North Adams Chamber
Technical Assistance Program
Join us for the 2025 cohort sessions offered for free by the North Adams Chamber of Commerce featuring workshops led by professionals, entrepreneurs, and local business owners on various topics to help strengthen your business, achieve goals, and improve systems.
April 29 @ 2 PM
Inventory Management and Menu Design for Restaurateurs
Presenters: Aaron Oster, Chef, Educator, and Consultant & Mariah Forstmann, Co-owner of Casita Berkshires
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Casita Berkshires, 1111 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
RSVP Link: https://wkf.ms/4lkVE4o
The cost of doing business is always shifting—raw material prices, labor, supply chain factors, and more. Understanding how to respond to those shifts can be the difference between surviving and thriving.
In this hands-on workshop, two experienced hospitality professionals break down essential strategies for pricing and menu design that align with your financial goals.
Part I: Setting the Price – Presented by Aaron Oster, Chef, Educator, and Consultant
This session focuses on cost and pricing fundamentals. Learn how to determine the true cost of your offerings and set prices that ensure profitability, using real-world examples and practical tools.
Part II: Designing a Menu – Presented by Mariah Forstmann, Co-owner at Casita Berkshires
Once your pricing is dialed in, how do you design a menu that reflects your vision and your bottom line? Learn how to build a smart, strategic PMIX (product mix), select ingredients and techniques, and lay out your menu in a way that supports your sales goals.
Join us in person for this deep dive into building a more resilient, sustainable food business.
Business Financial Readiness: Preparing Your Small Business for Financial Success
Presenters: Ashley Gagnon, Business Banking Officer at NBT Bank
Date: May 14 & May 28
Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m. (virtual)
RSVP Link: https://wkf.ms/4jm57a9
Business Financial Readiness: Preparing Your Small Business for Financial Success
Presented by NBT Bank | Hosted by the North Adams Chamber of Commerce
Get your business financially ready to grow and thrive! Join the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and experts from NBT Bank for a two-part workshop series designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs strengthen their financial foundation and prepare for future lending opportunities.
This practical, hands-on series will walk you through the essential components of financial readiness — from planning and projections to lender conversations and cash flow management.
Session 1: Wednesday, May 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Topics covered:
Understanding Financial Readiness
Business Planning Essentials
Conducting Market Analysis
Financial Projections
Cash Flow Management
Preparing for Lender Conversation
Open Q&A
Participants will receive a business plan template and projections worksheet at the end of Session 1 to complete and bring back for review in Session 2.
Session 2: Wednesday, May 28 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Bring your questions! This follow-up session will focus on reviewing your completed materials, providing personalized feedback, and answering questions to help you refine your plan and feel confident moving forward.
