Belonging in Business

Our Chamber includes several members who can help organizations strengthen inclusive hiring and onboarding practices, improve employee retention and workplace culture, develop clear policies and conflict resolution processes, and create pathways for employee growth and leadership.

• Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM): Provides Massachusetts employers with HR support, compliance guidance, workforce training, advocacy, and other resources to strengthen their workplaces.
• Innovate Culture Lab, LLC: Helps create workplace cultures that are inspiring, aligned, and built to last through culture design, communications strategy, and change management expertise.
• LT Consulting: Specializes in process improvement, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Rind and Reason Consulting: Provides organizational structure and process improvement services that put people first to create balance and resilience for sustainable growth and positive impact.

Need a referral or additional guidance? Contact the Chamber at info@amherstarea.com or 413-253-0700.

A strong workforce depends on fair and equitable practices, supportive workplace cultures, and opportunities for growth, development, and 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

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

Explore the Chamber’s public member directory to find and connect with local businesses, including member businesses that identify as LGBTQ+ / Queer-Owned, Minority / BIPOC-Owned, and Woman-Owned.

Chamber members also have access to additional direct contact tools through the member portal, making it easier to connect with fellow members, build partnerships, and strengthen referral networks.

Explore the Member Directory: Business Directory

Member Portal: Log in to the Member Portal to view additional member details and reach out directly to primary contacts.

The Chamber offers an ongoing workshop series of Lunch & Learns to help businesses respond to evolving workplace and community needs.

Topics may include:

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

Members can also access free monthly one-on-one small business advising sessions, hosted in partnership with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center.

The Chamber works alongside community and statewide partners to expand access, visibility, and opportunity for entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, employees, and job seekers.

• Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Western Regional Office: Through our partnership with MASBDC, Chamber members can receive accessible no-cost, confidential business advising, technical assistance, training, and referrals for new and existing small businesses in Western Massachusetts.
• Black Business Association of Amherst Area (BBAAA) : Connect with BBAAA to learn more about local Black-owned businesses, community events, resources, and partnership opportunities in the Amherst Area.
• Common Capital : Explore mission-driven small business lending and business assistance for entrepreneurs and organizations working to grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities in Western Massachusetts.
• Franklin County CDC : Find business guidance, financing resources, information sessions, and specialized support for entrepreneurs, small businesses, farms, and food-based ventures in Franklin County and the surrounding region.
• Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce : Explore statewide resources for LGBTQ+-owned businesses, professionals, and allies, including networking, business growth support, and LGBTBE certification opportunities.
• Massachusetts Business Front Door : Connect with a centralized state resource hub for businesses looking to start, grow, expand, or navigate state resources, funding opportunities, incentives, and one-on-one support from Team Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office : Learn about diversity certification, supplier diversity resources, and procurement pathways for diverse and small businesses seeking to do business with the Commonwealth and other partners. Minority-owned businesses can apply for MBE certification through the Supplier Diversity Office to increase visibility and access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities.
• MassAbility : Access resources that support disability inclusion, accessibility, and inclusive hiring, including guidance for employers working to recruit and retain people with disabilities.
• MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center : Connect with local workforce resources for employers and job seekers, including hiring support, training programs, career development, and employment services for Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin area.
• Valley Community Development : Connect with free small business development support, one-on-one business assistance, workshops, and access-to-capital resources for entrepreneurs and existing small businesses.