Announcing the Assabet Valley Innovation Alliance

HUDSON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Innovation Network are pleased to announce the launch of the Assabet Valley Innovation Alliance (AVIA). AVIA is a rapid deployment pilot program organized by the two 501(C)(6) non-profit organizations, and funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through a grant to support regional post-COVID economic revival. It will benefit the Assabet Valley Region in Massachusetts, especially the towns of Hudson, Maynard, Stow, Bolton and Berlin.

The project's objective is to leverage the two organizations' complementary strengths to:

1. ignite a spark of innovative activity and regional cross-sector cooperation,
2. develop a sustainable local network that will affect short- and long-term economic development.
3. foster a novel way of entrepreneurial thinking among youth.

For the past month, infrastructural work has been put in place with a team of local suppliers, and a diverse Steering Committee has come together to establish communication pathways to support and enhance cooperation between economic development leaders, legislators, business owners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators. New Steering Committee members are encouraged and welcome to join the effort.

A Mentor-Mentee Program is being established to help entrepreneurs address challenges, improve business processes and sustain systematic economic growth. We currently accept applications for Mentors (wishing to share their knowledge and expertise) and Mentees (needing support to navigate business challenges) located in our service area: https://www.avia.community/mentorship

In tandem, core business webinars, workshops and business showcases are being planned for the months of June through to December 2021. Collateral and take-away notes for each program will be made available in English, Spanish and Portuguese, to facilitate participation among non-native English speaking entrepreneurs.

Finally, discussions are underway between local schools and AVIA leadership to deploy programs of support and events that spark entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem solving, presentation and pitching skills.

We welcome everyone and anyone from our communities to join us!