The Sphere Northampton Launches Accelerator to Fuel the Local Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2025

The Sphere Northampton Launches Accelerator to Fuel the Local Economy

Northampton, MA — The Sphere Northampton is proud to announce the launch of its Spring 2025 cohort for the Mindshift Business Accelerator, an intensive, community-rooted program designed to support women and nonbinary entrepreneurs in launching, stabilizing, and growing their businesses—at no cost to them.

Thanks to funding provided by a grant from MassDevelopment—Growth Capital Division, this 8-week accelerator program is offered free of charge to participants. The Spring cohort officially kicked off on Tuesday, April 8 and includes 12 inspiring local business owners working across a wide range of industries:

• Molly Keehn – CoJourn
• Chrissy Dagostino – Educational Consulting and Parent Coaching
• Rachel Smith-Coté – Moonshadow Media
• Beth Tascione – Yoga & Reiki Bliss
• Ayana Morse – Seconds
• Abby Stern – Business TBD
• Nicole Newell-Marcus – Piccolo Stitchworks
• Safara Fisher – U4UYOGA
• Grace Kim – Mapping Insight
• Jamillah Medina Nova – LMN Creative
• Nicole Williams – Nicole Williams/TBD
• Stella Quinn – Queerly Beloved

The Mindshift Business Accelerator is rooted in The Sphere’s mission to build an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem through equity, connection, and education. Over the course of eight weeks, cohort members will participate in sessions focused on strategic planning, leadership, marketing, and financial management using the Mindshift Business Blueprint curriculum, led by Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello, experts in entrepreneurship and inclusive business practices.

Following the intensive, participants will receive three additional months of continued support through monthly workshops in finance, data, and marketing, facilitated by local experts and entrepreneurs Oriana Falkowski and Becca King. They’ll also receive a free membership to The Sphere Innovation Lab, including access to coworking space, events, and mentorship opportunities.

“This program is about more than launching or growing a business,” said Dr. Megan Allen, co-founder of The Sphere Northampton. “It’s about providing real support, building confidence, and investing in entrepreneurs who are ready to make a lasting impact—on their lives, their families, and our local economy.”

With a commitment to community-minded, relationship-driven values, The Sphere’s programming helps address systemic barriers by offering accessible tools, expert guidance, and space to connect. By supporting this cohort of entrepreneurs, the Accelerator contributes directly to economic vitality, job creation, and equity in Western Massachusetts.

Learn more about The Sphere Northampton and the Mindshift Business Accelerator at https://spherenorthampton.com/accelerator-program/.

For more information, contact megan@spherenorthampton.com