Did you know last year the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce did 7 Ribbon Cuttings? This year we've already completed 5 with an additional 3 in the works! If you have opened a new business in the Blackstone Valley and would like us to be at your Ribbon Cutting event, please contact us at 508-234-9090 or contact Liz O'Neil at loneil@blackstonevalley.org for more information!

Each year the Worcester Business Journal honors and commemorates the most influential professionals throughout Central MA. This year, we are elated to announce that the BVCC's President & CEO, Jeannie Hebert, has been selected as one of Central Massachusetts' most influential professionals as part of the WBJ Power 100!

WBJ's Power 100 is an extensive list of business professionals who help shape the economy and community throughout the region. As the President & CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jeannie Hebert is recognized for her shared love of helping the community, empowering businesses to strive for their highest potential, and helping those succeed in their professional business and professional endeavors. Please help us on congratulating Jeannie for this incredible accolade!

Important Information from NFIB, and an invitation to attend State House Day, May 15^th

NFIB announces a key vote disapproving the final joint employer rule and restoring the independence of small business owners by repealing the NLRB's final joint employer status.

Read More Here!

The Administration announced a new health care rule on short-term plans that will restrict small businesses' ability to select flexible health coverage.

Read More Here!

NFIB voices serious concerns about OSHA's final rule on workplace inspections, known as the Walkaround Rule, which will hinder safety and small business operations.

Read More Here!

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee advances the Prove It Act, which would strengthen the requirements for government agencies to analyze the impact of regulations on small businesses and increase small business engagement in the regulatory process.

Read More Here!

Calling All Massachusetts Small Business Owners: You Are Invited to Small Business Day on Beacon Hill

NFIB will host Small Business Day on Beacon Hill at the State House on May 15th, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Eastern.

Read More Here!

We are pleased to announce that the Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) Biz-M-Power Program will reopen on March 1^st  

However, Funding is limited. Due to limited funding, the program has reverted to a 1:1 match. This will allow greater access for more business owners to complete capital expense projects. 

To qualify for this grant, the applicant businesses must be sponsored by a MGCC SBTA Provider. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is a registered and approved sponsor and we are very happy to work with you. Be sure to list us as your sponsor on your application and notify us that you are applying. Please feel free to reach out to us for help.

If you were familiar with the previous grant, please note there have been some changes:  

· 1:1 Match MGCC Grant request a $2,500 minimum and a maximum of $20,000. (Total cost of projects $5K –$40K * If businesses raise a minimum of $2,500, MGCC will award a matching grant) 

· Commercial vehicles are no longer an approved use of funds.  

· Only online donations are accepted.  (No offline cash or check)  

· State has requested to approve all projects.  

To find out more and review the application visit: https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/ and click on grants. Good luck!