Page 11 - BusinessWest August 8, 2022
P. 11

 Easthampton Continued from page 9
opment and neighborhood pride,” the mayor said. “Watching the progress
at the site has been a real confidence booster for the city.”
While housing is indeed a priority, it is just one of many priorities in a com- munity that has seen a great deal of change, evolution, and growth over the past quarter-century, and is poised for more of all the above.
Other focal points for LaChapelle and her administration include new business development, business-sector recovery from COVID, infrastructure, schools, growth of the city’s emerg-
ing cannabis sector, and more, and
the mayor reports progress on all
these fronts, especially those involv- ing assistance and mentoring to small businesses.
Many are included in a broad ini- tiative called Blueprint Easthampton. Designed to promote entrepreneurial innovation, the initiative also empha- sizes partnerships with key constitu- ents in the community such as non- profit organizations and educational institutions.
LaChapelle said Blueprint East- hampton is like an octopus in the way
“The Ferry Street project is what we hoped it would be, a spark for community development and neighborhood pride.”
it keeps reaching out to different areas. One notable partnership is with the Coalition for Community Empower- ment, a collaboration with the Massa- chusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Black Economic Council of Massa- chusetts, and Lawyers for Civil Rights. They have embarked on a statewide program to provide small-business technical assistance and open paths
to entrepreneurs from at-risk popula- tions. LaChapelle said at least a dozen businesses in Easthampton have ben- efited in some way from this effort.
“At a deeper level, three businesses have received grants, and two others have signed up for extensive business coaching,” LaChapelle said, explaining that startup businesses often have to realign their ideas to serve the market that exists.
“In one case, a baker had a business plan based on a delivery and store- front model,” she noted. “After coach- ing from the coalition, she realized her idea would work better without the storefront.”
For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, Business- West takes an in-depth look at East- hampton, the many forms of progress being seen there, and what’s next for the ‘cool-kid city.’
‘Shop Where I Live’
In January, LaChapelle began her third term as mayor. Unlike her previ- ous terms, which each lasted two years, the mayor’s term now runs four years. It’s a change that makes long-term planning easier on many fronts.
“With a four-year term, the mayor isn’t distracted with campaigning after only 18 months,” she said. “The longer term also makes it easier to manage the timing of grant cycles.”
The longer term is beneficial when coping with pressing issues, said LaChapelle, adding, again, that there are many of them, especially in a com-
Mayor Nicole LaChapelle’s priorities
have included housing, business development, infrastructure, schools, and the emerging cannabis sector.
  Staff Photo
   Commercial Sustainability Lending:
Put The Power Of The Sun To Work
 Making energy-saving improvements to your business is absolutely within reach with our Commercial Solar and Mass Save® Business HEAT loans.
We’re here for you with our team of trusted advisors offering hands-on experience in Commercial Lending. Our loan process is quick and easy, so you can keep your cash flow flowing and your business growing.
Contact our business expert:
Jeffrey Simpson, CFA at 413.256.5560
    umassfive.coop/business
     BusinessWest
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
AUGUST 8, 2022 11
 

































































   9   10   11   12   13