Tagged: small business

A New York State senator says he is putting his ear to the ground when it comes to the concerns of small business owners.

Pittsfield-area commercial leaders and experts participated in a forum Tuesday to discuss bringing their businesses to an international level. 

U.S. Representative Richard Neal said that the forum he organized for the business community in his new Congressional district is similar to forums he previously held in a former district closer to Boston. Neal said that across the Massachusetts have a significant potential for growth in a new global marketplace.

Despite worry and economic uncertainty, industry forecasters are predicting stronger retail sales this holiday season. WAMC’s Berkshire Bureau Chief took a look what small businesses in Western Massachusetts are predicting in the coming weeks.

The holiday shopping season is upon us. Next weekend is the busiest shopping day of the year. But also, economic uncertainty and the looming fiscal cliff are on the minds of many. However, retail industry forecasters are still predicting a stronger holidays sales season this November and December.

Leading economists say there is considerable uncertainty weighing heavily on the economic outlook for Massachusetts. But, for now, the state’s economy is doing comparatively well with signs of confidence in the future for small businesses.  WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.

Are you or do you aspire to be a small business owner? In this turbulent economic climate the prospect may be frightening, but today we’ve got two guests who can offer some advice on getting your start-up, well, started.