Business Development

2025 Take the Floor pitch contest winners Abigail Velazquez of Nailvana, Dana Mengwasser of Same Page Family, and Richard Creque of H.B.D. Skate Shop

Business Planning: A Strong Foundation for Success

Writing a business plan helps you understand your business, communicate your ideas, and build a framework for decision-making and management. It serves as a reminder of the goals you set and as a way to track the performance of your business.

Get Started with business planning.

Are you an early-stage entrepreneur? Learn about our UPstart Program's Entrepreneurship Accelerator and Take the Floor business pitch contest.

Free Training and Business Counseling Resources

Our Business Planning Toolkit is a thorough resource if you want to familiarize yourself with the business planning process.

Business Training and Business Counseling is available from a variety of organizations and consultants:

Western Mass Means Business

Valley CDC, Northampton MA

Hilltown CDC, Chesterfield, MA

Quaboag Valley CDC, Ware MA

MA Small Business Development Network

SCORE Western MA

Greenfield Community College

Local Business Associations

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce

Shelburne Falls Area Business Association

Greenfield Business Association

Montague 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 MSBDC Western MA Regional Office at 413-577-1768
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.