FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT ANNOUNCEMENT
| | |
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
The Program
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) is a federal program that allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to nonprofits that provide education scholarships. These scholarships can support a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, special education services, transportation, and out-of-school-time programs.
Key features:
● Taxpayers may receive a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
● The Governor must opt in for families in their state to benefit from the program.
● Scholarships are distributed by SGOs to K–12 students from families earning up to 300% of the area median income (approximately 90% of Massachusetts families). Individual SGOs may set additional eligibility requirements or income limits.
How It Works
● Taxpayers contribute to approved SGOs.
● In return, they receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700.
● Scholarships may be used for:
○ Tuition
○ Tutoring
○ Special education services
○ Books and educational technology
○ Transportation
○ Out-of-school-time or enrichment programs
● The U.S. Treasury is finalizing regulations; implementation begins January 2027.
| | |
NFIB
Help us try to lower your energy bills!
October 7th, 2026 9:00 am - 9:30 am Eastern
Do you want energy cost relief? Join us for only 30 minutes!
Description
Massachusetts has some of the highest energy prices in the nation. But if you join the fight now, there's a chance to effect real, meaningful reform to lower costs. Join us for a brief virtual event to hear from energy expert Bob Rio about how the business community can fight back and prevent the legislature from making the same mistakes that led to skyrocketing energy bills.
This event is FREE, but advanced registration is required.
Background
The House and Senate are ironing out the differences between two pieces of legislation that will directly impact your energy bills. The current scenario: Do you want to see more of the same, high-cost expenses that cause your bills to spike every summer and winter? Or do you want to see meaningful reform that will cut bloated programs like Mass Save and begin reducing the fees that are driving up your bills?
Those pushing for the status quo are loud, arguing Massachusetts needs to be less reliant on fossil fuels despite the higher costs for businesses and residents. That is why we need business owners like you to join us for this quick, important meeting. This is the business community’s opportunity to really make a difference in the energy debate to help lower skyrocketing bills.
Details
When: Wednesday, October 7 | 9 am ET
Where: Virtual, via Microsoft Teams
(A join link will be sent before the event.)
Who: Bob Rio, The Mass Energy Bill Guy
Guest Speaker
Robert (Bob) Rio is a legislative and regulatory energy advocate with over 30 years of experience. He publishes the "Mass Energy Bill Guy" Substack newsletter focused on Massachusetts energy costs and climate policy.
If you need help registering or would like to submit questions in advance, please reach out to your Grassroots Manager Julianna at Julianna.Rauf@NFIB.org.
| | |
Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter
We are gearing up for our Blackstone Valley Festival of Trees which supports the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter and could really use your help.
We are starting to get ready for our 4th Annual Festival of Trees on December 4, 5, and 6. We could use your help. We will need:
- Set-up coordination throughout the week
- Raffle sales during the event (2-hour shifts)
- Help at the welcome table during the Preview Party
- Help packing up the winning trees
If you want to help, you can go to our SignUpGenius and look
at the available shifts. We can't thank you enough for considering to help us share hope throughout the Valley!
| | | |
Willard House & Clock Museum Announces 5th Annual David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship
The Willard House & Clock Museum, in partnership with the family of former museum conservator David G. Gow, is pleased to announce the 5th Annual David G. Gow Memorial Scholarship for Horology—and an exciting expansion of the program: the annual scholarship award has doubled from $5,000 to $10,000.
The increased award reflects the Gow family's continued commitment to advancing the highly specialized field of horology and helping talented individuals pursue professional careers in clockmaking, conservation and museum-grade restoration.
"The Gow family is passionate about supporting the highly specialized and technical role of clockmaking and museum-grade restoration work," said Robert C. Cheney, Executive Director of Willard House & Clock Museum. "These are extraordinary skills that require years of education, hands-on experience, mentoring and specialized tools. Increasing the scholarship to $10,000 gives the next generation of clockmakers a significantly greater opportunity to pursue the training they need to build successful careers."
| | |
STEP Grant
The Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and the Massachusetts Export Center, is pleased to announce the Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program ("STEP"), funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Eligible small businesses in Massachusetts are encouraged to apply for grants under STEP for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services.
The application period for the Massachusetts STEP Grant Program is now open!
Application deadline is Friday, October 9 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
There is no advantage for early applicants.
We encourage you to participate on the September 25 webinar (details below) to learn more.
www.mass.gov/export/step
Click here to contact the Massachusetts Export Center with questions.
| | | |
Friday!
STEP Grant Application Webinar
Friday, September 25 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Massachusetts Export Center will offer a free webinar about the Massachusetts STEP program. The webinar will discuss the parameters of the Massachusetts STEP Grant and walk participants through the application process. The webinar will also provide tips on assessing export readiness and planning international marketing activities in support of the STEP application.
| | |
With your membership to the BVCC you are entitled to a FREE membership to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
** To add you to their database, please complete the application on their website: https://business.worcesterchamber.org/member/NewMemberApp/.
Please check off ‘to be invoiced’ and select a ‘standard membership.’ Once you submit the application, they will change the fee to $0. In the ‘Comments/Questions section’ of the application, please write ‘BV Member’ Once you set up your login credentials, you will be able to register for events, add reps to your account, access their member directory etc.
Your contact at Worcester is:
Kristen Luna
Membership Sales and Service Representative
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
508.753.2924, ext. 226 | kluna@worcesterchamber.org
311 Main Street, Suite 200 | Worcester, MA 01608
| | |
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Fall Hike Series Led by Volunteer Trail Ambassadors
Guided hikes scheduled this fall highlight local history, foliage, and stewardship
Blackstone Heritage Corridor (BHC) will host a series of guided hikes led by its volunteer Trail Ambassadors from Sept. 12 through Dec. 19, 2026 offering free opportunities for the public to explore the Blackstone River Valley's trails while learning about its natural and cultural history.
Hikes will take place in both RI and MA, on various Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fall season. Each hike will be led by a volunteer Trail Ambassador, who will guide participants along the route while sharing insights into the Valley's history, natural landscape, and ongoing conservation efforts. Each hike is rated moderate to strenuous with terrain descriptions, length, and hike info on the BHC website so hikers can choose the hike that is right for them.
"Fall is one of the best times to be on the trails. In Massachusetts, we'll hike the Grand Trunkline Trail during peak foliage. In Rhode Island, Wolf Hill climbs to Mercer Outlook for views of the Providence skyline. Our Trail Ambassadors know these places really well, and the history of each area." -Ryan Verhoog Recreational Resources Manager, Blackstone Heritage Corridor
Participants should wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and be prepared for fall conditions. Registration is free but space is limited; sign up at blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/hikes/
The fall hike series is part of BHC's mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the Blackstone Valley’s historic, natural, and recreational resources for current and future generations.
For the full schedule of fall hikes, locations, and registration details, visit blackstoneheritagecorridor.org/hikes/ or contact Kerri Arsenault at 508-234-4242.
| | |
Natural Disaster Recovery II Program -
Open for Applications
Program covers weather related losses from 2023-2024
Applications are now available for farmers who suffered losses in 2023 and 2024 due to weather may be eligible for this one-time loss-recovery program. Crop, infrastructure, timber, and other losses totaling more than $2,500 may be eligible.
Applications are open until September 30. Please read the RFR carefully for details about eligibility and reporting requirements.
This block grant program, funded by USDA and administered by MDAR, will cover portions of eligible losses, including:
- Crops, such as fruits and vegetables
- Future economic losses from the loss of perennial plants
- Infrastructure, such as buildings and plasticulture
- Timber
- Bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss.
Losses for most categories must represent 15% of the value of the lost crop or infrastructure, and claims must total $2,500 or more for each applicant. All eligibility requirements and additional details can be found in the RFR under “Attachments” at COMMBUYS link here.
Deadline for applications is September 30, 2026 at 4:00pm. Late applications will not be considered.
A video explanation of the program, including a walk-through of the application form, can be found here.
Questions about the program may be submitted to ndr2@mass.gov before August 21. Answers to general questions, but not questions about specific applications or circumstances, will be posted online here.
| | |
|
BVCC Hours
Monday: Remote
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Friday: Remote
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Office Phone: 508.234.9090
Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 106
Cell: 508.981.5782
jhebert@blackstonevalley.org
Kristen Kearnan, Program and Events Director
Phone: 508.234.9090 ext. 100
kkearnan@blackstonevalley.org
| |  |
Our Mission
To preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.
Serving Our Community
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a donation site for the Peace of Bread Food Pantry. Please drop off your non-perishable food items in our lobby during office hours for the people of the Blackstone Valley.
| |
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite #5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org
| | | | |
