WESTFIELD—Small businesses in Westfield have a chance to gain some help with their enterprises through the city’s Best Retail Practices Program happening later this month.
Up to eight businesses that are eligible for the program can be provided a nearly $2,000 grant to assist in a number of ways. The program is in its sixth round of existence within the city and is funded through Community Development Block Grants. Those interested in utilizing the program must attend a workshop Tuesday, Feb. 27, in order to be eligible.
“The program provides small businesses the opportunity to meet with a consultant who has been a professional in the retail industry for over 25 years,” Community Development Director Peter Miller, said.
Through the program, interested businesses meet with Christine Moynihan, expert retail consultant from Cambridge-based Retail Visioning.
The free workshop on Feb. 27 will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Rinnova Building at 105 Elm St., and after, interested businesses will receive an application to apply for grant funding through the program.
In order to be eligible, Miller said that the company must have five or less employees and the owner must have household income below the Housing and Urban Development limits, in addition to attending the two-hour seminar.
Up to eight businesses will be chosen, and each can then be provided with up to $1,999 in grant money to utilize based on individual consultation.
Peter J. Miller, Director of Community Development for the City of Westfield. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Miller said that businesses can get help with developing a number of ways to improve their enterprise, from marketing to merchandising.
“Typically what we do is we help with marketing, helped with websites, helped with signage and graphic design improvements,” Miller said.
Miller also noted that previous grants have also been used for equipment.
“It’s a whole slew of different things that we can help with,” he said.
For more information, visit the city’s website, or contact Miller at at [email protected] , or at (413) 572-6246.
