Project Management Plan for the Springfield Coalition

Springfield, Massachusetts | Community Engagement and Revitalization Grant (CERG)

Background and Project Objectives

Springfield, located in the southern Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, faces significant economic challenges. Nearly 27% of its population lives below the poverty line, well above the national average. The city also struggles with high school dropout rates, unemployment, and crime, creating substantial barriers to economic progress. Despite these challenges, Springfield boasts a remarkable minority business community, with 32.7% of businesses minority-owned—a figure that surpasses both state and national averages.

The primary goal of this project is to provide bilingual and culturally competent technical assistance to minority business owners and entrepreneurs. By addressing critical barriers and equipping business owners with tools for success, the program aims to increase revenues, create and retain jobs, and encourage the establishment of new businesses. Key focus areas include:

Offering English for Entrepreneurs courses, providing practical skills in finance, cash flow, human resources, and marketing.
Delivering basic computer skills training essential for modern business operations.
Hosting workshops on bidding for government contracts, with particular emphasis on opportunities created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Coalition of Partner Organizations

The project is spearheaded by the Hispanic-American Institute, which serves as the program manager and fiscal agent. A coalition of local organizations contributes to the program’s success

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC)

Provides educational training in business and technical skills.

English for New Bostonians (ENB)

Offers its renowned "English for Entrepreneurs" course, designed for immigrant business owners to enhance language proficiency in a business context.

Consilium Opis LLC

Deliver technical guidance in key areas such as restaurant operations, digital marketing, accounting, and strategic planning.

Target Populations and Communities

The Springfield Coalition focuses on predominantly Latino and African American neighborhoods, including Forest Park, Memorial Square, Metro Center, Brightwood, and the South End. Key target groups include:

Owners of Latino and ethnic restaurants.
Minority and women-owned construction businesses.
Beauty salon and bodega owners.
Immigrant entrepreneurs seeking to improve English proficiency.
Successful business owners interested in mentoring new entrepreneurs.
Businesses looking to adopt technology solutions for productivity and profitability.

Technical Approach and Implementation Strategy

The project’s success is built on a three-pronged approach: Engage, Educate, and Advise.

Engage

The Coalition promotes the program through public service announcements, local media, digital marketing, business visits, and flyer distribution in target neighborhoods.

Educate

Practical, accessible courses are offered, including English for Entrepreneurs, basic computer skills, and workshops on government contracting.

Advise

Bilingual and bicultural advisors provide up to five hours of personalized business counseling in areas like digital marketing, financial management, customer service, and grant applications.

Expected Impact and Future Opportunities

The program not only seeks to close the economic disparity between Hispanic-owned businesses and other small businesses but also aligns with opportunities presented by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This historic infrastructure plan allocates $9 billion to Massachusetts, offering unprecedented opportunities for minority contractors to secure significant contracts that drive economic growth.

Commitment to Community Empowerment

The Hispanic-American Institute and its partners are committed to empowering Springfield’s communities by fostering sustainable economic environments that promote business success and social mobility. Through this project, the Springfield Coalition demonstrates how strategic investment in education, technical assistance, and training can transform communities and create lasting impact.