Belonging in Business Initiative

Whether you’re just starting out or have been part of our community for decades, the Amherst Area Chamber is here to help you connect, grow, and thrive.

The Chamber is committed to fostering a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive business community. Through staff, board, and committee leadership, we work to elevate underrepresented voices, strengthen workplace cultures, and expand access to visibility, recognition, resources, and opportunity.

Our goal is to move beyond statements of support by advancing measurable progress, meaningful partnerships, and lasting community impact.

Our Values

Belonging
We strive to create spaces where people feel welcomed, respected, and connected.

Equity
We work to expand access to resources, relationships, leadership, and economic opportunity.

Inclusion
We value diverse perspectives and encourage meaningful participation in decisions that shape our business community.

Accessibility
We support practices, programs, and environments that reduce barriers and allow more people to participate fully.

Accountability
We commit to clear goals, ongoing learning, community feedback, and measurable progress.

Business Resources

Inclusive Workplace Practices

Find members, guidance and tools to help your organization:

Strengthen inclusive hiring and onboarding practices
Improve employee retention and workplace belonging
Develop clear workplace policies and expectations
Support respectful communication and conflict resolution
Create pathways for employee growth and leadership

Connect with experts in our membership

Accessibility

Accessibility strengthens customer service, employee engagement, and community participation.

Resources can help businesses:

Improve physical and digital accessibility
Communicate more effectively with people of different abilities
Identify and reduce barriers within programs, services, and events
Build more welcoming customer and employee experiences

Explore Accessibility Resources at MassAbility

Hiring, Retention, and Leadership

A strong workforce depends on fair access, supportive workplace cultures, and opportunities for advancement.

The Chamber connects businesses with resources related to:

Inclusive recruitment
Employee development
Leadership training
Workplace culture
Internship and career pathways
Retention and advancement

Explore Our Workforce Resources

Local and Diverse Business Connections

We encourage businesses and institutions to strengthen the local economy through intentional purchasing, partnerships, and referrals.

Businesses can support this work by:

Purchasing from local and independently owned businesses
Expanding vendor and supplier relationships
Sharing opportunities with underrepresented entrepreneurs
Building partnerships across sectors and communities
Participating in Chamber networking and business development programs

Connect with Local Businesses

Learning and Support

The Chamber offers and promotes workshops, conversations, referrals, and community partnerships that help businesses respond to changing workplace and community needs.

Topics may include:

Inclusive leadership
Workplace culture
Accessibility
Employee engagement
Community relations
Responsible business practices

View Upcoming Lunch & Learns

Need help finding the right resource or community partner? Contact the Chamber at 413-253-0700 and we will connect you.

Get Involved

Join the Belonging In Business Committee

The Belonging in Business Committee brings Chamber members together to strengthen inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity across the Amherst Area business community. Committee members help identify community needs, shape Chamber programming, support events, and create opportunities for connection, recognition, and growth.

Learn more or join the committee.

Help plan and participate in the Amherst Global Village Festival

The Chamber is a proud planning partner of the Amherst Global Village Festival, hosted by the Town of Amherst. The festival brings people together to celebrate global cultures through food, music, art, performances, and community activities. Chamber members can participate in planning, sponsorship, outreach, and event-day activities.

Get involved.

Join us at the Amherst Pride Festival

The Chamber participates annually in the Amherst Pride Parade and Celebration. Amherst Pride celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community while promoting visibility, connection, support, and access to community resources. Chamber members are invited to participate alongside us.

Join the Chamber group.

Our Community In Action

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

The Belonging in Business initiative is made possible through the support of businesses and organizations committed to building a more welcoming, accessible, and prosperous Amherst Area. Sponsorship supports sliding-scale event pricing, subsidized membership opportunities, and other programming to remove cost-barriers to Chamber engagement. We are grateful for their leadership and partnership.

Interested in supporting this work? Explore sponsorship opportunities or contact the Chamber.