. PERC also sponsors applications for similar loans of up to $20,000 through the Western Massachusetts Enterprise Fund for businesses outside of the city. • Economic Development Incentive Program offers a variety of tax incentives for businesses creating permanent new jobs and investing in facilities that will resuscitate blighted areas. Non-Profit Business Organizations Aside from government agencies, a host of non-profit organizations work to improve business or help consumers and business people with information and assistance. Those include: Berkshire County Consumer Advocates 150 North St., Suite 34, 443-9128. Free assistance and advice regarding consumer issues and complaints. Berkshire Visitors Bureau 3 Hoosac St., Adams, 743-4500 and Pittsfield Visitor Center, 121 South St., 443-9186. Dedicated to encouraging and supporting tourism and hospitality industries in the region. Formed as the Berkshire Hills Conference in 1926 and incorporated in 1938. Supported with state funds and member fees. Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires 75 North St., Suite 360, 499-4000. David Bissaillon, President. Monitors legislation and hosts forums and workshops aimed at assisting Pittsfield area businesses. www.berkshirechamber.com Berkshire Business and Professional Women's Club Valerie Jean Hartnett, President, (518) 392-6197. Local chapter of national organization serving as an advocate for all working women but open to women and men, working or not, as members. Meetings are usually the first Monday of the month at various locations. Topics range from networking and legislative issues to financial planning and professional development. The group honors a county Woman of Achievement and awards scholarships to women who are non-traditional students. Downtown, Inc. 75 North St., Suite 360, 443-6501. Yvonne Pearson, Director. A coalition of officials and business people dedicated to promoting the downtown region through a host of activities. Maintains a list of available office and retail space in the downtown. Employment and Training Berkshire Community College Business and Industry Development - 499-4660 ext. 555. Work-related seminars and training customized for on-site or on-campus. Berkshire Enterprises and Berkshire Business Information Center 1 Fenn St. Suite 301, 448-2755. Vicky Singer, director. An entrepreneurial training and consulting program for those interested in starting their own businesses. www.berkshireenterprises.com Pittsfield Enterprises Center 1 Fenn St., Suite 302, 448-2755. Small business incubator. Low-cost furnished spaces and shared business services and consulting. www.berkshireenterprises.com. Berkshire Works 160 North St., 499-2220, www.Berkshireworks.org. Berkshire Works provides an array of quality and unique services to all of Berkshire County. There is a full range of employment services, electronic job listings, resources library, resume and cover letter development, basic computer instruction, and job placement. They have employer services where they can screen candidates, use pre-employment assessment tools, help with outreach and recruitment, and offer forums and job fairs. Advantage Employee Network 20 Taconic Park Drive, 499-4241. A division of Berkshire County ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), this state funded private employment agency for disabled persons offers employers tax credits, salary reimbursements and employee training. Paul Gavrity is the contact person. Berkshire Vocational Services of Meridian Associates 141 North St., 448-5353. Placement agency that matches disabled workers with entry-level jobs. Provides screening and on-the-job training and assessment, tax credits and long term follow-up. Elder Services 66 Wendell Ave., 499-0524, 1-800-544-5242, www.esbci.org, Offers employers and their employees support in the form of working caregiver and care management programs.  RETURN TO TOP |
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