Celebrating Innovation and Inclusion: Living Local 413, Common Capital, and The Sphere Northampton Host Entrepreneur Spotlight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTHAMPTON, MA — The Sphere Northampton, in partnership with LivingLocal 413 and Common Capital, will host the Entrepreneur Spotlight on Tuesday, December 9 at Union Station in Northampton. The event will celebrate 24 women- and non-binary-owned businesses who have completed The Sphere’s Mindshift Accelerator, made possible through a grant from MassDevelopment.
This event will shine a light on entrepreneurs in Western Mass, and we’re rolling out the red carpet (literally). Guests will walk through the velvet ropes into an open-house, science-fair-style showcase where attendees can meet graduates at their business table displays and explore their products, services, and big ideas.
The evening will also feature a crowd-sourced competition for seed funding. Attendees can vote for their favorite businesses by purchasing voting stickers—buy one or buy many. Every dollar collected goes directly to the winning entrepreneur as seed funding to help grow their venture. At the end of the night, the business with the most votes will be awarded a giant check in a celebratory reveal.
Guests can enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, and lively networking as they explore the dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship that defines the Pioneer Valley. Expect energetic conversation, new community connections, and a strong dose of inspiration among local leaders, investors, and changemakers.
In addition to spotlighting the accelerator graduates, the event will also feature the release of key findings from the Breaking Barriers Survey, a regional study funded by Liberty Bank and conducted in partnership with Common Capital and LivingLocal 413. The study explores challenges and opportunities facing business owners in Western Massachusetts, offering insights to guide future ecosystem support and investment.
Local leaders and elected officials are expected to attend including Northampton Mayor Gina Louise Sciarra, joining the community in celebrating inclusive innovation and economic resilience. The Sphere Northampton, Living Local 413, and Common Capital hope to end 2025 with a bang—and this event promises to be both impactful and unforgettable.
The date of this event was chosen with intention. December 10 (the day after the Spotlight) marks an important milestone in women’s leadership: on this day in 1869, the Wyoming Territorial Legislature became the first in the nation to grant women full voting rights—more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment. Hosting the Entrepreneur Spotlight on this historic date honors the spirit of progress, equity, and courage that continues to drive women and non-binary entrepreneurs today.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, December 9
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM
Location: Union Station, 125 A Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA
Registration Required: 413-entrepreneur-spotlight
Media Contact:
Bill Cole
President & Founder, LivingLocal 413
Email: bill@livinglocal413.org
Phone: 413-657-5392
About The Sphere Northampton:
The Sphere is a community hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Western Massachusetts—offering research, peer learning, technical assistance, and programs that center women and gender-expansive entrepreneurs.
About Common Capital:
Common Capital strengthens communities in Western Massachusetts by improving access to capital and offering business assistance to low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs, fostering economic opportunity and business growth.
About LivingLocal 413:
LivingLocal 413 is committed to building strong, sustainable business communities that enhance everyone’s quality of life. The organization believes that investing in local economies can create a brighter future for our communities and our world.
