April 2025 Economic Development Updates

April 2025 Economic Development Updates

April 2025
Yari DeJesus
Social Enterprise Capital Grant – Now Accepting Applications!
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development has opened the Fiscal Year 2026 Social Enterprise Capital grant application! This grant provides funding of up to $250,000 for nonprofit employment social enterprises that create jobs and offer supportive services while selling goods and services. Funds can be used for real estate purchases, renovations, repairs, or rehabilitation.
Deadline: May 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM
Informational Webinar: April 9, 2025, at 11 AM – Register here
More Info & Apply: Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program
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Free Small Business Webinars – Register Now!
The Massachusetts State Treasury’s Small Business Initiative (SBI) team, in partnership with Bay State Savings Bank, is hosting free small business webinars this spring as part of the Small Business Empowerment Series!
Upcoming Sessions:
  • April 23, 9:00–10:15 AM: Mastering Financial Management
  • April 30, 9:00–10:15 AM: Banking Services & Securing Financing
Webinars will be in English with live interpretation in Spanish and Portuguese. Participants can also enter to win a “Coffee for a Week” prize ($35 value) courtesy of Bay State Bank!
Register & Learn More: https://bit.ly/3Rvy1bE
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MACDC at the 2025 NCRC Conference
The MACDC team had a great time at the 2025 NCRC Just Economy Conference in D.C. in March, connecting with community development leaders and exploring strategies for economic equity. Jesse Van Tol, NCRC’s President & CEO, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the need for bold policy changes in this current political climate, increased financial accountability, and stronger investments in underserved communities. Sessions covered racial equity in banking, small business financing, and innovative community reinvestment strategies, reinforcing our mission to expand economic opportunities in Massachusetts.
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MACDC & SBA Small Business Event in Springfield – April 3, 2025 
On April 3rd, MACDC and the Massachusetts SBA hosted a Small Business Roundtable Event in Springfield MA, bringing together key partners to support entrepreneurs in Western Massachusetts.
  • MA SBA Team: Provided updates on lending programs, technical assistance, and small business support in the current political and economic climate.
  • Sarah Sargent, Valley CDC: Highlighted their CDC small business programs, success stories, and partnerships that bolster local entrepreneurship.
  • Raymond Lanza Weil, Common Capital: shared insights on CDFI initiatives, funding opportunities, and impactful collaborations that help underserved entrepreneurs succeed.
The event emphasized the power of collaboration among SBA, CDCs, and CDFIs to strengthen small business ecosystems. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this important discussion!