Professional Guidance and Support to New and Existing Businesses
Get started with the Franklin County CDC! Click here for links to start the process and to register for our information sessions.
Business Planning: A Strong Foundation for Success
Writing a business plan helps you to understand every component of your business from communicating your ideas and building a framework for decision-making and management. It serves as a reminder of your goals and for tracking the business’s performance.
The plan is a tool to articulate:
- investment needs
- capital assets
- business partnerships
- customer loyalty
Free Training and Business Counseling Resources
Business Training and Business Counseling is available from a variety of organizations and consultants:
Hilltown CDC, Chesterfield, MA
MA Small Business Development Network
Local Business Associations
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce
Shelburne Falls Area Business Association
Greenfield Business Association
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network – to make an appointment with an MSBDC counselor in:
- Franklin County, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 413-773-5463
- Berkshire County, contact MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office at 413-499-0933
- Hampden County, contact MSBDC Western MA Regional Office at 413-577-1768
- Hampshire County, contact Northampton Chamber of Commerce at 413-584-1900
Fee-based Business Counseling Services
Before seeking fee-based services from business consultants, accountants, lawyers, or CPAs:
- Ask several people you respect for a referral – obtain at least two to three choices
- Set up informational interviews to determine compatibility and if expertise fits your need
- Once you have selected the industry expert:
- Make a plan for the project
- Determine what you can do to prepare for your meetings (being prepared will lower your cost)
- Agree to a fee for service and time needed to complete the work.
Other Questions?
Contact us or call us at (413) 774-7204