We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the recent financial support of the project. We raised $22,077 in our crowdfunding campaign thanks to 151 contributors. Because we met that goal, it means we will receive a matching grant from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation BizMPower program. To add to the momentum, we got the incredible news that we will receive significant funding through the MassDevelopment Community One Stop for Growth’s Underutilized Properties Program. It will take all of this and more to complete the project, but we're well on our way, and we can't wait to keep building together.
As all entrepreneurs know, starting something from nothing requires taking a leap of faith. It means getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Learning to tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity is not enough; it must be incorporated and even welcomed in, as a natural part of the process. The journey we are on to transform an abandoned building into a renovated active hub for our business and community has been all of these things and more. It has challenged us on
brand new levels.
With our savings and a personal loan we were able to purchase the building and begin the extensive interior demo and debris removal which was the first step in the process (photos below, click arrows on the side to view before and after shots). We leapt at the chance to start, despite not yet seeing a fully clear landing. That landing is now in sight and now that it's here, we feel we'd seen it all along: Our community. Relationships that have grown at the pace of trust through years of caring and working together whether individuals, organizations, municipal or state agencies. We are forever grateful, and we can't wait to continue building.