Oktoberfest 2021 recap!! 🍻 We couldn’t have asked for a better night of fun, food, games, live music and prizes!! Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and supported us, and to our generous sponsors who made the night extra special!! We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration!!

Cyber-attacks are a growing threat for small businesses and the U.S. economy. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrimes reached $2.7 billion in 2020 alone. Small businesses are attractive targets because they have information that cybercriminals want, and they typically lack the security infrastructure of larger businesses. Get tips on how to keep your small business safe from cyber-attacks. Read more.

The Biz-M-Power crowdfunding matching grant program offers small businesses in Massachusetts financial assistance with their acquisition, expansion, improvement or lease of a facility, purchase or lease of equipment, or with meeting other capital needs for the business. Eligible applicants will be empowered to advance their business with an innovative approach to obtaining capital. Preference shall be given to low to moderate (LMI) brick-and-mortar small businesses owned by women, minorities, immigrants, non-native English speakers, U.S. military veterans, disabled individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and businesses operating in Massachusetts Gateway Cities. Learn more here. If you have any questions about the program, please reach out directly to Theresa Ng, Community Project Manager, at bizmpower@massgcc.com or (617) 523-6262 ext. 266.

Free WiFi access can be very appealing but is also particularly vulnerable to security issues. The best practice is to avoid unencrypted Wi-Fi networks altogether. Be extra cautious of using Internet cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots and if you must use them, avoid accessing personal accounts or sensitive data while connected to that network. Also, don’t shop online and enter your credit card information unless you’re absolutely certain the connection point you’re on is safe and secure.

It’s not uncommon for hackers to set up fake clones of public WiFi access points to try and get you to connect to THEIR WiFi over the legitimate, safe public one being made available to you. Before connecting, check with an employee of the store or location to verify the name of the WiFi they are providing.

In addition, most devices have a setting that allows a device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks as you are in range. While this is a convenient feature when used at home or for trusted networks, it’s not something you should allow while out in public. Make sure to change this setting before you set out so that your smartphone and laptop must be manually connected each time you wish to access the Web.

Small Business Strong is a non-profit organization empowered to help women and minority owned small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide expedited, pro-bono resources to small businesses ranging from access to capital to consulting, business restructuring, business growth, digital marketing and customer engagement plans. Learn more here.

Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20th at GTR ProtoPlus!

We are excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Boutique at Relaxation Works Spa on Friday, October 22nd. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. The Grand Opening event is 1:00 - 7:30 p.m. and will feature sales on all merchandise, gift bags, sales on services, food and refreshments, and prizes! We hope to see you there!

La Cámara de Comercio del Área de Taunton se enorgullece de presentar la Serie de Negocios Latinos para nuestros propietarios de pequeñas empresas de habla hispana. Patrocinado por HarborOne Bank, este seminario web gratuito explicará los requisitos contables y bancarios para que su negocio se encamine.

Conozca los pasos básicos que debe seguir una pequeña empresa para encauzar su empresa:

● Abra una cuenta bancaria

● Realice un seguimiento de sus gastos

● Desarrolle un sistema de contabilidad

● Establezca un sistema de nómina

● Determine cómo le pagarán

● Establezca procedimientos de impuestos sobre las ventas si vende bienes

● Determine sus obligaciones fiscales

● Solicite financiamiento, si es necesario

● Busque un contador o CPA de alta calidad Reevalúe

● periódicamente sus procesos

Ingrid Rodríguez, VP, Oficial de Servicios Comerciales de Harbor One brindará consejos sobre cómo elegir el banco correcto y los beneficios de tener una cuenta comercial separada de una cuenta personal.

Get an update on state happenings and have your questions answered during this Q&A with State Representative Carol Doherty. Submit questions in advance here. Register below to attend this Zoom session on Tuesday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m.

You could sponsor this Quarterly Q&A for only $200! Contact Lisa for more info.

Help spread awareness for breast cancer! The Arbors at Taunton is hosting a grab and go where you will receive your own mix of a Tito’s cocktail! Donations are not required but are suggested. All proceeds to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer! RSVP to get yours! For more information, contact Brendan at BMurphy@arborsassistedliving.com.

Visit your local Mechanics Cooperative Bank branch during normal business hours on Friday, October 22nd for refreshments, prizes, and a special thank you gift!*

Associates for Human Services, Inc. has been selected to be a part of the Shaw's GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment.

For the month of October, each time a $2.50 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag is purchased at the Shaw's located at 300 New State Highway, Raynham, $1 will be donated to Associates for Human Services, Inc. This is a great way to raise awareness, support the environment and fundraise for their cause. To learn more about this program, please visit shaws.bags4mycause.com. Please email Debbie at dhowland@ahsinc.org with any questions.

Bristol County Savings Bank recently announced the appointment of Willitts (Will) Mendonca to the position of Vice President/Senior Commercial Loan Officer. Read the press release.

Come to the Open House to find out more about how Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School can help you reach your goals! Stop by Saturday, October 16th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Learn more here.

Liberty and Union Weekend is an annual celebration of the unique role that the City of Taunton played in our nation’s founding. The Weekend is held each fall to commemorate the events of October 1774, when Taunton became the first community in the American colonies to raise a flag – the “Liberty and Union” flag – in opposition to British rule.

Festivities begin Friday, October 15 with the Liberty Libations Pub Crawl throughout Downtown restaurants organized by the Downtown Taunton Foundation. The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce will be there and we hope you will be too! Learn more here.

Let SCORE business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs or the start-up and growth of your small business. All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. If you are an existing SCORE client, please send an email to your SCORE counselor to schedule a phone call or Zoom conference. If you are new to SCORE, please complete the Request a Mentor form and someone from SCORE will contact you via email to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Sign up for SCORE webinars here. View upcoming webinars here.

Ready for a new website? Whether you're building it yourself or you decide to work with a pro, getting organized is the key to your website's success!

• Define your audience.

• Set your website's goals.

• Determine key functionality and features.

• Plan your website content.

• Get your accounts and logins in order.

After this webinar, you'll have a comprehensive plan in place for your business's website. Attendees may also request the free workbook upon completion of the webinar. Register here.

More businesses are making a digital transition, and because cyberattacks are rising, you must take preventive measures and protect your business assets. Read the article.

Are you looking for ways to help your small business community? Would you like to grow your network or develop professionally? As a SCORE volunteer, you get it all!

Join the SCORE network of 10,000 volunteers. SCORE relies on volunteers to help small business around the country thrive.

Interested? Visit the volunteer web page to find about the many benefits of volunteering and the right opportunity for you!

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