BBEC Programs

Are you interested in meeting the Berkshire Black business community? Take action and do business with local Black entrepreneurs for economic justice. The Berkshire Black Economic Council’s networking is aimed to increase the visibility of Berkshire County’s Black businesses. Our programs are here to inspire local partnerships and increase supplier diversity by raising awareness of the issues local Black entrepreneurs experience and by problem solving barriers to their prosperity.
BBEC technical assistance Program

The Berkshire Black Economic Council’s Technical Assistance Program provides personalized, stage-specific support to help Black entrepreneurs start, build, and grow successful businesses in the Berkshires. Through one-on-one guidance, tailored action plans, and access to targeted resources, participants receive support in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and growth strategy. The program also connects entrepreneurs with workshops, tools, and a network of professionals, offering ongoing support that evolves alongside their business journey.

To learn more and set up your first consultation, please email: chief@berkshirebec.org

BBEC black business MEETING

These BBEC meetings will take place on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in our co-working space located at 33 Dunham Mall in Pittsfield. To help you mark your calendars, the proposed meeting dates for 2024 are listed, and you will also receive a Google calendar invite.

Black Business Meeting Dates:
  • May 19, 2026
  • June 16, 2026
  • July 21, 2026
BBEC Full membership MEETING

The Berkshire Black Economic Council will host informational sessions inviting guest speakers from the community to present on relevant topics and resources that may be useful for BBEC members. In addition to providing educational materials, these meetings will allow for all BBEC members to gather, network, and get to know each other.

Full Membership Meeting Dates:

  • TBD
 
Black arts council

An intergenerational Black Arts Council that works with the community to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. They support local arts organizations through education, resources, and marketing guidance to help create a more inclusive and welcoming arts space.

As a means of accomplishing the BBEC mission with respect to arts and culture, we have an intergenerational Black Arts Council that actively works with and for the community

Interested in joining the BAC? Send a few sentences detailing your interest to communications@berkshirebec.org to be considered. All ages encouraged to apply!

Hunters of Color – Outdoor Inclusion

Hunters of Color encourages participants to tap into their ancestral traditions for the sake of:

  • Preservation of culture,
  • Sustainable, hormone free food,
  • Cultural identity/belonging.

 

BIPOC people have always had a special relationship with the planet; at Hunters of Color we strive to protect that sense of reciprocity and culture.

Click the link below to learn more, give, and to get involved. 

 

 

Minority Business Enterprise

A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is an American designation for businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled on a daily basis by one or more (in combination) American citizens including African American, Hispanic and Latino American, Asian Pacific American, and Native American businesses and/or gender (e.g. woman-owned) and/or military veteran classifications.

An MBE certification allows you to benefit from the many public and private programs designed to help minority-owned businesses, like minority-owned business grants. Here are some of the biggest advantages to getting certified as an MBE:

  • Federal contracts: Many federal agencies are required to give a certain number of contracts to certified minority-owned businesses. So this certification could lead to new opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
  • Federal tax incentives: The government provides federal tax incentives to businesses that choose to work with minority and women-owned businesses.
  • State tax incentives: Some states, like CA and Georgia, offer state tax incentives to companies that use minority-owned businesses. For instance, California provides state income tax credits to companies that use minority subcontractors.
  • Access to funding: Across the country, various programs are available to help minority-owned businesses receive access to funding. These programs may provide grants, loans, and business mentorship.

DESEAN SCALES GALLERY

Got a chance to see DeSean Scales’ exhibition yet?!? Whether you did or not, now you have the ability to view it in our new Digital Gallery! Browse through the photos, get a feel for DeSean’s work, and if you see something you like, put in a request to purchase it from the artist!

Don’t forget, DeSean work is up until November 5th, 2024! So, stop by Monday through Thursday from 1pm – 5pm. If you have any questions, please email arts@berkshirebec.org

Enjoy the show!

BBEC black business MEETING

The Berkshire Black Economic Council is hosting informational sessions inviting guest speakers from the community to present on relevant topics and resources that may be useful for local Black businesses. It is BBEC's intention to hold space for Black entrepreneurs across the county to not only gain valuable knowledge and insights from community organizations, but to also connect with and support one another.

Special Guests: 

Become part of a movement to make the Berkshires an inclusive economy.