Brockton 21st Century Corp. Launches New Small Business Program

The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--From the Mayor's Office:
Mayor Linda M. Balzotti was joined by representatives of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Brockton Redevelopment Authority, Self Help Inc., and the Campello, Downtown, and Montello business associations to celebrate the official launch of the Brockton 21st Century Corporation Small Business Program on Tuesday, Nov. 9th
“This program will help kick start Brockton’s economic engine,” said Balzotti in a prepared statement. “Providing assistance to small businesses not only helps those already here, but makes the city more attractive to business-owners looking to locate a business in the area,” she said.
Officials said in the statement, the goal of the program is to provide Brockton’s small businesses with the necessary resources and technical assistance to foster bothprosperity and sustainability.
The consulting contract was awarded to OnPoint Coaching. John Lloyd, the company’s principal, will serve in a part-time position that is paid through the Brockton 21st Century Corporation.
Lloyd will have on-site office hours in the Brockton 21st Century Corp. offices at 50 School St. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to Noon on Tuesday and Thursday.
“Establishing this program meets an unmet need in our community,” said Mary Waldron, Executive Director of the Brockton 21st Century Corporation.
A Brockton resident, Lloyd has nine years of business experience in the private sector and has owned OnPoint Coaching since 2008.
The firm focuses on advising clients in project management, market research, website development, public relations, business development, event planning, and marketing.
“Our goal with this program is to provide the appropriate support, resources, and direction to the small businesses in the community for growth and vitality,” said Lloyd.
Small business owners will receive assistance through monthly training sessions focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities small businesses face as well as providing solutions and guidance.
An analysis of an existing small business database will be done, as well as a needs assessment of what resources Brockton’s small businesses need.
The Small Business Program will also provide direct and indirect technical assistance to new or existing businesses seeking this type of service.
In addition to this, Lloyd will attend local, state, and federal meetings focusing on small business, and assist the Brockton 21st Century Corp. to establish monthly meetings with local, state, and federal resources including: the Small Business Association; the Center for Entrepreneurship at Bridgewater State University; Massasoit Community College; Stonehill College, SEED Corporation, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, and more.
The Small Business Program will also identify, research, and apply for targeted grants to help enhance Brockton’s existing small business resources. A welcome package for newly formed businesses will also be created and distributed.
The development of a micro-loan program for small businesses and a post-finance technical assistance program aimed at recently funded businesses in the Brockton area is also planned.
The Small Business Program will also review and update an existing Navigating Guide with input from relevant city departments.
In the few weeks Lloyd has been on board, accomplishments already include a revised business guide identifying resources for Brockton small businesses.
This guide was translated by Jair Martins, a BSU graduate student intern at Brockton 21st Century Corp.