The City of Westfield’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)  program is funding the “Business Blueprint Program”, through Valley Community Development  and Cities Gateway consultants. 

Valley Community Development has been in operation since 1988, serving low and moderate income people and underserved populations in Western Massachusetts They have provided technical assistance to over 2,000 entrepreneurs. 

The Business Blueprint Program is an 8-week program that provides new businesses with a business and financial plan, an elevator pitch, leadership coaching, and grant awards to enhance infrastructure. To be eligible for this program you must have a business located in Westfield, 

income at or below 80% of the area median income, and be in operation for three years or less. 

“The CDBG program provides the City with some flexibility in developing business assistance programs for small businesses,” Mayor McCabe said. “This program is a new venture for Westfield, in that the Valley CDC and its team have the network and experience to provide valuable training in budgeting, forecasting, improving internal operations, and identifying efficiencies,” he continued. 

Applications are due back to Valley CDC on February 10th, 2023. The program will launch in the beginning of March, 2023. For more information on this program or how to apply, please contact Jack Clemente at 413-478-3089, or [email protected].