Business
Springfield, the 3rd largest City in Massachusetts and the 4th largest in all of New England, is a City of many attributes. It has been known as the “City of Firsts” – a moniker earned through a history of innovation, including America’s first Armory and military arsenal and the first American made automobile. Springfield may be best known for two other innovations - the birthplace of basketball and of Theodor Geisel, better known as “Dr. Seuss”.
The City is in the midst of a successful and long term effort to revitalize itself. The economy is growing, businesses are flourishing, and public spaces are being made more vibrant everyday. The ability for both residents and visitors to be able to walk or bike around the City with ease and comfort is an important factor in this resurgence and essential in promoting a healthy and safe community.
Business Resources / Development Services
DevelopSpringfield
DevelopSpringfield was formed in 2008 as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation to advance development and redevelopment projects, to stimulate and support economic growth, and to expedite the revitalization process within the City of Springfield. The organization completed the historic redevelopment of its headquarters at 83 Maple Street, and is directing several redevelopment projects throughout Springfield.
www.developspringfield.com
Economic Development Council of Western MA
The EDC is a regional collaborative and non-governmental initiative that brings together the public and private leadership of the Pioneer Valley’s three counties. Centralized coordination, effective collaboration, and comprehensive professional services are this organization’s unifying foundation. Board members include mayors, major corporation CEOs and college and university leaders. Affiliates include six economic and business development organizations managed by over 50 economic development professionals.
www.westernmassedc.com
City of Springfield – Office of Planning & Economic Development
The City of Springfield’s economic development team is available to assist businesses large and small on a variety of levels. The city can assist with site searches and manages a host of financial programs as well including a storefront façade program, small business loan program, Section 108 loan program, and Tax Increment Financing. The office can be reached at 413-787-6020.
Springfield Regional Chamber
Representing nearly 700 businesses of all sizes, industries and professions, the Springfield Regional Chamber “brings a regional and diverse approach to the value of networking, economic development and business development to industry of all sizes and types.”
www.myonlinechamber.com
Valley Venture Mentors
VVM is moving forward an entrepreneurial renaissance in Springfield. By nurturing startups and impacting the employees they hire, the customers they serve, and the neighborhoods they revitalize.
www.valleyventurementors.org
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network’s Western Regional Office provides free and confidential one-to-one business advice to prospective and existing small businesses. The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network contributes to the entrepreneurial growth of
small businesses throughout Massachusetts by providing high-quality, in-depth advising, training, and capital access.
www.msbdc.org/wmass
MassDevelopment
The Commonwealth’s economic development and finance authority, MassDevelopment is committed to achieving three goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and helping communities thrive across Massachusetts. MassDevelopment has a local office in Downtown Springfield.
www.massdevelopment.com
Massachusetts Office of Business Development
The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) is the state’s one-stop source for businesses seeking to relocate to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. They offer a range of expertise and services to help your business flourish in Massachusetts.
www.mass.gov/mobd
Common Capital
Common Capital is a community loan fund and non-profit organization that is committed to a thriving local economy in order to create positive social and community impacts. They accomplish this by providing financing and business assistance to small businesses and high-impact community projects.
www.common-capital.org
Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce
The MLCC’s mission is to develop, promote and protect Latino businesses and communities in Massachusetts. It supports the advancement of education and economic growth of Latino businesses & community and works closely with profit and non-profit businesses & organizations, local and state Chambers of Commerce, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
www.masslatinochamber.com