June 12, 2025

SAVE THE DATE!

BVCC’s 26^th Annual Home & Community Expo

Saturday, March 14, 2026

We’re excited to share some big news—Valley Business Network (VBN) is back, and it’s better than ever!



After taking a short hiatus to reflect, refine, and reimagine VBN, we’re proud to unveil a revitalized networking experience that’s built for results—and designed with your growth in mind.

New This Year: Industry Spheres

We’re introducing a more inclusive approach—allowing multiple members from the same industry, as long as they offer distinct specialties. This change fosters collaboration, not competition, and strengthens referral opportunities.

BVCC Ambassador Program

July 24^th | 9:30am-10:30am

held at the BVCC Office, 670 Linwood Ave, Ste. 5, Whitinsville MA. 

Click here to view our calendar!

It may be summer, but we know that cold weather comes quickly. We need your help to reopen the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter this November! We’re launching a campaign to recruit 100 volunteers for our cold weather shelter this winter. You just need to sign up for a single five-hour shift at our shelter at St. Patrick's Parish in Whitinsville. No experience necessary!

With 100 volunteers, our shelter will be well-staffed for the season to help those experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe place to sleep instead

 of being out in the cold.

Small Business Summit at the State House

This year we are planning a Small Business Summit on Wednesday, June 18th at the State House. Here we will focus on some of the state’s major cost drivers like UI taxes, health insurance expenses, energy costs, and other payroll mandates. 

As you are all well aware, anti-business groups are in the State House daily pushing for an agenda that harms our members and damages the state’s economy. UI taxes may likely double over the next few years and we really need employers to make some noise at the State House by meeting with their legislators. This is especially true after learning NY lawmakers are allocating $6 billion to wipe out UI debt in that state. I know from my colleague in NY, employers attended small business day and met with their legislators to stress the importance of using state funds for UI. Their advocacy efforts seemed to pay off in dividends.

Of course we highlight other issues like rising health insurance costs, skyrocketing energy, and labor mandates. But what we really need is small business owners to attend in full force. 

Small Business Summit

Wednesday, June 18th

10AM-12 Noon

State House

2nd Annual Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Week: August 10-16th - SAVE THE DATE!



Join MDAR in the celebration of Urban Agriculture Week and the urban ag organizations providing “ag-tivities” in cities across the Commonwealth!

During the week of August 10-16, 2025, urban farmers will host activities and events that educate, celebrate, as well as advocate food production in our state’s urban centers.

MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle will highlight youth in urban agriculture and the programs that support farming, marketing and other job skills to teens interested in food production.

To participate and get more information, please contact Rose Arruda at Rose.Arruda@mass.gov.

Reminder: CSAP Grant Still Accepting Applications

Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP) supports agricultural operations in making improvements across a range of priority areas, including:

• Soil health and water conservation
• Food safety practices
• Energy efficiency and reduced fossil fuel use
• Composting and nutrient recycling
• Environmental sustainability and resource efficiency

🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM

📄 Learn more & apply: CSAP Website – Mass.gov

New this year: CSAP combines multiple MDAR grant programs into one simplified application. Take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen your farm’s operations and sustainability!

Funding Opportunity for Cranberry Growers

Reminder - Application period is now open for the Cranberry Renovation and Enhancement Program - with a streamlined process and exciting updates for this year!

Important dates:

• Question Deadline: Submit questions to MDARGrants@mass.gov by Thursday, June 12, 2025

• Application Deadline: Thursday, July 24, 2025

This program offers reimbursement grants to support both renovation and enhancement projects that improve cranberry bog productivity, sustainability, and long-term viability. Whether you're looking to upgrade bog infrastructure, adopt energy-efficient equipment, or implement practices that reduce environmental impact, this is your opportunity to invest in the future of your farm.

Cranberry Renovation and Enhancement Program details here. Contact: Laura.Maul@mass.gov | (857) 507-5972

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Accepting Applications for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $26.5 million in grant funding available through LAMP to help local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. LAMP includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP). USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications for the grant programs until June 27, 2025.

LAMP details here.

Looking to grow your team, upskill your workforce, or expand your impact in the Commonwealth?

Inside CommCorp is designed to help Massachusetts employers, community-based organizations, training providers, and workforce professionals tap into the many grant funding opportunities available through Commonwealth Corporation.

In this free webinar, we’ll walk you through:

• Available CommCorp grants and eligibility criteria

• Real success stories from grant-funded organizations

Join us on June 18th, 2025 at 10AM ET.

Join Us for a Massachusetts Small Business Summit on June 18th

Join fellow small business owners from across the Commonwealth for the Massachusetts Small Business Summit!

Every week, advocates storm the Massachusetts State House, pushing lawmakers to support higher labor costs, higher energy costs, and higher healthcare costs. Now, it's your turn. Please save the date to help turn the tide against those trying to make it harder for you to run your small business. We ask that you participate in a day to raise the small business banner in Boston and fight to make Massachusetts more competitive and affordable for employers!

When: Wednesday, June 18th | 10:00 am - 12 pm ET

Where: Massachusetts State House – Boston, MA

TOPICS OF INTEREST

Unemployment Insurance

Lawmakers are holding you responsible for the state’s $2.1 billion UI error. Tell them why these higher UI taxes are unfair!

Energy

Lawmakers supported legislation that passes the cost of energy efficiency programs along to your energy bills. Tell them about your skyrocketing energy costs!

Healthcare

Lawmakers added more than 50 health mandates that small businesses pay for in their health insurance premiums. Tell them the difficulty of offering affordable health insurance for your workers!

Labor Costs

It is time lawmakers address time-off mandates, credit card swipe fees, and other policies that make it more expensive and challenging to do business in Massachusetts! 

If you need help registering or have questions about the event, please reach out to Julianna Rauf at julianna.rauf@nfib.org.

• Local Fire Departments Donate Equipment for Animal Enrichment at Southwick’s Zoo