October 1, 2026

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION BEGINS TODAY!

Save up to $125 on your Exhibitor Booth

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.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Click here to view our calendar!

October is Manufacturing Month and an opportunity to explore new ways to grow your international sales.


Throughout the month, the U.S. Commercial Service and its government and industry partners will connect U.S. manufacturers with practical resources to help them:


  • Identify promising export markets
  • Navigate international business opportunities
  • Access market intelligence and trade counseling
  • Build relationships with prospective buyers and partners
  • Learn about federal programs that support global growth

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.


JOB OPENINGS



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.

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

MEMBER PRESS RELEASES

 

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.
 
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Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite #5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org