Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation

Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation QVCDC is a non-profit organization committed to economic development in the 15 towns within the Quaboag region.

We offer many programs and services with a focus on supporting small business, community, and economic development. Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is a member-based, non-profit organization committed to economic development and helping small businesses grow and prosper. QVCDC and its partner organization, Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation (QVBAC) offer many programs

and services to support small businesses and enhance the economic development in our region. QVCDC serves the 15 towns of the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County: Belchertown, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Holland, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield Oxford, Palmer, Spencer, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Wales, Ware, Warren, West Brookfield. Our Mission: "To improve the quality of life in the Quaboag Valley by addressing the economic environmental, and social needs of its residents while maintaining the integrity and character of each community in the region." The CDC/BAC is an equal opportunity lender, employer and provider. In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, family/parental status, national origin, race, religion, s*x, gender identity (including expression), s*xual orientation, marital status, income derived from public assistance programs, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity funded by USDA

Interested in learning more about HCC? Stop by E2E Education to Employment, 79 Main Street Ware, MA between 1:00 PM and ...
08/28/2026

Interested in learning more about HCC? Stop by E2E Education to Employment, 79 Main Street Ware, MA between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM today.

📣 Small business owners: Are your digital tools working for you?       Discover how Google’s free business tools can hel...
08/28/2026

📣 Small business owners: Are your digital tools working for you?

Discover how Google’s free business tools can help you stay organized, collaborate more effectively, and access your work from anywhere.
Join Joseph Williams for Google Suite for Beginners, a FREE workshop covering the essentials of:
📁 Google Drive
📝 Google Docs
📊 Google Sheets
📋 Google Forms
☁️ Cloud-based file storage & collaboration

This beginner-friendly session is hands-on, so bring your laptop and practice as you learn. You’ll leave with useful formulas, shortcuts, and templates you can put to work immediately.

📅 Next session: September 17, 2026, at 9 AM
📍 E2E, 79 Main Street, Ware, MA

Give yourself the digital skills to work more efficiently and keep your business organized. Register before this class fills at https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/category/google-workspace

🎉 Google Workspace for Beginners is one of many FREE classes being offered over the coming months, all designed to help small business owners succeed! Whether you’re starting a business or looking to grow an established one, these workshops offer opportunities to build practical skills, discover new tools, strengthen your business knowledge, and learn strategies you can put to work right away.

These are four of the other FREE classes being offered over the next two months:

Introduction to Business Planning
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: September 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM

AI for Small Business
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: October 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM

Building Your Business Support Team
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: October 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM

Financing Your Small Business
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: October 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM

These classes will fill quickly, register soon. To register for any of the workshops listed above, click, https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/

Also, in addition to our free workshops, we also offer a variety of low-cost workshops designed to provide relevant, practical training for entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members at every stage of their journey. We invite you to explore our website, https://qvcdc.org/ to learn more about our agency, our many workshops and the programs we offer.
If after looking through our website and course catalog you have additional questions, please call 413-497-4409 or email [email protected].

💰 Save More. Learn More. Do More.              Have you heard about the Harrison & Dianne Quirk Learn & Save Education P...
08/27/2026

💰 Save More. Learn More. Do More.

Have you heard about the Harrison & Dianne Quirk Learn & Save Education Program, available through Quaboag Valley CDC, and thought, “This sounds too good to be true. There has to be a catch”?
The truth is—it really is an opportunity to receive financial support toward achieving your goals while building valuable financial skills that can help improve your financial capabilities for the future. And the best part? There’s no catch!

💰 What if your savings could go further?
The Harrison & Dianne Quirk Learn & Save Education Program can help you build your savings, strengthen your financial skills, and work toward an important financial goal.

Through this FREE 12-month program, eligible participants:
• ✨ Choose a savings goal
• ✨ Open an IDA (Individual Development Account) savings account
• ✨ Make regular deposits
• ✨ Learn valuable financial skills each month
• ✨ Receive matched savings toward an approved asset*

Approved savings goals include:
• 🏠 Housing
• 🎓 Education
• 🚗 Vehicle
• 🔧 Home repair
• 🧺 Appliances
• 💼 Small business purchases

Monthly financial education topics include budgeting, reducing debt, smart borrowing, and maximizing your income—skills you can continue using long after the program ends.

📍 Eligible residents must reside in: Belchertown, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Dudley, East Brookfield, Hampden, Hardwick, Holland, Ludlow, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Oxford, Palmer, Spencer, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Wales, Ware, Warren, or West Brookfield.

Space is limited! Apply for the waitlist today.

*Income requirements and matched-savings caps apply. Participants must meet all program eligibility requirements.

❓ Have questions? Stop by this afternoon!
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the program, Crystal Rondeau, QVCDC Community Engagement Specialist, will be available to speak with you at the Community Strong Wellness event today, Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM–4:00 PM at the Palmer Public Library.
Stop by, say hello, and find out whether the Learn & Save Education Program could help you take the next step toward your financial goals!
Not able to make it to the Community Strong Wellness Event today? Email your questions to [email protected] or call (413) 497-4409

💰 Bookkeeping doesn't have to be confusing!Join us for Bookkeeping Basics, a hands-on workshop with Liliana Kualapai des...
08/27/2026

💰 Bookkeeping doesn't have to be confusing!

Join us for Bookkeeping Basics, a hands-on workshop with Liliana Kualapai designed to demystify bookkeeping and help you better understand and manage your financial records.

Learn the essentials, make sense of your numbers, build confidence, and gain practical tools to take greater control of your finances.

📅 Next session: September 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM
📍 In person: 79 Main Street, Ware

A minimum of 8 registrants is required for the workshop to be held in person. If fewer than 8 participants register, the workshop will be conducted virtually.

Learn the Essentials. Build Confidence. Take Control of Your Finances.

Register for Bookkeeping Basics https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/category/bookkeeping

Getting a customer is one thing. Keeping them is another.According to Bain & Company, a 5% increase in customer retentio...
08/25/2026

Getting a customer is one thing. Keeping them is another.
According to Bain & Company, a 5% increase in customer retention can increase profits by 25% to 95%.
Principles of Customer Retention is a practical one-hour workshop designed to help small businesses bring customers back after that first purchase or visit.
You’ll learn how to:
✅ Identify your best repeat-customer opportunities
✅ Build and use a simple customer database
✅ Stay in touch with past customers
✅ Create loyalty offers and reasons to return
✅ Make rebooking and repeat purchases easier
✅ Re-engage customers who have gone quiet
You’ll also build a simple retention plan you can start using for your business.
Tuesday, September 15
10:00 - 11:00 AM
E2E • 79 Main Street, Ware, MA

One week from today! Don't miss this extremely informative clinic.
08/25/2026

One week from today! Don't miss this extremely informative clinic.

Important update: Please read.Your Voice Matters—and It’s Making a Difference!At Quaboag Valley Community Development Co...
08/25/2026

Important update: Please read.

Your Voice Matters—and It’s Making a Difference!

At Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC), your ideas and feedback help shape the programs and workshops we offer. Over the past few months, we’ve introduced several new workshops, along with some returning favorites, based directly on what you’ve told us you want and need.

And we’re still listening!

Recently, we received valuable feedback about our new virtual Rise & Shine with QuickBooks Online series. While the six-session series was a great value for participants attending the entire course, we heard that not everyone was interested in—or available for—every session.

So, we made a change!

Based on your feedback, participants can now choose to attend all six sessions or only the individual workshops that are most relevant to them. The original series price has been divided evenly among the six sessions, allowing you to register and pay only for the workshops you choose to attend.

📚 Rise & Shine with QuickBooks Online

📅 September 8, 2026 — Navigating QuickBooks Online
📅 October 6, 2026 — Time-Saving QuickBooks Tips & Tricks
📅 November 10, 2026 — Invoicing & Payments
📅 December 1, 2026 — Chart of Accounts Customization
📅 December 15, 2026 — Successfully Categorizing
📅 January 12, 2027 — Creating Custom Reports

Whether you’re looking to attend one workshop or the entire series, we’ve made it easier for you to participate on your terms.

Thank you for sharing your feedback and helping QVCDC create programs that better serve our community. Your voice truly matters!

👉 Learn more and register:
https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/course/rise-shine-quick-books-online

📒 Still guessing your way through your bookkeeping?It’s time to change that!Our hands-on bookkeeping workshop will help ...
08/25/2026

📒 Still guessing your way through your bookkeeping?
It’s time to change that!
Our hands-on bookkeeping workshop will help you demystify your financial records and give you practical tools to manage your bookkeeping with greater clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your financial skills or simply want to better understand your records, this workshop is designed to help you take control.

📍 79 Main Street, Ware, MA
💻 If fewer than 8 people register, the workshop will be conducted virtually.

Learn the essentials. Build confidence. Take control.
Reserve your spot and invest in a skill that can make a real difference!

Register via link below https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/category/bookkeeping

Today's FREE virtual workshop, Financing Your Small Business, was a huge success.  If you were interested in attending t...
08/24/2026

Today's FREE virtual workshop, Financing Your Small Business, was a huge success. If you were interested in attending this workshop, however unable to attend, we do have another one scheduled for October 29, 2026.
We have many other free or low-cost workshops scheduled. Please visit our website for more information. https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/

FREE Upcoming Workshops       At Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) the heart of the mission is sm...
08/24/2026

FREE Upcoming Workshops

At Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) the heart of the mission is small business success, and job growth. We are committed to helping induvial, businesses and the community we serve as a whole, thrive.
One of the most important ways we strengthen our services is by listening to the people we serve. Your feedback has helped us develop workshops that address the needs, challenges, and goals you’ve shared with us. We’re excited to offer several of these workshops over the next few months! Many of which are offering FREE of charge.

🤖 AI for Small Business
Discover practical ways to use AI to streamline marketing, operations, customer service, and financial tasks. Learn how to use AI safely and ethically through hands-on demonstrations based on real small-business scenarios.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: October 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM
________________________________________
💻 Google Workspace for Beginners
Learn the basics of Google Drive, Google Docs, and other essential Google tools to help you stay organized, collaborate, and work more efficiently.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: In Person
📍 E2E, 79 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082
Next Class: September 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM
________________________________________
📝 Introduction to Business Planning
Have a business idea, side hustle, or growing business you want to take to the next level? Learn the fundamentals of business planning, including understanding your customers, researching your market, setting goals, estimating costs, and building a strong foundation for your business.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: September 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM
________________________________________
💰 Financing Your Small Business
Learn about small-business financing options and what lenders look for when reviewing financing requests. We’ll cover what information and documents to prepare, potential funding options, and how to recognize financing options that may not be the right fit for your business.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: October 24, 2026 — Time TBD
________________________________________
🤝 Building Your Business Support Team
Successful business owners don’t do everything alone! Learn how to identify the people, resources, and support systems that can help your business succeed. Discover when to ask for help, where to find support, and how the right team can help you save time and make better decisions.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required
Format: Virtual
Next Class: October 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM

To register for any of the workshops listed above, click, https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/

In addition to our free workshops, we also offer a variety of low-cost workshops designed to provide relevant, practical training for entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members at every stage of their journey. We invite you to explore our website, https://qvcdc.org/ to learn more about our agency, our many workshops and the programs we offer.
If after looking through our website and course catalog you have additional questions, please call 413-497-4409 or email [email protected].

Address

23 W Main Street
Ware, MA
01082

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5pm
Friday 7:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(413) 967-3001

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