Berkshire Black Economic Council

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Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire Black Economic Council

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We are here to aid and advocate economic development on the behalf of Berkshire Black Entrepreneurs.

10/23/2026

Join The Mount for The Lit Salon, an evening bringing together literature, music, and conversation featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marcia Chatelain and singer-songwriter Chantell McCulloch.

Chatelain will discuss her book How Bright the Path Grows, which shares the stories of 13 Black women who helped shape the 1963 March on Washington. The evening will also feature a musical performance by McCulloch, creating a space to celebrate Black history, storytelling, and music.

– November 6th
– 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
– $20–$25
– Barrington Hall, 426 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington

For more information and tickets, visit The Mount.

10/21/2026

Join BBEC on October 27 for a hands-on workshop with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) to explore business certification and state contracting opportunities.

Michelle Mendes, Director of Programs and Engagement, and Zelpha Bennett, Procurement Program Coordinator, will share information on SDO programs, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification, and how to navigate COMMBUYS, Massachusetts’ online procurement platform for vendor registration and state contract opportunities.

Come learn how to navigate the certification process, register as a state vendor, and identify contracting opportunities that could help your business grow.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

10/20/2026

Apply for the Entreprenista Evolve Grant!

This $5,000 grant supports women entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their businesses and take the next step toward long-term success. Funding can be used for growth-focused investments such as marketing, hiring, business systems, equipment, and other resources that help businesses scale.

Applications are open through November 11, 2026.

Visit the Entreprenista website to learn more about eligibility and apply!

10/19/2026

Dressed for Success brought fashion and community together at the Center of Pittsfield, where local models took to the runway to showcase outfits from the Styling for Success Boutique.

Started by Jacqueline Melendez about three years ago, the boutique provides free clothing to community members, helping people find outfits for job interviews and other important occasions.

The event celebrated the confidence, opportunity, and community support that can come from access to clothing and self-expression.

10/16/2026

Join Multicultural BRIDGE for their Harvest & Pig Roast Celebration, an afternoon centered on community, connection, and belonging.

The celebration will feature a meal made with fresh vegetables from BRIDGE farms and bring together family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy good food and celebrate the community.

– October 18th
– 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
– $20 per plate/pay what you can
– 965 S. Main St., Great Barrington

For more information, email [email protected].

10/15/2026

Flying Cloud Institute brings science and art together through creative, hands-on experiences that encourage young people to explore, experiment, and discover.

Join Flying Cloud Institute and the Berkshire Museum for STEAM Challenge Night, a free evening of hands-on science and art activities for students in grades K–8 as part of Massachusetts STEM Week!

– Thursday, October 22
– 5–7:30 PM
– Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA

Visit Flying Cloud Institute to learn more and register!

10/14/2026

Apply for the Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant Program!

This program supports nonprofit organizations through grant funding focused on education, health, community development, environmental initiatives, and programs that improve quality of life. Funding is intended to help organizations expand services, strengthen operations, and increase their impact within the communities they serve.

Eligible nonprofits can apply for support to advance projects and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s mission. Applications are available online.

Visit their website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply!

10/13/2026

On Friday, October 23, join Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge for American Stories: Black Excellence and Everyday Life, a curator talk exploring Black artists and their impact on American art and history.

Led by Russell Lord, Chief of Curatorial Affairs, the talk will highlight artists whose work celebrates Black dignity, identity, and the fight for social justice.

– Friday, October 23
– 9:30–10:30 AM
– Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum website to learn more and reserve tickets!

10/08/2026

Just a reminder that Life Itself, our podcast featuring conversations with entrepreneurs behind some of our favorite Berkshire businesses, is available to stream on Spotify!

Each episode offers a look at the people behind the businesses, their personal journeys, what inspires their work, and how they balance work and life.

Check out the latest episodes by clicking the link in our Linktree!

10/07/2026

Apply for the Small Business Boost Grant!

The Small Business Boost Grant, presented by ShopHand, provides eligible small businesses with the opportunity to receive funding to support growth, strengthen operations, and invest in their future.

The program is designed to help entrepreneurs access the resources they need to continue building and expanding their businesses.

Visit the Small Business Boost Grant website to learn more about eligibility, application requirements, and how to apply!

Address

33 Dunham Mall Suite 101
Pittsfield, MA
01201

Website

https://berkshirebec.org/

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