PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation Inc., Berkshire Black Economic Council and Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation were all awarded funds through the Executive Office of Economic Development and MassDevelopment.

 

In Berkshire County: 

Statewide, the governor announced $6,729,552 in grants to 73 nonprofits through MassDevelopment's Small Business Technical Assistance Program (SBTA), which supports organizations that deliver technical assistance, training, and access to capital to Massachusetts small businesses.  

 

Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba made the announcement last week at the Worcester Regional Food Hub, a recipient of a SBTA award.

 

"This program is all about empowering our small businesses to do what they do best through increased access to technical assistance, workshops, and financing," said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment's Board of Directors. "As we recognize Small Business Month and celebrate the many ways small businesses contribute to our economy, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is grateful to MassDevelopment and our nonprofit partners for administering this crucial support." 

 

Administered by MassDevelopment, the Small Business Technical Assistance Program was created in 2006 by the former Mass Growth Capital Corporation to empower small business support organizations, such as community development corporations and community development financial institutions, to increase access to business planning support and capital for underserved?small businesses throughout the state. In February 2025, Mass Growth Capital Corporation merged with MassDevelopment, which now administers the program. 

 

Ranging from $26,700 to $155,750, the grants awarded in this round will support the operational capacity of nonprofits with programming that addresses the needs of small businesses, with a focus on promoting job creation and economic growth. This programming can include one-on-one technical assistance, comprehensive business skills workshop training, and improved access to financing options. Additionally, the grants will enhance the nonprofits' ability to deliver small business services through "train-the-trainer" learning opportunities in the form of workshop-style best practice discussions and courses in partnership with Bay Path University and The Mel King Institute.? 

 

MassDevelopment, the state's development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the state. During FY2024, MassDevelopment financed or managed 349 projects generating investment of more than $3.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 22,426 jobs and build or preserve 1,754 housing units. In February 2025, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation merged into MassDevelopment, enhancing the agency's ability to support small businesses in Massachusetts through alternative funding, resources, and?individualized services.