Talking business & marketing with Jim Barton, Allegra Marketing - 06/21/22 (audio)

FM #825 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 825 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jim Barton of Allegra Marketing Print Mail here in Franklin. We had our conversation in person, in the office on Union St in the Crossing section of Franklin. 

We talk about his Franklin story, doing business in Franklin, and helping businesses succeed.

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jim.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-825-allegra-marketing-with-jim-barton-06-21-22

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Allegra Franklin webpage -> https://www.allegramarketingprint.com/locations/franklin-ma-downtown/your-allegra 

Follow Allegra on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/allegrafranklin5339/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talking business & marketing with Jim Barton, Allegra Marketing - 06/21/22  (audio) 

 

Senator Rausch Launches Local Small Business Advisory Council

SENATOR RAUSCH ANNOUNCES CREATION OF 

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL 

Council is comprised of local business owners to inform economic recovery policies on Beacon Hill 

 

This morning (3/25/22), Senator Rausch hosted the inaugural meeting of her Small Business Advisory Council, consisting of eleven small business from across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. Spurred by the unique challenges small businesses face during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council's mission is to create a consistent dialogue about issues facing small businesses from across the district to inform economic policy on Beacon Hill.  

 

The Massachusetts legislative session ends at the end of July, and the Senate will be debating the fiscal year 2023 budget this May. The four remaining months of the legislative session are a critical period to pass bills and allocate funding for Massachusetts communities and local projects across the state. 

 

"Small businesses have always been the backbones of our communities," said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham). "Our local business owners have faced countless challenges through this pandemic, but in my district, I have seen so much innovation and persistence from these local leaders. I am excited to give our communities' businesses a seat at the table to inform my work on Beacon Hill and meet the diverse needs of our local economy." 

 

The Senator's Small Business Advisory Council currently consists of the following 11 businesses: 

• 67 Degrees Brewing, Franklin 

• Althea's Beauty Depot, North Attleboro 

• Choc-Allure, Needham 

• Crosby's Coffeehouse, Wrentham 

• French Press, Needham 

• La Cantina, Franklin  

• Nutty Bird Granola, Sherborn 

• Quality Cleaners, Millis 

• Todos, Natick  

• An Unlikely Story, Plainville 

• Wesleaf, Needham 

 

Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature approved $75 million in grant funding for small businesses grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, which administered the largest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications for MGCC grants are due by April 4, 2022.   

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

 

Senator Rausch Launches Local Small Business Advisory Council

Rockland Trust: Reminder: Small Business, Big Dreams $20,000 Grand Prize Contest

At Rockland Trust, relationships are important to us. Now, more than ever, we understand the impact that small businesses have across our entire community, and are committed to helping them succeed. Our Small Business, Big Dreams contest provides small businesses in our community a chance to win $20,000 to help their business grow! Entries will be accepted until April 1, 2022 at 5:00 PM (ET). For instructions on how to enter, timeline and the official contest rules, please visit our website:   LEARN MORE No purchase necessary; void where prohibited by law. Open only to legal residents of MA and RI meeting eligibility criteria; including independently owning a for-profit small business that is both domiciled and headquartered in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, which has been in continuous operation selling a product or service for not less than 2 years at the start of the Contest, and which has annual revenues of less than US $3,000,000. Entrant must be 18 years or older at time of entry. Sponsor reserves right to modify announcement and presentation dates. Additional restrictions apply; see Official Rules at  RocklandTrust.com/smallbusiness. © 2022 Rockland Trust. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. This email was sent by: Rockland Trust Company 288 Union St, Rockland, MA, 02370-1803 US

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates COVID-19 Business Relief Program, Awards Final Round of Grants

"Today (Thursday 5/06/21), Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, legislators and key partners celebrated the success of the Baker-Polito Administration’s COVID-19 business relief program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). 

Gathering in person at the family- and minority-owned Panela Restaurant in Lowell, a program grantee, the Administration announced the end of the program, which has provided over $687.2 million in direct cash grants to 15,112 businesses across the Commonwealth. Among the awardees included in the final round were 108 additional businesses that received a total of approximately $4.8 million in COVID relief grants."

The full press release can be found online

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-celebrates-covid-19-business-relief-program-awards-final-round-of-grants

Direct link to the press conference video -> https://youtu.be/g1m5-809pc8

#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!

"We are excited to share that 2 new businesses are accepting the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card! You can now use your card at Mirchi Indian Cuisine and at Night Owl Farm!  

Do you have a Franklin Gift card?  Check out the 40 different businesses where you can redeem them!  These cards are helping our local economy by boosting local spending AND covering processing costs thanks to our generous sponsor, Dean Bank!  

Businesses are redeemed 100% of the funds spent at their locations! Random Smile Project has helped make this initiative possible by donating their time and energy to assist with administrative tasks.  We are so lucky to live in such a supportive community! 

Gift cards are always available both online and at Dean Bank.  www.franklingiftcard.com #supportlocal #shoplocal #giftlocal"

Shared from the Town of Franklin page on Facebook: 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=461047405262367&id=109645590402552

A full listing of the participating businesses can be found

https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!

A Franklin Treasure - Elizabeth's Bagels (audio)

FM #457 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 457 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jen Garcia of Elizabeth’s Bagels. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• A quick background on Elizabeth’s Bagels
• Adjustments made and being made during this COVID-19 pandemic
• As a small businesses some issues with 3rd party delivery companies

Links to Elizabeth's Bagels webpage are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jen.

Audio file = https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/72225fc3-d171-4ad9-a9c0-8f2f77f1b236/fm-457-elizabethsbagels-20210125.mp3

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Find Elizabeth’s Bagels at 456 West Central Street, Franklin

• webpage = https://elizabethsbagels.com/ 
• Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeths-Bagels/84301856675 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

A Franklin Treasure - Elizabeth's Bagels (audio)

Another business on the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card listing to visit

Another local business has joined the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card program!  We welcome Lotus Lash to the list of participating businesses! 

Gift cards can be purchased at Dean Bank  right in Downtown Franklin or online at www.franklingiftcard.com 

 

#LocalBusiness #LocaSupport #ItMatters #ShopLocal #SpendLocal

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/451347476232360/

You can use the #ThinkFranklinFirst card make your purchase as part of the #ProjectEnvoy eat out/take out, help out effort!

 

Another business on the #thinkfranklinfirst gift card listing to visit

Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

FM #449 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 449 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jane Fulton. She is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Project Envoy
• Calendar set for February, March, and April
• Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
• This helps out the restaurant during the pandemic
• The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
• A win, win, win for Franklin

The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jane Fulton. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXx1tMqS

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Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/

Link to February calendar = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Envoy-calendar-February.1.27.21.pdf 

Hashtag your social post with  #ProjectEnvoy  #noonegoeshungryFranklin  

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events

We are excited to offer a wide range of programming including interactive workshops [3 options offered], follow-up networking sessions, 1-1 speed coaching, exciting guest speakers and panel events.   February is packed with programming! Mark your calendar! Be sure to visit our website 50plusjobseekers.org for additional details.   Interactive Workshop Series: Learn new Job Search Skills and Strategies Session #2-Create your STARS: Mon, Feb 1st: 630-830pm:  Session #3-Use your STARS: Tues Feb 9th: 10-12N Session #3-Use your STARS: Fri Feb 12th: 1-3pm Session #3-Use your STARS: Mon Feb 15th: 630-830pm Session #4-Creating your Resume-Part I: Tues Feb 23rd:10-12N   G2G Networking Sessions: Session Recap-Homework-Networking-Open Forum Q&A Networking Session #2: Tues Feb 2nd: 10-1130am  Networking Session #3: Tues Feb 16th 10-1130am   Special Events Series: Guest Speakers and Panel Events 50+ Job Seekers Community Forum: Fri Feb 5th: 10-11am [In Collaboration w/EOEA**] Finding Resiliency and Resources: Thu Feb 11th: 10-12N [In collaboration with EBN **] Age-Friendly Employer Forum - Panel Event Wed Feb 24th[In collaboration with EBN **] GUEST SPEAKER-Nancy Collamer: Hot Small Business and Gig Ideas: Thu Feb 25th::10-1130am   If you are registered with the 50+ program, you will receive a URL to join the events. Not registered?  Register at our website 50plusjobseekers.org Thanks, Ed Lawrence * 50+ Program - Group Leader * Resume-writer for the Framingham Public Library * Principal coach - www.getstart-ed.com   50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events

Vaccine call center to be set up; Gov Baker press conf link on small grant awards

 

"AMID GROWING frustration with the state’s process for arranging COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Thursday that his administration intends to set up a call center next week for those who need additional help.

On Wednesday, people 75 and over who are not living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities started making appointments for vaccinations. Baker said 45,000 appointments were made over the last two days but the demand far outpaced supply. An estimated 500,000 people over 75 are eligible to obtain the two-dose vaccination, but he said the state has been receiving only 80,000 doses a week, a number bumping up to 100,000 next week."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-setting-up-vaccine-call-center/

Maura Healey (@MassAGO):

"First, it was unemployment. The Department of Unemployment had no live call center.
Then, it was workplace safety.
After that, evictions. No system.
We've tried to help those frustrated constituents all year. The vaccine call center should have happened yesterday. "

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassAGO/status/1354882824109752329

Gov Baker Press Conf Link - https://youtu.be/z0IpZCRvFME

Press Release on Small Business Grants

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-over-45-million-in-grants-to-1100-new-small-businesses

Town of Franklin, MA: new grant program for MA businesses

"A new grant program is available for Massachusetts businesses from @MassGCC. Applications open tomorrow at noon.  Find details here https://t.co/mY1d6or3gg"

@FranklinDowntwn @franklinculture

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1344330442313527296?s=03

Town of Franklin, MA:  new grant program for MA businesses

"A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"One moment, Governor Charlie Baker is asking people to lobby their legislators for some relatively modest funding as the state’s well of small-business relief funds runs dry.

The next: Baker unveils $668 million for grants, in particular to help several sectors hit hard by COVID-19 such as restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and hair salons.

The sharp turnabout last week surprised many small-business advocates — not to mention the budget writers in the Legislature.

A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain on the part of Baker’s Administration & Finance team?

Maybe a bit of both."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/30/business/baker-pulled-650m-small-business-aid-seemingly-out-nowhere-heres-how/

FM #425 Fresh Start Market - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 425 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Fresh Start Market co-owner Bonnie Corso. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the social distancing requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how Bonnie and her husband Mark have spent many years developing the market which will open in the near future here in Franklin. They will be located in the Liquor World Plaza, in the space where the Shiva Market had been.

We talk about the timeline how they came to bring this to reality. How they used the Market Study developed by MAPC for Franklin to confirm three was an opportunity here. 

By way of disclosure: I did purchase a brick on their wall to help share the Franklin Matters Name. I did also contribute as an investor in their venture. We talk about this and how they will be part of the community in bringing a ‘farm to table’ approach to grab and go meals.

While I do believe in what they are doing, this radio program is part of my overall effort to share newsworthy goodness in Franklin. This happens to be a very good example of the stories I think are newsworthy.

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H13TRRHS

 
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Follow Fresh Start Market on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartMkt/ 
On Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start.market/ 
Their investment opportunity page on MainVest  https://mainvest.com/b/fresh-start-market-franklin 
`
EDC Meeting with the MAPC Market Study presented and discussed
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session. Here is a cropped photo of Finian shared on the Fresh Start Market Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/p/CJIEFN7gQ29/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session

$668M available to support businesses in MA

 

"The Commonwealth has made an additional $668M available to support businesses. @MassGCC   will target a portion of these funds to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship & loss of revenue due to #COVID19MA. #MAbiz"

Details: http://ow.ly/P72Z50CVyHy

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassEOHED/status/1343612866801315846

Go direct to grant info:  https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses

 

$668M available to support businesses in MA

Boston Globe: "Baker’s $50 million effort to help small businesses is wildly oversubscribed"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Governor Charlie Baker’s two new grant programs to help small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic have been swamped by applications, essentially ensuring there won’t be enough money to go around for everyone who sought the help.

Working through the quasipublic Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp., the Baker administration unveiled two programs in October offering a combined $50.8 million in grants, aimed at helping small businesses endure what’s expected to be a tough winter.

One program, backed by $40 million, offers grants of up to $75,000 for businesses with as many as 50 employees; the other, with $10.8 million, provides grants of up to $25,000 for businesses with five or fewer workers. The latter program also requires that the owners who apply have below-average incomes.

Mass. Growth Capital stopped accepting applications last week. At that point, state officials said, more than 10,000 applications had been received for the two programs, which are being funded by federal dollars. About 37 percent were for the program to help businesses with five or fewer employees, although a few businesses applied to both programs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/25/business/bakers-50-million-effort-help-small-businesses-is-wildly-oversubscribed/

 

Community Compact Connector: Small Business Grants are now open!

COVID-19 Small Business Grants: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) as well as the CARES Act of 2020 and are divided into two programs, Small Business Grants for 5 or fewer employees and Small Business Grants for 50 or fewer employees.

The application opens at 12:00PM on 10/22/2020 and will close at 12:00PM on 11/12/2020. For more information click here https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/covid-19-grants-massachusetts-small-businesses.

To stay informed regarding both existing and upcoming grant opportunities, please bookmark the Community Compact Connector website https://www.mass.gov/community-compact-connector. 

COVID-19 Small Business Grants