A learning conversation for funders on leveraging and aligning with state resources to strengthen small business growth
Purpose
Over the past year, the learnings from the Small Business Funders Learning Collaborative through Philanthropy Massachusetts have affirmed that while the State has a robust landscape of funding, programs, and partners, the small business ecosystem remains fragmented. Yet across the Commonwealth, there are also powerful examples of alignment in action. These examples exist when public agencies, philanthropy, and financial institutions are working together to help small businesses grow and thrive.
This session shines a light on those models of collaboration. Leaders from MassDevelopment and Commonwealth Corporation will share how their agencies are partnering with funders and community organizations to advance shared goals: from workforce pipelines and place-based initiatives to flexible capital access.
With Jay Ash moderating, this discussion will highlight what alignment looks like in practice, explore lessons learned from successful partnerships, and identify where funders not yet engaged can deepen these efforts by amplifying and reinforcing what works.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, funders will:
Learn proven models of collaboration between state agencies and funders
Identify opportunities to align with existing state programs and resources
Understand practices that reduce small business ecosystem fragmentation and strengthen impact
Explore how to leverage state investments to support diverse, growth-stage small businesses
Featured guest speakers for our learning series kickoff:
Jay Ash, President and CEO, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership (Moderator)
Marcos Marrero, Senior Executive VP, MassDevelopment
Tom Hooper, VP of Sector Pathways, Commonwealth Corp