Valley Venture Mentors (VVM)

07/03/2024

We're excited to announce that we've been chosen for the Y World Class Market Community Bag Program! From now until the end of JULY, if you purchase a reusable Community Bag at the Big Y at 503 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, it will benefit Valley Venture Mentors! This promotion is only active at the West Springfield Big Y, though, so make sure you're going there! Show your support to our local entrepreneurial ecosystem while preparing for summer and the holiday!

07/02/2024

Are you looking for a community within the climatetech space? In collaboration with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, FedTech, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, and FORGE Pioneer Valley, the Massachusetts Founders Network is hosting an event series called Convening the Climatetech Community: Empowering Entrepreneurs, Building Networks, Leveraging Mentors

Join us for the first event in Springfield for an evening of networking, updates, and engaging conversations about the thriving Massachusetts climatetech ecosystem.

Whether you're a founder, serial entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about climatetech, this event is for you!

📅 When: July 15, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Western Mass EDC Headquarters, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gsvZ8mEk

07/01/2024

We're excited to announce that we've been chosen for the Big Y World Class Market Community Bag Program! From now until the end of JULY, if you purchase a reusable Community Bag at the Big Y at 503 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, it will benefit Valley Venture Mentors! This promotion is only active at the West Springfield Big Y, though, so make sure you're going there! Show your support to our local entrepreneurial ecosystem while preparing for summer and the holiday!

05/16/2024

The University of Massachusetts' Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship and Valley Venture Mentors are partnering to bring you the 2024 Collegiate Summer Venture Program (CSVP)!

This 5-week program is open to students, grad students, and recent alumni (within the past 10 years) of any of the 14 colleges and universities in the Pioneer Valley - AIC, Amherst College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Greenfield Community College (GCC), Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College (HCC), Mt. Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass, Western New England University, and Westfield State University.

WHAT: The CSVP program teaches participants to develop and validate a business idea by discovering the ideal customer willing to pay for its solution, recognizing the product/service demand, and learning about the best funding options for their business. Throughout 5 weeks of virtual sessions, participants will develop and validate a business idea, gain a deeper understanding of their target customers through customer discovery, build a business model and develop their business pitch!

WHEN:
Tues July 9th 5-8 PM and Friday July 12th from 9-10:00 AM
Tues July 16th 5-8 PM and Friday July 19th from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tues July 23rd 5-8 PM and Friday July 26th from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tues July 30th 5-8 PM and Friday Aug 2nd from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tues Aug 6th 5-8 PM and Friday Aug 9th from 9:00-10:00 AM

DEADLINE:
Applications are open until Monday May 20th, 2024 (5 p.m. EST).
Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the CSVP Leadership, Tues May 28 and Wednesday May 29th via Zoom.
APPLICATION LINK: To apply, visit: https://bit.ly/CSVP2024

If you have questions about whether this program is right for you or someone you know, or would like to nominate a participant to for the program, please contact Hope Ross Gibaldi ([email protected]

05/05/2024

05/04/2024

SAVE THE DATE! Our next Leadership Luncheon promises to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit on Tuesday 5/14.
We will be featuring an exceptional panel of speakers who are at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurial success and business growth in Western Massachusetts. Hope Ross Gilbaldi from Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), Jayne Melendez from EforAll Pioneer Valley, Tiffany Allecia from Black and Brown Wall Street/Springfield Creative City Collective, and Dawn Creighton from Liberty Bank will all grace our stage. They’ll share valuable insights on the resources available to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, helping you navigate the exciting yet challenging world of entrepreneurship.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply interested in the dynamic world of startups, this luncheon is the perfect opportunity to learn from the best, ask your burning questions, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Admission is Free for all!
At the East Forest Park Branch of Springfield City Library
136 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
A light lunch will be provided, advanced registration is encouraged.
Register at Springfieldyps.com/events
Thank you to our Leadership Luncheon series sponsor, Raipher, P.C.

03/27/2024

Join us for networking, refreshments, community and the energy of entrepreneurship! This event is free and open to entrepreneurs, startup curious, support organizations, community members! Share with your circles, and bring a friend with you!

If you have questions please reach out to [email protected]

03/13/2024

There will be no Community Night tonight but we are looking forward to getting back together in April! Stay tuned for more details on April events and programs! If you have any questions, reach out to [email protected]

02/21/2024

So proud of you Hot Oven Cookies!

01/22/2024

The Springfield Creative City Collective has partnered with MASSCreative in celebration of Creative Sector Advocacy Week 2024 happening from January 22, 2024 to January 26, 2024!

Springfield will be kicking off the week with a 24/hour live stream on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM!
Creative Sector advocacy week 24 Hour Live Kick-Off

We will be spending the day celebrating our growing creative economy and discussing its needs and areas of opportunities.
We will also be exploring a variety of elements of the the creative economy, through discussions, live performances, storytelling and more!

Tune in throughout the day to participate in advocating for additional resources to our creative sector!

Join us on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83116700740?pwd=0yYtL8lKRrRGiwdkbqCLLCCx95LOeb.1

Or catch the live stream on the Springfield Creative City Collective!

12/11/2023

It was so incredible to be joined by so many regional stakeholders within the Western Massachusetts ecosystem. We are excited for the energy of collaboration and positive momentum. There is a strong shared desire for network alignment and amplification. More to come in 2024!