From MassDevelopment:
Berkshire County — On Thursday, February 19, MassDevelopment announced $1.8 million in grants from the Biz-M-Power Grant Program to help 48 small businesses in Massachusetts strengthen and grow. Ranging from $6,720 to $50,000, the grants will empower businesses to buy, expand, improve, or lease a facility; buy or lease equipment; or meet other capital needs of the business.
“Small businesses drive our economy by creating jobs, producing valued goods and services, and contributing to vibrant communities across the state,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “We are glad to see these grants supporting a variety of small businesses in every region of Massachusetts, from farms to restaurants to bakeries and beyond.”
“MassDevelopment is pleased to deliver funding from the Biz-M-Power Grant Program to help 48 small businesses succeed and grow in our state,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “Small businesses are the economic heartbeat of communities across Massachusetts. By investing in a new or renovated facility, equipment, or another capital need, these small businesses are a step closer to achieving their business goals, strengthening their bottom line, expanding their workforce, and flourishing.”
Administered by MassDevelopment on behalf of the Commonwealth, the Biz-M-Power Grant Program provides grants to help small businesses strengthen and grow. Thursday’s grants were awarded through the fifth round of the program, which opened for applications in March 2024. Eligible applicants include small businesses and microbusinesses with fewer than 20 employees and up to $2.5 million in annual revenues at the time of application. Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 20 percent of the project costs. Thursday’s grants will leverage more than $370,082 in private investment and support the creation of 77 full-time jobs and 66 part-time jobs.
Examples of awarded projects include:
- $14,583.34 to Door Prize LLC in North Adams, which will use funds to add wooden slats to the ceiling of its restaurant space. This will improve acoustics and provide a better dining experience for guests.
“This grant allows Silver Whisk to reach a whole new level,” said Nancy Zhou, owner of grant recipient Silver Whisk Bake Shop. “It allows us to invest in equipment that will increase our production capacity while maintaining the artisanal quality we deeply care about. This means we can expand our wholesale partnerships for our gourmet chocolates, offer more variety in our retail shop, and grow our catering services for desserts and gifting. We’re so grateful for this opportunity and thrilled to share more butter, sugar, and chocolate with fellow dessert lovers!”
Awarded projects in Berkshire County:
- Door Prize, LLC (North Adams) — $14,583.34
- Melissa & Peter Martin DBA Dandelion Hill Farm (Sheffield) — $8,246.67
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. It partners with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities, providing resources to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. In fiscal year 2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units.
