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Business Connector #92͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Issue #92 | Thursday, October 5, 2023
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October FIRST Friday is going to be lit! Literally, it features large-scale art projections that will light up the downtown. Eagle Street will feature street mural painting, music, and entertainment from Vuronika Baked and DJ Disco Nap, plus tarot readings with Rebecca. Check out gallery openings, shop specials, and food and drinks throughout downtown, and swing by Hotel Downstreet for their FIRST Friday special event! Projection Art by Studio HHH, Hersch Visuals, Installation Space, Thrill Guild, Sequoia Oro, and Gallery 51. Gallery, Shop, Restaurant & Community events: Hotel DownStreet - Enjoy cornhole and beer samples from Bright Ideas Brewing
5-7 p.m. | 40 Main Street Optimal Healing Grand Opening! Good vibes, fun, light food, drinks, music by Todd Reynolds, tours and giveaways
4-6 p.m. | 184 East Main Street Gallery 51 - Opening Reception for Reflecting Ecologies: Artists in Nature
5-7 p.m. | 51 Main Street Future Lab[s] Gallery - Opening Reception for Experiment No. 3
6-8 p.m. | 43 Eagle Street Tarot reading with Rebecca - A heart-centered journey into layers of energetic movement and realms of inner knowing.
5-9 p.m. | 5 Eagle Street Village Pizza - Outdoor dining | 5-9 p.m. | 51 Eagle Street Jack’s Hotdogs - Outdoor dining | 5-7 p.m. | 12 Eagle Street Eagle Street Lounge: Beer & wine | 5-9 p.m. | 5 Eagle Street Migration Taco Truck - 5-9 p.m. | Eagle Street For more information visit nachamber.org/firstfridays.
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RambleFest in Adams - October 8 & 9
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Party on Sunday Held outdoors at the Adams Visitor Center at 3 Hoosac Street, admission is free to a festival full of music, food and fun in celebration of autumn in the Berkshires. There will be live musical acts, local craft beer and local wine, great food, produce, outdoor recreation and craft exhibitors. Activities include a toasty campfire with marshmallows, pumpkin decorating and other activities for the kids. Leashed pets are welcome, so it’s fun for the whole family! Historic Train Rides by Berkshire Scenic Railway will also be available, right across Hoosac Street at Adams Station. The festival runs from noon to 5, rain or shine. Hike on Monday The 55th Greylock Ramble: a hike to the summit of Mount Greylock. More Information
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Upcoming
October 6 | 4 p.m. | Grand Opening of Optimal Healing | 184 East Main St. North Adams
October 6 | 6:30 p.m. | North Adams Clay Grand Opening | Beaver Mill #301
October 6 | 5 p.m. | National Noodle Day | Dinner Lab | The Break Room
October 7 | 8 p.m. | serpentwithfeet: Heart of Brick | MASS MoCA
October 7 | 7:30 p.m. | ZipStohr Comedy | The Adams Theater
October 10 | 6 p.m. | Industry Night at Hot Plate Brewing Company
October 14 | 6:30 p.m. | Hoosic River Revival Comedy Benefit Show | North Adams Elks Lodge
October 14 | 7:30 p.m. | North Berkshire Contra Dance | First Congregational Church in Williamstown
October 15 | 4 p.m. | Yoga for Low Back Care | North Adams Yoga
October 19 | 5:30 p.m. | North Adams Downtown Opportunity Audit | Corner of Eagle and Main St. | Can’t attend? Share your thoughts virtually
October 21 & 22 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Galen Cheney’s Gigantic Studio Sale | Historic Beaver Mill
October 24 | 6 p.m. | Northern Berkshire County Digital Equity Plan | Public Meeting | Adams Visitor Center
October 25 | 12 p.m. | Learn To Use Canva Part II | Hosted by Elinor Goodwin of The Print Shop
October 27 | 4:30-6 p.m. | nbCC’s 4th Annual Downtown Trick and Treat | North Adams
October 31 | 9 to 10:30 a.m. | 1Berkshire Entrepreneurial Meetup | Classical Tents and Party Goods | Pittsfield
Save the Dates Women in Business Month
October 1 - October 31 | Berkshire County
Every October, 1Berkshire honors Women in Business by shining the spotlight on business owners, organization leaders, and employees who identify as a woman throughout our region. Nominate a #womeninbiz today! ArtWeek Berkshires
October 14 - 22 | Berkshire County
Celebrate creativity during this 10-day festival showcasing local artists and cultural organizations at more than 100 events across the Berkshires. This event is produced by 1Berkshire and the five Cultural Districts of Berkshire County. OngoingEvery Saturday | 9-1 | Williamstown and North Adams Farmers Market
Every Friday | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | North Adams Coffee Dates | Eagle Street Parklet
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday | 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Adams Coffee | Armory Court
Every Sunday | 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Mini Maker Market at Greylock Works
Every 1st & 3rd Sunday | 7 p.m. | Karaoke Night at The Log in Williamstown
Every Friday | 4 p.m. | Bingo at North Adams Elks Lodge
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | Midweek Music Lounge at Bright Ideas Brewing
Every other Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | Trivia Night at Bright Ideas Brewing
Every 1st & 3rd Friday | 6-8 p.m. | Craft Night at Common Folk
Every 2nd Monday of the Month | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Free Pregnancy Loss Support Group | Movement Matters Healing Arts Want your event listed? Submit the listing here
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A Concert of Hope & HealingOctober 6 at 7 p.m.
First Congregational Church, North Adams |
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Festive Returns November 18 We are very excited to showcase ± 90 artists, makers, farmers, local businesses, and organizations at our 6th annual Holiday Market. Thank you to all who applied. We are humbled and thrilled to be able to feature so much exquisite talent in gWorks' former Weave Shed!
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday First Look: November 17 • 5-8pm • $25
Saturday Market :November 18 • 10am-3pm • FREE First Look Tickets
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES EVENTS
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Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program
LCCs serve every city and town in Massachusetts and offer grants to support cultural projects with a public benefit. Individuals and organizations are eligible to apply. Grant amounts vary.
Deadline: October 17, 2023
STARS Residencies
Grants for residencies of 3 days or more with teaching artists, scientists, or humanists. Schools, individuals, and cultural organizations are eligible to apply. Grant range: $2,500-$6,100.
Deadline: October 24, 2023
Cultural Facilities Fund
Grants to support the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities. Nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and colleges or universities that own or lease cultural facilities are eligible to apply. Grant range: $7,000-$200,000.
Opens: October 12, 2023
Deadline: December 14, 2023
Grants For Creative Individuals
NEW in FY24: This program aims to equitably advance creative expression throughout the Commonwealth with unrestricted grants to Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative individuals. Grants are $5,000.
Opens: October 2023
Deadline: December 2023
Gaming Mitigation Fund
Grants to Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers to spend on touring shows or touring artist fees.
Opens: December 5, 2023
Deadline: February 1, 2024
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TAXES FOR ARTISTS W/ AMY SMITH Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | For CT, RI & Essex County, MA
ESSENTIALS OF DIGITAL MARKETING W/ FRANCESCA OLSEN Monday, October 16, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | For CT, RI & Essex County, MA
FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS WITH GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS W/ KRISTEN BECKER Thursdays, October 19 & 26, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | For CT & RI
PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR ARTWORK W/ MERCEDES JELINEK Monday, November 6, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | For RI
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL ECOSYSTEM AS AN ARTIST W/ HADASSAH DAMIEN NEW! Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM | For CT & RI
PLANNING WITH YOUR WHOLE SELF IN YOUR ART PRACTICE W/ JOHN VO Wednesdays, November 29, December 6 & 13, 2023 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | For MA
AN INTRODUCTION TO COOPERATIVES IN THE ARTS W/ DANIEL PARK Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM | For CT & RI
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Announcing the Massachusetts Founders Network, a New Supportive Community for MA Startup Founders
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NORTH ADAMS, MA—Lever welcomed friends and colleagues from across the state on Oct. 3-4 to announce the launch of The Massachusetts Founders Network (MFN), a new initiative that gives startup founders equitable access to resources that will help their companies grow.
“We know that there are innovative, brilliant companies across Massachusetts with the potential to scale, and we know they don’t all have connections to resources, friends and family to fundraise from, and existing networks from which to tap talent,” said Lever Executive Director Jeffrey Thomas. “With MFN, we can support founders no matter where they are in Massachusetts–and ultimately level the playing field when it comes to connections, capital, and other support.”
In addition to providing resources like expert advice, discounts on startup software, and rundowns on essentials like non-dilutive funding and AI, MFN builds community by encouraging member networking and highlighting the good work done in regional ecosystems across the state, ensuring that founders can easily find and access resources–including funding–that can help them succeed.
Leaders from entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) in every Massachusetts region, as well as Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) Secretary Yvonne Hao, were present to celebrate the announcement.
MFN is produced by Lever and supported by funding from and collaboration with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, based in Westborough. MFN was built with the help of an advisory board of successful founders and ecosystem leaders throughout the state.
“We work every day to make sure companies across the state – regardless of their size, geography, or sector – can start and grow here in Massachusetts,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, who chairs MassTech’s Board of Directors. “Our support of the Massachusetts Founder Network through MassTech will give founders opportunities in every part of the state by providing the tools and resources they need to put their big ideas into action.”
“The continued health of the Massachusetts startup ecosystem is dependent on a larger and more diverse set of entrepreneurs gaining equitable access to startup resources,” said Megan Marszalek, Director of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at MassTech’s Innovation Institute. “MFN creates a space for demographically and geographically diverse founders to not only find resources, but also be seen and heard. The stories told through MFN will inspire a new generation of founders to believe in their ideas and find resources to support them along every step of their entrepreneurial journeys.”
New Lever Board member Brent Heeringa said "Lever was the first investor in my startup Valt, which was acquired by Dropbox in 2019. The Lever team does a great job supporting founders, so I'm delighted to see it expand its programs through the Massachusetts Founders Network."
Snapshot: MFN Resources Ongoing assistance and direction, including connections to external resources Regular check-ins and support from the MFN team Advice, perspective and experience from founders, experts and ecosystem supporters via the MFN Journal
About Lever
Founded in 2014 and based in North Adams, Mass., Lever is an economic development non-profit focused on innovation-driven job creation. Lever supports entrepreneurs with startup expertise, investment capital investment fund, research, mentors, and access to talent. Lever has helped launch dozens of companies that have attracted more than $250M in equity investment and have created more than 300 jobs. Lever supports existing companies by helping their intrapreneurs “innovate from within” using proven entrepreneurial methods for top-line revenue growth and job creation. Learn more at www.leverinc.org. Photo details: Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) Secretary Yvonne Hao, center, Joins Lever and innovation ecosystem stakeholders from across the state for an official ribbon cutting for the Massachusetts Founders Network. (Eric Korenman photo)
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1Berkshire Announces the Float Winners of the 67th Annual Fall Foliage ParadeThe 67th Annual Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade, brought to you by 1Berkshire and the City of North Adams, took place on Sunday, October 1st. This year’s theme was Once Upon a Time in North Berkshire, a celebration of children’s books and fairytales. More than 90 participants took part in this annual festive event and the parade was attended by thousands of spectators from all over Berkshire County and beyond. All the floats in the parade were amazing, but five of them stood out and received extra recognition.
The five float award winners were: Harry S. Orr Award (Best Overall): Very Good with “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” Hayden Award (2nd place): North Adams Pride with “Drag Queen Story Time” Mayor's Award (3rd place): Clarksburg School with “The Wonderful World of Seuss” Grand Marshal's Award (4th place): Studio North with “Once Upon a Time in Barbieland” Parade Director's Award (5th place): Berkshire Dance Theatre with “Alice in Wonderland”
To learn more, visit 1berkshire.com/events/fall-foliage-parade.
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