Holyoke Chamber, EforAll awarded $50K grant to aid small businesses

The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and EforAll/EparaTodos will use a $50,000 Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. Resiliency Grant to aid small businesses.

Massachusetts Growth Capital provides debt financing and other assistance to small businesses, emphasizing helping women, minorities, immigrants, veterans, and “gateway” communities like Holyoke.

“Receiving this award will be a tremendous help in our efforts to restore and further develop the Holyoke business community,” said Jordan Hart, the chamber’s executive director. “We have seen a rise in downtown businesses, and nurturing their growth is key to a healthy business climate. Alternately, we are creating a pipeline for businesses and entrepreneurs within the chamber with our partnership with EforAll/EparaTodos.”

Starting in August, small-business owners and budding entrepreneurs will attend a “power” course taught by local experts, according to the chamber. The classes will focus on specialized areas that pertain to participants’ needs.

Hart stated the chamber maintains a strong partnership with EforAll, which provides help and training to startups and entrepreneurs. In June, the group met with acting Mayor Terence Murphy during a business roundtable at City Hall.