Across the Commonwealth: Meeting the Small Businesses at the Heart of New Bedford

The LISC Massachusetts team made the first stop of a statewide site tour in New Bedford. During the jam-packed and inspiring tour of the Acushnet Ave/North End neighborhood, the team met with residents and vital community development partners who are all helping build new housing, launch community spaces, and grow new businesses in this vibrant neighborhood. The day wrapped with an informational session about our small biz programs and opportunities that attracted 30+ New Bedford area small business owners.

When we unveiled our new "LISC Massachusetts" name back in April, we hoped to signal our ambition for deeper impact across the Commonwealth. We also pledged to get out of the office and hit the road to meet stakeholders, neighbors, business owners, and funders where they are to build stronger and more trusted relationships with key partners in our work. The visit to New Bedford moved us closer to that goal.

This fall, the LISC Massachusetts team will be visiting cities across the state more often to better understand how our current programs, tools, and resources can best support local needs to build resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity in all regions of Massachusetts.

Thank you to MassDevelopment TDI fellow Adelsa Mendes for serving as our wonderful guide for the day, and to Corinn Williams of the Community Economic Development Center of New Bedford, for touring us through your projects and hosting our small business event.