Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation

10/13/2026

Selling online can open new opportunities for a small business, but getting started can feel overwhelming.
eCommerce Foundations for Small Business is a practical 90-minute workshop designed to help small business owners understand what it really takes to sell online.

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Choose the right selling platform
✅ Create stronger product listings
✅ Understand online payments and checkout
✅ Plan for shipping, pickup, or delivery
✅ Improve the customer experience
✅ Build trust with online shoppers
✅ Get more people to your store
✅ Know what results to measure

The workshop is designed for small businesses like farms, bakeries, makers, retailers, service businesses, and other local businesses looking to start or improve online sales.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the tools you need and a simple action plan for what to do next.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM
E2E Building
79 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082

10/13/2026

💼 Dreaming of starting or growing a small business? Your savings could go further!

The Harrison and Diane Quirk Learn & Save Program, administered by the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC), is a FREE 12-month matched savings program for eligible low-to-moderate income residents in the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County.

Through the program, you can:
💰 Build your savings with a matching contribution from QVCDC*
📚 Learn practical financial skills
📊 Create a spending and savings plan
💳 Learn strategies for reducing debt and smart borrowing
🤝 Connect with others working toward their financial goals

And one of the approved assets you can save toward is SMALL BUSINESS! 🚀

Whether you're looking to start a business or invest in an existing one, Learn & Save may help you take that next step.

*Matched savings are subject to a capped amount and income eligibility requirements
📞 Call 413-497-4409
📧 [email protected]

Space is limited — apply today!

10/13/2026

Today's Community Connections with Crystal has been canceled.

If you were planning to stop by to get information or ask questions about our programs, Crystal will be available in person on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Palmer Public Library.

You can also reach Crystal by phone at 413-497-4404, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Thank you for your understanding!

10/08/2026

Crystal Rondeau, Community Engagement Specialist, will be available today during the Community Strong Wellness event from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Palmer Public Library.

Stop by to ask questions about upcoming classes, the Learn & Save program, or the many resources available to support current and prospective small business owners.

We’d love to connect with you and help you find the resources you need!

10/08/2026

Building Stronger Businesses. Stronger Communities.
The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) is dedicated to strengthening local communities and helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive throughout the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County.
Through QVCDC and our partner organization, Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation (QVBAC), we provide a variety of programs and services designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, businesses, families, and communities.

Our services include:
• Business Development: One-on-one guidance for startups and existing businesses, including business planning, marketing, financial management, operations, and growth strategies.
• Small Business & Microenterprise Loans: Financing resources to help entrepreneurs launch, expand, and strengthen their businesses.
• Business & Community Grants: Funding opportunities that support economic and community development.
• Computer Training: Practical technology training to help individuals and businesses build essential skills.
• Learn and Save: A free, 12-month matched savings program for eligible low-to-moderate income residents.
• Community Services & Projects: Programs that address local needs and help create stronger, more connected communities.
• Senior Outreach: Eligible seniors can receive free assistance with errands, grocery pickup, and prescription pickup.
Whether you're starting a business, looking for financing, building your skills, saving for the future, or seeking community assistance, QVCDC is here to help.

📍 Proudly serving communities throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester Counties.

Let’s build a stronger Quaboag Valley—together.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

⏰ Coming up October 9!

Ready to strengthen your business financial skills?

Join Maria Thomson for Financial Basics for Managing Your
Business and learn practical approaches to:
📊 Prepare basic financial reports
📋 Build and manage a budget
💸 Understand and manage cash flow
💰 Use financial information to make business decisions

📅 October 9, 2026 at 11 AM
💻 Virtual

👉 Make time for your business finances — register for the workshop today!

10/07/2026

👋 Small business owners and entrepreneurs — this one's for you!

Want to feel more comfortable with the financial side of your business?
Join Maria Thomson for Financial Basics for Managing Your Business — a practical virtual workshop focused on the skills you can put to work right away.

You'll learn about:
💵 Financial reports
📋 Budgeting
💸 Cash flow
📊 Using your numbers to manage your business

📅 October 9 at 11 AM
💻 Online

Come strengthen your financial foundation and build your confidence in managing your business finances.

* A follow-up workshop on Financial Statements & Cash Flow Management will be offered in November and April, for those interested.

10/07/2026

Learn & Save: Turn Your Goals Into Reality 💰🌱

Build your financial confidence. Grow your savings. Work toward the future you want.

The Harrison & Diane Quirk Learn & Save Education Program is a free, year-long financial education and matched savings program designed to help income-qualified individuals and families build stronger financial habits and work toward meaningful financial goals.
Facilitated by the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) in partnership with Midas Collaborative, Learn & Save combines practical financial education with a matched savings opportunity to help participants take steps toward long-term financial stability.

📚 Learn. Save. Grow.

Participants receive practical tools and support to:

• Create and manage a budget
• Build healthy saving habits
• Borrow responsibly
• Improve financial decision-making
• Build toward long-term financial stability

Participants attend one financial literacy workshop each month and make a monthly savings deposit of at least $25.

After successfully completing the 12-month program, participants may receive matched savings, up to the program's matching limit, to help purchase an approved asset.

🎯 Save for What Matters Most

Savings and matching funds may be used toward approved goals such as:

🎓 Education or workforce training
💼 Small business investments
🚗 Vehicle purchases or repairs
🏠 Housing down payments or necessary home repairs
⚡ Energy-efficient appliances

If your circumstances change, you may request approval to change your savings goal before the tenth month of the program.

💡 Monthly Financial Education

Each approximately 90-minute workshop covers practical topics you can use in everyday life, including:

• Budgeting and expense tracking
• Building credit
• Managing debt
• Emergency savings
• Planning for future financial goals

These are skills you can continue using long after the program ends.

🏦 How It Works
Participants:

1. Select an approved savings goal.
2. Commit to saving at least $25 each month.
3. Attend and participate in one financial education workshop each month.
4. Make each monthly savings deposit in full.
5. Complete the full 12-month program to qualify for matching funds.

Your personal savings are held in a custodial account established through Monson Savings Bank or Cornerstone Bank by Midas Collaborative. Your deposits and any earned interest remain yours throughout the program.

📢 Join the Waitlist
Due to strong community interest, Learn & Save is currently accepting waitlist applications for future program sessions.

Space is limited, so eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

👥 Who Is Eligible?
The program serves income-qualified residents living in the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County. Applicants must meet applicable income guidelines.

Ready to take the next step toward your financial goals? Join the Learn & Save waitlist today!