Valley Venture Mentors (VVM)

We're excited to announce that we've been chosen for the Y World Class Market Community Bag Program! From now until the end of JULY, if you purchase a reusable Community Bag at the Big Y at 503 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, it will benefit Valley Venture Mentors! This promotion is only active at the West Springfield Big Y, though, so make sure you're going there! Show your support to our local entrepreneurial ecosystem while preparing for summer and the holiday!

Are you looking for a community within the climatetech space? In collaboration with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, FedTech, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, and FORGE Pioneer Valley, the Massachusetts Founders Network is hosting an event series called Convening the Climatetech Community: Empowering Entrepreneurs, Building Networks, Leveraging Mentors

Join us for the first event in Springfield for an evening of networking, updates, and engaging conversations about the thriving Massachusetts climatetech ecosystem.

Whether you're a founder, serial entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about climatetech, this event is for you!

📅 When: July 15, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Western Mass EDC Headquarters, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gsvZ8mEk

We're excited to announce that we've been chosen for the Big Y World Class Market Community Bag Program! From now until the end of JULY, if you purchase a reusable Community Bag at the Big Y at 503 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, it will benefit Valley Venture Mentors! This promotion is only active at the West Springfield Big Y, though, so make sure you're going there! Show your support to our local entrepreneurial ecosystem while preparing for summer and the holiday!

We are happy to announce that MassDevelopment’s TDI program is offering ServSafe Manager Certification classes! Sign up now and secure your spot by scanning the QR code or follow this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSft9lIXvkpTg_61uMdcPyKSCiCxBPQTHOT7de2UxbiGS-u7Tg/viewform
Don’t miss this opportunity!

The University of Massachusetts' Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship and Valley Venture Mentors are partnering to bring you the 2024 Collegiate Summer Venture Program (CSVP)!

This 5-week program is open to students, grad students, and recent alumni (within the past 10 years) of any of the 14 colleges and universities in the Pioneer Valley - AIC, Amherst College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Greenfield Community College (GCC), Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College (HCC), Mt. Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass, Western New England University, and Westfield State University.

WHAT: The CSVP program teaches participants to develop and validate a business idea by discovering the ideal customer willing to pay for its solution, recognizing the product/service demand, and learning about the best funding options for their business. Throughout 5 weeks of virtual sessions, participants will develop and validate a business idea, gain a deeper understanding of their target customers through customer discovery, build a business model and develop their business pitch!

WHEN:
Tues July 9th 5-8 PM and Friday July 12th from 9-10:00 AM
Tues July 16th 5-8 PM and Friday July 19th from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tues July 23rd 5-8 PM and Friday July 26th from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tues July 30th 5-8 PM and Friday Aug 2nd from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tues Aug 6th 5-8 PM and Friday Aug 9th from 9:00-10:00 AM

DEADLINE:
Applications are open until Monday May 20th, 2024 (5 p.m. EST).
Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the CSVP Leadership, Tues May 28 and Wednesday May 29th via Zoom.
APPLICATION LINK: To apply, visit: https://bit.ly/CSVP2024

If you have questions about whether this program is right for you or someone you know, or would like to nominate a participant to for the program, please contact Hope Ross Gibaldi ([email protected]

SAVE THE DATE! Our next Leadership Luncheon promises to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit on Tuesday 5/14.
We will be featuring an exceptional panel of speakers who are at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurial success and business growth in Western Massachusetts. Hope Ross Gilbaldi from Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), Jayne Melendez from EforAll Pioneer Valley, Tiffany Allecia from Black and Brown Wall Street/Springfield Creative City Collective, and Dawn Creighton from Liberty Bank will all grace our stage. They’ll share valuable insights on the resources available to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, helping you navigate the exciting yet challenging world of entrepreneurship.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply interested in the dynamic world of startups, this luncheon is the perfect opportunity to learn from the best, ask your burning questions, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Admission is Free for all!
At the East Forest Park Branch of Springfield City Library
136 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
A light lunch will be provided, advanced registration is encouraged.
Register at Springfieldyps.com/events
Thank you to our Leadership Luncheon series sponsor, Raipher, P.C.

Join us for networking, refreshments, community and the energy of entrepreneurship! This event is free and open to entrepreneurs, startup curious, support organizations, community members! Share with your circles, and bring a friend with you!

If you have questions please reach out to [email protected]

There will be no Community Night tonight but we are looking forward to getting back together in April! Stay tuned for more details on April events and programs! If you have any questions, reach out to [email protected]

So proud of you Hot Oven Cookies!

The Springfield Creative City Collective has partnered with MASSCreative in celebration of Creative Sector Advocacy Week 2024 happening from January 22, 2024 to January 26, 2024!

Springfield will be kicking off the week with a 24/hour live stream on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM!
Creative Sector advocacy week 24 Hour Live Kick-Off

We will be spending the day celebrating our growing creative economy and discussing its needs and areas of opportunities.
We will also be exploring a variety of elements of the the creative economy, through discussions, live performances, storytelling and more!

Tune in throughout the day to participate in advocating for additional resources to our creative sector!

Join us on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83116700740?pwd=0yYtL8lKRrRGiwdkbqCLLCCx95LOeb.1

Or catch the live stream on the Springfield Creative City Collective!

It was so incredible to be joined by so many regional stakeholders within the Western Massachusetts ecosystem. We are excited for the energy of collaboration and positive momentum. There is a strong shared desire for network alignment and amplification. More to come in 2024!

VVM is hosting an event for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to make connections, gain insight, and network in the local community. This community night kicks off with a mini business resource event that includes experts in financing, starting a business, mentoring, contracting, social media and more. Join us as we celebrate the launch of the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce

4:30-5:30 Business resource fair
5:30-6:15 food and networking
6:15-6:30 Celebration of mass Veterans Chamber of COmmerce
6:30-7:00 Business resource panel
7:00-8:00 Networking and refreshments

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/VVMoct11

Hello VVM Community!

As a reminder there is NO Community Night Tonight, Wednesday September 13th. There are a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss coming up in the final quarter of the year. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss anything https://bit.ly/VVMnewsletter

We have been hard at work over the Summer behind the scenes collecting and analyzing data about our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem via the survey, research, and our listening sessions. We are getting ready to move into the next phase of this work, and are excited to publicly present our findings and ecosystem maps, and launch the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Coalition this Fall!

If you have any questions in the meantime, reach out to [email protected]

Hello VVM Community!

As a reminder there is NO Community Night Tonight, Wednesday September 13th. There are a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss coming up in the final quarter of the year. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss anything https://bit.ly/VVMnewsletter

We have been hard at work over the Summer behind the scenes collecting and analyzing data about our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem via the survey, research, and our listening sessions. We are getting ready to move into the next phase of this work, and are excited to publicly present our findings and ecosystem maps, and launch the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Coalition this Fall!

If you have any questions in the meantime, reach out to [email protected]

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) - Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) Program Video Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a tuition-free 40-hour"mini-MBA" program designed by the Initiative for a CompetitiveInner City (ICIC) to help small...

Mark your calendars

Calling all small business owners! Seeking financial education resources? Look no further than the Massachusetts State Treasurer's Small Business Financial Empowerment Series.

In collaboration with Citizens, this series of webinars is designed to equip small business owners with practical financial skills. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your financial knowledge and empower your business. Register today and take a step toward financial success!

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5ns3zA_wQ_q0hZT4mCMGow #/registration

If you or someone you know owns a business in we’d LOVE your input.

Last year the joined forces with Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) to continue our pursuit of . As we continue to between and we’re proud to have aligned with .

The VVM team is working hard to clearly understand the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in our region through the “Business Ecosystem Survey”. We invite you to take a few minutes to share your experiences and help shape the future of our local economy. Click here for the survey > https://bit.ly/VVMbusinesssurvey and thank you in advance for your participation.

Opportunity alert!

⭐ Attention all Western Massachusetts businesses and entrepreneurs! ⭐
Help us better understand the challenges and opportunities facing our business communities by participating in the Business Ecosystem Survey. This survey is a great opportunity to share your experiences and help shape the future of our local economy.
Click the link to get started today! https://bit.ly/VVMbusinesssurvey

Today is the day! The last Springfield Creative City Collective event of FY2023!!!

We are so excited to celebrate the selected artists, tonight @ Reevx Labs!!

Put on your favorite dress or button up and come check out Western Mass’s Art’s Next Up!

Tonight, we will celebrate artwork that was created right here in Springfield and Greater Springfield! Come out and get to know some new voices in our arts and culture community! We are so proud of the Love Art Collective and their dedicated service to amplifying emerging artists throughout Massachusetts!

See you tonight!

Funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation, this program is one component of a broader “TDI Creative Cities” initiative to boost arts-based economic development.

Today is the day! The last Springfield Creative City Collective event of FY2023!!!

We are so excited to celebrate the selected artists, tonight @ Reevx Labs!!

Put on your favorite dress or button up and come check out Western Mass’s Art’s Next Up!

Tonight, we will celebrate artwork that was created right here in Springfield and Greater Springfield! Come out and get to know some new voices in our arts and culture community! We are so proud of the Love Art Collective and their dedicated service to amplifying emerging artists throughout Massachusetts!

See you tonight!

Funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation, this program is one component of a broader “TDI Creative Cities” initiative to boost arts-based economic development.

Black and Brown Wall Street is a proud member of the Springfield Creative City Collective!

This Wednesday! We’re so excited.. Don’t forget to rsvp at the link below so we know you’re coming!

Please join Valley Venture Mentors, Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, The Springfield Pride Parade , The Center for Women & Enterprise, Unstoppable Latina and The Western Mass Economic Development Council for this upcoming Community Night!

Wednesday June 14th from 5:00-8:00 PM
276 Bridge Street, Springfield MA

RSVP HERE: https://bit.ly/jun23communitynight

There will be networking, refreshments and a panel featuring entrepreneurs and representatives from our partner organizations!

We also have a few more vendor slots available for entrepreneurs in the LGBTQ+ community! If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://bit.ly/VVMpridevendor

If you would like to learn more about Community Night, please contact [email protected]

NEXT WEEK! We can’t wait! 🏳️‍🌈

Don’t forget to register, and share with your circles!

Please join Valley Venture Mentors, Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, The Springfield Pride Parade , The Center for Women & Enterprise, Unstoppable Latina and The Western Mass Economic Development Council for this upcoming Community Night!

Wednesday June 14th from 5:00-8:00 PM
276 Bridge Street, Springfield MA

RSVP HERE: https://bit.ly/jun23communitynight

There will be networking, refreshments and a panel featuring entrepreneurs and representatives from our partner organizations!

We also have a few more vendor slots available for entrepreneurs in the LGBTQ+ community! If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://bit.ly/VVMpridevendor

If you would like to learn more about Community Night, please contact [email protected]

It was so great to be with so many local stakeholders.. Can’t wait to do it again soon!

Thank you for sharing! Join us!

Join and more at this month’s community meet up 6/14 celebrating pride month! All are welcome to attend and enjoy what the night has in store. ✨🏳️‍🌈

🌈

Creative Industries Hiring Event The Creative Industries Hiring Event is an opportunity for employers looking to hire in creative roles.