AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES $1.66 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR LOCAL CONSUMER MEDIATION PROGRAMS

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES $1.66 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR LOCAL CONSUMER MEDIATION PROGRAMS

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office has awarded $1.66 million in grant funding for local consumer mediation programs across the state through the Local Consumer Aid Fund (LCAF) grants for new and existing grantees.

“These grants are part of our office’s commitment to be an advocate for all consumers across the state,” said AG Healey. “They allow us to continue to support these local nonprofit and municipal programs that help educate consumers and provide them with mediation services when needed.”

As part of its services to consumers, the AG's Office uses settlement funds to provide grants to a statewide network of Local Consumer Programs (LCP) and Face-to-Face Mediation (FTF) programs. These programs handle many consumer complaints in their own regions of the state where their local knowledge and community involvement enable them to provide effective assistance and services to help consumers resolve disputes.

The AG’s Office has provided funding to 19 LCPs and 16 FTF programs for fiscal year 2016.

The LCPs provide information to callers concerning state and federal consumer protection laws. The nonprofits also offer voluntary phone-based mediation services to consumers.

FTF programs support the resolution of consumer/landlord/tenant disputes. FTF programs receive cases from trial court and the Attorney General’s Office. Mediation sessions are held at small claims courts and at FTF program offices. 

In fiscal year 2015, LCAF funded programs mediated more than 12,000 cases, returning more than $7.5 million to consumers. For consumer tips and information please refer to the consumer information section of the Attorney General’s website.

The LCPs receiving funding this year are:

·         Berkshire Regional Housing Authority

·         City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing

·         Cambridge Consumers’ Council

·         Consumer Assistance Council in Cape Cod

·         Northwest District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Office

·         Consumer Protection Program of Community Action, Inc. in Haverhill

·         Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc.

·         Middlesex Community College in Lowell

·         Medford Consumer Advisory Commission

·         Consumer Assistance Office – Metro West Inc. in Natick

·         MASSPIRG Education Fund in Weymouth

·         City of New Bedford Department of Community Services

·         Newton-Brookline Consumer Office

·         Norfolk District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Division

·         South Shore Community Action Council Consumer Aid Program in Plymouth

·         Fall River Community Development Agency

·         City of Revere Local Consumer Affairs Office

·         Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information in Springfield

The FTF programs receiving funding this year are:

·         Berkshire Regional Housing Authority

·         North Shore Community Mediation Center in Beverly

·         Greater Brockton Center for Dispute Resolution

·         Metropolitan Mediation Services in Brookline

·         Community Dispute Settlement Center in Cambridge

·         Cape Cod Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.

·         The Mediation and Training Collaborative in Greenfield

·         North Essex Mediators of Community Action, Inc. in Haverhill

·         Mediation Services of North Central Massachusetts, Inc. in Leominster

·         Middlesex Community College in Lowell

·         MetroWest Mediation Services, Inc. in Framingham

·         City of New Bedford Department of Community Services

·         Somerville Mediation Program

·         Dispute Resolution Services in Springfield

·         Family Services of Central Massachusetts in Worcester

·         Just-a-Start in Cambridge

For more information about grant opportunities at the Attorney General’s Office, please visitwww.mass.gov/ago/grants.

Diverse Small Businesses Increasingly Accessing SBA Programs

Diverse Small Businesses Increasingly Accessing SBA Programs

A steady rise in underserved communities underscores another year of major accomplishments in Massachusetts

BOSTON – Massachusetts is home to approximately 615,775 small businesses according to data compiled by SBA’s Office of Advocacy.  The annual Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories reported that the commonwealth’s small businesses employed about half -- or 1.4 million of the state’s private workforce in 2012. Another highlight was that nearly all firms with employees in Massachusetts are defined ‘small’ by federal standards and eligible to participate in SBA programs -- making up 97.8 percent of all employers in the state. (Source: Statistics of U.S. Businesses, U.S. Census Bureau)    

“Fiscal year 2015 was a fantastic year for small business lending in Massachusetts.  Our network of lenders and intermediaries approved 2,591 loans -- while supporting a total of over $645 million through SBA’s business lending programs,” according to an announcement today by Robert H. Nelson, SBA Massachusetts District Director.  “Our two flagship capital programs, the 7a and 504 -- saw an increase in the number of approvals by 11.35%, while also increasing the total dollar amount by 10.64% from the previous year. Additionally, the fee waiver incentive for borrowers continued helping entrepreneurs that need small dollar loans realize their dreams, while our underserved markets continued gaining awareness and access to SBA programs”.

Lending Highlights

The SBA guaranteed 2,342 loans through its flagship 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program for a total of more than $317 million supported by a network of 145 lenders. These loans are available for most legitimate business purposes, including: purchase or construct real estate, equipment and inventory, to finance fixtures and leasehold improvements, debt refinancing, and for working capital. Massachusetts ranked #3 out of 68 SBA offices nationwide in this category, an increase in dollar amount of 10.89% from FY14. 

·         Eastern Bank was the #1 SBA 7(a) lender in Massachusetts for the sixth year in a row with 815 loans totaling more than $46 million and the #1 504 lender with 43 loans totaling over $31 million. Eastern is also the #1 SBA lender in New England.

·         Citizens Bank was the second highest producer of 7(a) loans with 124 approvals totaling just over $17 million; Berkshire Bank was third with 119 loans totaling over $6.6 million. Completing the list of top ten SBA lenders in Massachusetts are Rockland Trust Company, Santander Bank, TD Bank, Leader Bank, Independence Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, and South Shore Bank.

The Certified Development Company/504 Loan Program had 249 loans supporting more than $325 million. SBA 504 loans are used to construct, purchase or rehabilitate real estate and can also finance machinery and equipment. Massachusetts ranked #5 out of 68 SBA Offices nationwide in this category.

·         Bay Colony Development Corp. was SBA’s leading Certified Development Company/504 lending partner in Massachusetts with 80 loans totaling over $40 million, while Granite State Economic Development Corp. came in second in terms of volume with 77 projects – but led in dollar amount totaling over $44 million. New England Certified Development was third with 52 projects totaling over $37 million.

The SBA Microloan Program, through nine microloan intermediaries approved 76 loans totaling over $1.3 million. These loans provide up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand; an average microloan is about $13,000.  Accion USA located in Cambridge is the #1 microlender in Massachusetts for both volume of loans and dollar amount, with 27 loans totaling over $364 thousand.

Nationally, the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program achieved significant milestones in FY15 with 63,460 7(a) approvals totaling $23.58 billion -- representing an increase of 21.94% by number of loans approved and 22.89% in dollar amount approved over fiscal year 2014.  The CDC/504 Loan Program approved 5,787 loans totaling $4.29 billion. Overall, loan numbers increased 19.5% in total number of approvals and 19.2% in total dollars.

Fee Waiver Impact & Small-Dollar Lending

During this fiscal year, SBA zeroed out fees on loans of $150,000 or less and saw a significant spike in small-dollar lending activity in the state. The fee waiver will continue in fiscal year 2016 as well. 

“This year, the SBA fee waiver initiative was renewed and impacted entrepreneurial growth by helping Massachusetts business owners save over $1.2 million in fees.  This program helped incentivize borrowers and contributed to the fact that SBA Massachusetts ranked #1 on loans less than $50,000 in the entire country,” said Seth Goodall, SBA New England Regional Administrator.

Massachusetts led the nation on small dollar 7(a) loans, ranking #1 on loans less than $50,000 with a total of 1,345 approvals; and ranked #2 on loans less than $150,000 and underserved communities with a total 867 approvals. 

Underserved Communities

The major achievements highlighting this year’s success, show steady increases in underserved community lending -- with every minority group achieving strong increases.  ‘Underserved’ can include populations from inner cities, rural areas and segments such as women, minorities, veterans, and American Indians/Native Americans.  

Loan approval data from our 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program from FY09 to FY15 highlights the following in Massachusetts:

·         American Indian category had the biggest increase in growth of any underserved group tracked from FY09 to FY15, increasing 250% -- from 4 approvals in FY09 to 14 approvals in FY15.

·         Asian American & Pacific Islander category had its best year in FY15 with 177 approvals, while increasing 172.3% from FY09-FY15; 65 approvals in FY09 to 177 approvals in FY15 -- the largest gain in number of approvals of any minority group from the same period.

·         Black/African American category had its best year in FY15 with 65 approvals.

·         Hispanic category had its best year in FY15 with 124 approvals, while increasing 169.6% from FY09-FY15; 46 approvals in FY09 to 124 approvals in FY15.

Additional Highlights

·         SBIC (Small Business Investment Company) Program funds in Massachusetts made 144 financings to 71 businesses for $286.4 million.  Massachusetts ranked #5 out of 68 offices nationwide for the number of businesses financed.

·         SBIR (Small Business Investment Research) Program granted 85 (phase 1 & 2) awards totaling over $26.8 million. Massachusetts is #2 out of 68 offices nationwide for number of awards.  

·         Surety Bonding Program issued 80 bonds totaling $47.4 million. 

·         Federal Contracting Awards to MA Small Businesses (estimated):

o    Small Business: $2.3 billion

o    Hub Zone: $67 million

o    8(a): $123 million

o    Veterans: $173 million

o    Service Disabled Vet: $149 million

o    Women $167 million

About SBA Massachusetts District Office: 
SBA’s District Offices are responsible for the delivery of SBA's many programs and services throughout the country. Services available include: FREE counseling, advice and information on starting a business through our resource partners: SCORE, Center for Women & Enterprise and Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers; Financial Assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders; Assistance for businesses owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals qualified for federal procurement opportunities.

For more information about SBA Massachusetts lending figures in fiscal year 2015, the following resources are available:

·         FY 2015 Annual Report

·         FY 2015 Loan Volume Report

·         SBA Massachusetts Lender Network List (as of: April 2015)

SBA Massachusetts will hold an Annual Meeting honoring lenders at a special awards ceremony at Constant Contact Headquarters in Waltham on Tuesday, November 10, 2015.  For more information, please visit: www.sba.gov/ma

波士頓市鼓勵創新 推出創業樞紐平台 StartHub.org

波士頓市昨（27）日推出“創新樞紐(StartHub.org)“，要借著IBM贊助經費，技術，Gust公司設計製作網路平台，創業咖啡廳（Venture Café）集結本地創投人脈資源，波士頓市統籌，把波士頓打造成創業生態系統的區域中心。 波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Marty Walsh）和IBM雲生態系統及開發人員總經理珊迪卡特（Sandy Carter），Gust公司執行長羅斯（David S. Rose），創業咖啡廳基金會行政主任萬恩特（Kevin Wiant），昨日下午在波士頓公校部門所在的布魯斯羅林（Bruce C. Bolling）市政大樓，聯袂宣佈，“創新樞紐”將是大波士頓科技創業社區的主頁（homepage）。 “創新樞紐”平台的基礎已經架起來了，現在就等波士頓創業社區來加入行列，豐富內容，互相交流，迅速取得所需資訊。 馬丁華殊在今年一月發表市情咨文時就宣佈了要打造“創業樞紐”，來支持，促進大波士頓的創新經濟發展，好讓波士頓在這方面成為世界級的領袖。昨日他引以為榮的表示，“創新樞紐”將可藉著平台上工具，幫助創業家，創新者輕鬆連結，交流資源，加速波士頓的繁榮。 羅斯表示，“創新樞紐”是個非常複雜，強大的網路平台，藉著IBM提供的雲端支持，不論是人才或資金，創新創業者幾乎可在那上面迅速找到他們想要的任何資訊，資源。目前除了美國國防部有一套這樣的系統外，只有紐約，倫敦及波士頓三個城市擁有這套系統。 他說，創新創業人士想要的人才，活動，就業機會，投資者，課程，孵化器，工作空間等資訊，在”創新樞紐“上幾乎全可以找得到。目前該網站已有805家新創公司（startups），326項活動，1,576份工作機會，32名投資者，82個工作空間。 波士頓市府創新辦公室人員表示，“創新樞紐“向所有人開放，目前剛起步，歡迎創新創業社區人士，公司上網登記，加入這資源大家庭。已擴展進波士頓的創業咖啡廳（Venture Café）將負責管理這平台，並於短期內為此新聘一名項目經理。 國際商業機器公司（IBM）雲生態系統及開發人員總經理珊迪卡特（Sandy Carter）透露，IBM一向注重生態系統的創新，並以創新創業潛力為標準，在全世界各地挑選了十個最優秀城市來合作，以增長工作機會，改善經濟。波士頓市是IBM合作的第9個城市。美國有波士頓，舊金山，紐約等3個城市，另外有以色列，倫敦，柏林，印度的德里，班加羅爾，以及南美的城市。 她透露，這數位生態系統一年前在紐約設立以後，創造了8,500個新工作機會。 昨日有近百人出席宣佈儀式，其中有不少年輕創業者。馬丁華殊在回應一名年輕女孩創業家的提問時，坦言波士頓市正在找方法，要幫助那些想留下來，卻負擔不起波士頓高房價的創業者。 圖片說明： CC102715A-1             左起，波士頓經濟發展長巴洛斯（John Barros），波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh），IBM的珊迪卡特（Sandy Carter），創投咖啡廳的萬恩特（Kevin Wiant），Gust公司執行長羅斯（David S. Rose）會後合影。（菊子攝） CC102715A-2             麻州國際投資貿易辦公室亞洲區經理杭特（Richard Hunt）（左），IES診斷公司營運長郭大成（右）都為“創新樞紐”的設計，出過主意。（菊子攝） CC102715A-3             介紹“創新樞紐”內容的幻燈片。（菊子攝）     MAYOR WALSH AND IBM ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF STARTHUB, THE FIRST ALL-INCLUSIVE ONLINE PLATFORM SUPPORTING BOSTON'S STARTUP COMMUNITY

Comprehensive Online Platform, Sponsored by IBM, Streamlines Access to Information and Resources of Greater Boston's Startup Economy

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 27, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the launch of StartHub, a comprehensive, centralized, online platform designed to connect, support, and grow Greater Boston's world-class technology and early-stage community.  Developed in a public-private partnership between the City of Boston, Venture Café, IBM, and Gust, StartHub will serve as the homepage for Greater Boston's startup community, providing information and resources that will help connect the people of Boston to all the opportunities in the region's ecosystem. "Boston is a city known for its creative talent and innovative spirit, and I am proud to announce the launch of StartHub which will connect entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive in the City of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "I am excited to offer our startup community this centralized online platform and I thank all of the partners for their collaboration as we continue to establish Boston as a hub of entrepreneurship." Announced by Mayor Walsh in his 2015 State of the City Address, StartHub is built to support and grow Greater Boston's burgeoning innovation economy into a world-class leader. Visitors to StartHub will have simultaneous access to a curated stream of Boston-based startup companies and early-stage investors; information on career opportunities and educational courses; the universal calendar for tech and startup community events; the complete guide to co-working and incubator spaces; news about the Boston digital and startup community; and additional features, all in one accessible, centralized location. StartHub is designed to spur economic growth by connecting potential business partners and fostering a thriving startup community. "Venture Café is proud to be partnering with the City of Boston and Gust to offer StartHub as a startup resource center for the Greater Boston region," said Kevin Wiant, Executive Director of the Venture Café Foundation. "We strive to connect all parts of the innovation community to help start and grow businesses. StartHub will be a great tool for entrepreneurs to find programs, events, funding sources, prospective employees, guidance and general support for their startups.  We also look forward to working with many other content partners that will help populate the site. Our objective is that all parts of the innovation ecosystem see increased activity from StartHub." Innovation and entrepreneurship are the dual engines for economic growth for the Greater Boston region. In order to accommodate this growth, technology and innovation clusters have developed throughout the region. With StartHub, these communities are being brought together into one, unified platform. "StartHub is an embodiment of how the public and private sectors can align to support and drive innovation by building the infrastructure for a world-class startup ecosystem," said David S. Rose, CEO of Gust. "The City of Boston and Venture Café's commitment to the early-stage community with this new online platform will yield an unparalleled resource for all players of the tech ecosystem. Every entrepreneur, innovator, and curious mind in the Greater Boston region will now have the tools and resources they need to participate in their city's burgeoning economy." "IBM is proud to have a strong partnership with an innovative city like Boston to spur economic growth in the region," said IBM General Manger for Cloud Ecosystems and Developers Sandy Carter. "This is a driving force in why IBM continues to invest in local digital communities to better shape the cloud startup and developer experience. StartHub is designed to bring the city's dynamic and creative business culture into the cloud, and will help to unleash new innovation which will solidify Boston's status as one of the world's greatest technology hubs." Members of the community are invited and encouraged to become an active partner in StartHub, whether by adding their startup, event, job, course, workspace, incubator/accelerator, news, or content feed.   For more information, visit http://starthub.org/press

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CHARGING STATIONS AVAILABLE ON CITY HALL PLAZA

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CHARGING STATIONS AVAILABLE ON CITY HALL PLAZA THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH WRIGHTGRID AND BABSON COLLEGE

BOSTON - Wednesday, October 28, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that WrightGrid, the leading provider of solar-powered charging stations for mobile devices, has installed two WrightGrid Model Z charging stations at City Hall Plaza, providing Boston's residents and visitors with free, secure, and sustainable charging.  The announcement builds on the Mayor's commitment to establishing City Hall Plaza as a more welcoming and vibrant space.  This 60-day pilot is made possible through a partnership with Babson College, and aligns with the City of Boston's sustainability goal to support grassroots, community-driven climate action efforts, especially through smart solutions. "We are thrilled to partner with WrightGrid and Babson to bring Boston's residents and visitors solar powered mobile charging stations at City Hall Plaza," said Mayor Walsh. "These innovative stations further our goals to activate and enhance City Hall Plaza as a welcoming destination." "We are excited to be part of this free, innovative, sustainable offering that will be of great service to those who live in, work in, and visit the City of Boston," said Kerry Healey, President of Babson College. "As a school committed to social and environmental responsibility, it is always rewarding to see a Babson graduate - especially an award-winning entrepreneur - taking action to solve a problem and bring a new solution that creates both social and economic value." "We are extremely excited to be launching our second pilot this fall in the City of Boston, through the sponsorship of Babson College," said Ryan Wright, CEO & founder of WrightGrid and Babson MBA alumnus. "The pilot is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate exactly how our Model Z charging stations can be a valuable component of today's smart city infrastructure by providing free sustainable charging solutions to the public. We are so grateful to have such forward-thinking partners in Babson College as well as the City of Boston." Mayor Walsh earlier this fall announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) calling for a partner to work with the City of Boston to enhance City Hall Plaza to create a compelling vision for how to make the plaza both a civic space and attractive destination for residents and tourists.