The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), will host an event bringing business owners, local developers, and manufacturers face-to-face with state representatives from key programs designed to support business growth. These experts will share information and answer questions about available resources, from grant opportunities to workforce development support.
Maria DiStefano, Northeast regional director for MOBD, and Geetha Rao Ramani, vice president of business development for MassDevelopment, will be available by appointment at the Chamber office on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Appointments will be in 30-minute increments on a first-come, first-served basis. The meetings are free, confidential, available on a non-discriminatory basis, and are handicap accessible.
MOBD helps businesses looking to expand or relocate in Massachusetts by providing guidance on key programs. It manages the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which offers tax credits for qualifying business expansion projects. MOBD also provides information on other valuable resources, such as the state’s R&D tax credit, Mass Life Science Center tax incentives, the Workforce Training Fund grant, and the STEP grant for export growth — helping businesses find the support that fits their needs.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, collaborates with businesses, nonprofits, and communities to drive economic growth across Massachusetts. Whether you need financing for an expansion or support with community development, MassDevelopment can help. Their programs range from cost-effective ways to finance or refinance real estate or equipment, loan guarantees, tax credits, and Green financing and incentives. In addition, the Mass Manufacturing Energy Collaborative works to reduce consumption, costs, and environmental impacts for businesses.
“We’re excited to host this event and help connect local businesses with the resources available to them,” said Deanne Healey, president of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce. “These appointments are open to any business in the area, and you do not need to be a Chamber member. Our goal is to empower businesses to succeed, and having direct access to these programs can be a game-changer for many.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Peabody Area Chamber at 978-531-0384, email president@peabodychamber.com, or reserve an appointment online at www.peabodychamber.com.