PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) announced four grant awardees for the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program, in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. This grant program, funded by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), aims to revitalize downtown Pittsfield by supporting businesses relocating to the North Street TDI district. The awardees are:

• Guelce Collaborative Marketing, which specializes in website development and management services for small businesses. It will use its grant award to establish a physical presence in the North Street district and expand its digital and marketing expertise to downtown Pittsfield by providing social-media management, advertising, and recording and editing support;

• BB’s Hot Spot LLC, which brings the flavors of Caribbean barbecue and jerk to the Berkshires. BB’s Hot Spot will bring its eatery to downtown Pittsfield and add a unique culinary experience for local foodies;

• Dolce Rose Beauty Supply, formerly operated online and vended at pop-up events, which will now open the only Black-owned beauty-supply store within a 40-mile radius. The funding will enable the company to establish a brick-and-mortar presence, bringing diverse beauty products to the local community; and

• Brazzucas, a Brazilian market that will bring the tastes, colors, and culture of Brazil to the heart of Pittsfield. With the grant award, Brazzucas will move onto North Street in the former General Store.

“These businesses exemplify the vibe we wish to bring to North Street, and it’s our honor to pay it forward,” said A.J. Enchill, president and executive director of BBEC. “More importantly, this grant program reflects both passion and transformations in Pittsfield. Congratulations to all the recipients and those who have supported their applications.”

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) announced that the Minority Business Enterprise Educational Workshop will take place on Friday, July 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Proprietor’s Lodge in Pittsfield.

The workshop, held in collaboration with MassHire BizWorks and the Supplier Diversity Office of Massachusetts is designed to support Black entrepreneurs in obtaining Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification. Registration is now open for this free event, and all minority business owners are encouraged to attend. Click here to register.

The workshop will feature a seminar and panel discussions led by MBE-certified businesses. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the benefits of MBE certification, including increased access to federal contracts, federal and state tax incentives, and expanded funding opportunities. Breakout groups will provide indepth information on MBE certification requirements, while additional resources for business growth and development will be made available.

“Are you a BIPOC business owner? Let’s unlock the potential of the MBE certification,” said A.J. Enchill, executive director at BBEC. “Come join us for the MBE Educational Workshop to learn how certification can open doors for contracting, incentives, and funding opportunities.”

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) is leading the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI). The grant, which is funded by Mass Development’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), will offer businesses the opportunity to receive TDI Local funds in amounts between $7,500 and $25,000 to help cover the costs of relocating to currently vacant storefronts in the North Street district.

Businesses interested in moving to the North Street district can apply for the grant, which will be awarded to businesses that demonstrate the passion and capability to revitalize downtown Pittsfield.

“We’re excited to launch the Vibe North Street grant program in collaboration with DPI,” said A.J. Enchill, executive director of BBEC. “COVID has forced many businesses in our downtown to close. We believe that, by recruiting new businesses to North Street, we can create a vibrant downtown with diverse businesses that bring a new vibe to Pittsfield.”

Vibe North Street is part of a broader effort to fit out vacant storefronts with the proper equipment, fixtures, and furniture so storefronts are move-in-ready. With the program’s focus on attracting new businesses to the North Street district, BBEC and DPI are working to inspire new seasonal activities in order to work toward a downtown with businesses that complement one another throughout the year.

Click here for more information on the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program. Click here for more info about TDI Local.

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council will host its annual Speed Networking Expo on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bousquet Mountain in Pittsfield, with an after-hours special featuring food and kid-friendly entertainment.

This event will introduce the Berkshire Black entrepreneurs to the Berkshire business and nonprofit community. The networking is aimed to highlight Black businesses, facilitate new relationships, inspire new local contracting, and boost economic development. The goal is to get the Berkshire Black businesses under one roof in front of business leaders and community members.

To register for the event, click here.