Cumberland Business Connector
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Cumberland Business Connector
Home
About
Services
Invest
Directory
Resources
Youth
Contact
More
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
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  • Directory
  • Resources
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Business Support Services

We offer free, practical programs to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, and growing companies across Cumberland County. Whether you’re launching your first business or scaling an established one, our team is here to guide you.


Explore our programs below. Click any section to learn more.

 A free support service for entrepreneurs who are planning or launching a business in Cumberland County.


What’s included:

  • Business planning support
  • Market research guidance
  • Help with registration & licenses
  • Grant and financing navigation
  • One-on-one meetings with a Business Advisor
  • Connections to local partners and resources
     

Who it’s for:
New entrepreneurs, students, early-stage founders, or anyone unsure where to start.


What it is:
Support for existing businesses looking to grow, hire, expand, or improve operations.


What’s included:

  • Growth strategy planning
  • Hiring and workforce support
  • Operational improvement
  • Funding, grants, and tax credit navigation
  • Expansion into new markets
  • Local supply chain connections
     

Who it’s for:
Any established business in Cumberland County looking to take the next step.


What it is:
A structured program designed for businesses ready to scale.


What’s included:

  • One-on-one mentorship
  • Business model improvement
  • Financial planning & forecasting
  • Marketing and growth strategy
  • Accountability check-ins
  • Peer networking
     

Who it’s for:
Growing companies who want to accelerate their success with expert guidance.


What it is:
Free or low-cost training sessions covering essential business topics.


Topics include:

  • Marketing & social media
  • Finance & bookkeeping
  • HR, hiring, and retention
  • Business planning
  • Digital tools & AI
  • Sales, customer service, leadership
     

Why it's useful:
Practical education you can apply immediately.


What it is:
A program designed to inspire young people to explore their entrepreneurial potential.


What’s included:

  • Workshops and learning sessions
  • Entrepreneurship challenges
  • School and community outreach
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Tools to turn ideas into action
     

Who it’s for:
Youth ages 12–24 in Cumberland County.


What it is:
Curated resources to help businesses at every stage.


What’s included:

  • Funding & grant lists
  • Business planning templates 
  • Tax & licensing links
  • Student resources
  • Industry-specific materials
  • Local business supports


Who it’s for:
All businesses.


 

What it is:
A networking program that connects recent post-secondary graduates with established business and community leaders based on shared industry and professional backgrounds.


What’s included:

  • One-to-one connector matching
  • Professional networking and mentorship
  • Career guidance and local industry insight
  • Introductions to employers and community leaders


Who it’s for:
Post Secondary Graduates.


Need Help Finding The Right Program For You?

We’re here to match you with the best support for your business goals.

Book a Free Meeting With a Business Advisor

Want More Information? Keep Reading!

Business Development Support

 The Cumberland Business Connector supports current and prospective entrepreneurs, business owners and managers through consultation, advocacy, resources and other supports to remove and/or navigate barriers to business development and growth.

Our team offers a wide variety of services, tools and programs, free-of-charge, including, but not limited to:

  • Start Up Support
  • Enhancing General Business Sophistication Support
  • Category-Specific Business Support (i.e. Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Human Resources, etc.)
  • Strategic & Tactical Planning & Facilitation
  • Crisis Mitigation, Adaption & Management Support
  • ​Brainstorming, Sound Board & Engagement Session Facilitation
  • Business Audits & Diagnostic Support​
  • Business Growth Strategy Support
  • Business Supports & Services Navigation & Referrals

Contact Us

Accelerator Program

 The Cumberland Business Connector's Accelerator Program is a one-on-one strategic business counselling & advisement program designed to support "accelerated" growth in high-potential businesses in the Cumberland County region.

The program connects local businesses with a Business Development Officer to assist them to identify challenges and gaps hindering growth potential and then develop proven growth strategies & tactical plans to achieve desired outcomes.

Proven Growth Strategies include, but are not limited to:

  • New Business, Acquisitions & Mergers
  • Market Entry & Expansion (existing markets)
  • Market Development (new markets)
  • Product/Service Enhancement, Expansion & Diversification
  • Cross-Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships
  • Distribution Channel Differentiation 
  • Disruptive Innovation
  • Organic Growth


The program format and duration varies depending on the needs assessment of each individual business, however, all iterations of the program require a high level of involvement and commitment on the part of the business. Ultimately all decision making, and subsequent outcomes, rest with the business.

Businesses interested in the Accelerator Program should be prepared to:

  • Review and evaluate the business and its leadership team with the assistance of a program advisor, and welcome suggestions and constructive criticism with an open mind.
  • Include members of the business's leadership team and staff where applicable, to ensure consistent understanding and alignment across the business.
  • Prioritize working "on" the business instead of "in" the business by committing dedicated "work on the business" time.
  • Commit to attending scheduled program meetings, calls and/or Zoom sessions (approx. 4 - 8 hrs per month).
  • Complete and/or provide any required/requested documentation in a timely manner (i.e. financial statements, business policies, sales forecasts, etc.).
  • Participate in suggested activities/workshops/research/and other "homework" as recommended by the program advisor.​

Contact Us

Mind Your Business Workshop Series

 The Town of Amherst, in partnership with the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, CBDC Cumberland, the Cumberland Business Connector and the Municipality of Cumberland, launched the Mind Your Business Cumberland workshop series in the fall of 2020.
​
“Mind Your Business" is a series of workshops designed to give business owners and professionals an opportunity to expand their knowledge on a number of topics that will help them improve their businesses and accelerate growth.

Contact Us

Northern Connector Program

 The Northern Connector Program  is a networking program that matches established business and community leaders (Connectors) with recent graduates of post-secondary institutions (Connectees) based on industry experience and professional backgrounds. These connections increase Connectees likelihood of getting MEANINGFUL employment and beginning their career here in Cumberland.  

Northern Connector

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