The Sphere Northampton Secures $89,000 Small Business Technical Assistance Grant to Empower Women and Nonbinary Entrepreneurs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Sphere Northampton Secures $89,000 Small Business Technical Assistance Grant to Empower Women and Nonbinary Entrepreneurs
Northampton, MA — The Sphere Northampton is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded $89,000 through the Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Grant program to launch an innovative initiative supporting women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. This grant will fund the Sphere Accelerator Program, a groundbreaking effort designed to provide essential tools, resources, and mentoring to underrepresented business owners, fostering long-term growth and sustainability.
The Sphere Accelerator will consist of two cohorts, each supporting 12 participants through an intensive and tailored version of the Mindshift Business Blueprint Program, facilitated by Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello. This proven incubator curriculum will guide entrepreneurs through the foundational steps of business development, including leadership, strategic planning, marketing, sales, financial management, and inclusive leadership. The program will emphasize building resilience, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and creating personalized business plans ready for implementation.
“This funding is a game-changer for The Sphere Northampton and the community we serve,” said Dr. Megan Allen, co-founder of The Sphere Northampton. “With this grant, we can help women and nonbinary entrepreneurs transform their ideas into thriving businesses while fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits the entire local economy.”
Program Highlights
- Mindshift Business Blueprint Program: An 8-week intensive curriculum featuring mentoring, experiential learning, and practical business planning tools like LIVEPLAN software.
- Extended Support: Three additional months of cohort-based mentoring, including peer mentoring and specialized workshops on financial literacy and data analysis led by Oriana Falkowski, owner of Money Map Coaching and Becca King, owner of Aurora Small Business Consulting.
- Comprehensive Resources: Free access to professional learning events, networking opportunities, and bimonthly Office Hours with local business experts.
- Community Showcase: A public Sphere Accelerator Showcase event in December where participants will present their businesses, culminating in public voting and seed funding awards.
- Skill-Building Workshops: Monthly sessions on topics like branding, digital marketing, financial literacy, and more, fostering both knowledge and community connections.
This initiative aligns with The Sphere Northampton’s mission to connect and support driven women and nonbinary entrepreneurs while unlocking their potential and strengthening the local economy. By addressing challenges such as bias, self-advocacy, and access to financial resources, the Sphere Accelerator will empower participants to succeed on their own terms.
Supporting Partnerships
The program will leverage partnerships with organizations such as The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Common Capital, ensuring participants can access financial resources, loans, and grants. Networking events like “Coffee and Conversations” and innovative workshops like “Loans and Love: Speed Dating for Financial Success” will further foster connections and build a supportive community.
Join the Journey
Applications for the Sphere Accelerator Program will open this spring. Interested entrepreneurs can sign up for an email to be the first to be notified of more details and to apply. The Sphere Northampton welcomes local organizations and community members to collaborate in nurturing an inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Megan Allen, NBCT
Co-Founder and Chief of Momentum, The Sphere Northampton
Email: megan@spherenorthampton.com
Website: spherenorthampton.com
About The Sphere Northampton The Sphere Northampton is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and inspiring women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. By fostering community, providing resources, and promoting work-life balance, The Sphere empowers entrepreneurs to make a meaningful impact on the local economy while achieving personal and professional growth.
