Springfield's Small Business Administration Office to close Sunday
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)—State lawmakers are pushing back as the closing of Springfield's Small Business Administration Office looms just days away, and no staff remain for the office.
E-bike rider killed in Springfield car crash
The lease for the Springfield office was terminated by DOGE officials earlier this year and officially ends on Sunday, June 1st. That means small business owners in our area will face an hours-long trip out to Boston if they need to visit an office for aid.
Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, alongside Congressmen Richard Neal and Jim McGovern, are all speaking out. They're demanding a solution for western Massachusetts entrepreneurs, calling on Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler to work to keep the Springfield district office fully staffed and open.
They emphasize that this district office helps connect rural, underserved, and emerging markets to federal resources that support local economies. 'Having played a key role in helping small businesses apply for loans and disaster relief programs.'
There are no longer any employees working at the Springfield office, following a string of mass firings of SBA workers back in February. Lawmakers say there's no plan to relocate the Springfield office or hire any new workers.
State lawmakers have sent a list of questions to the SBA, asking who closed the office and what support will be given to people in our area. They're demanding a response by Saturday before the building closes Sunday.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Change in command of 655 Regional Support Group at Westover base
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A local unit within the U.S. Army Reserve is changing its commands. Family, friends, and the soldiers of the 655 Regional Support Group witnessed a command change from one officer to another on Sunday at the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. This celebration is one of the military's oldest traditions. 'We have a long process of selection in terms of our leadership and also military professional development that has led me to this point,' said Colonel Jay Greeley. Driver crashes into JFK Memorial in Holyoke, police seek charges Colonel Greeley joined the military in Virginia 25 years ago, shortly after 9/11. He's been a dedicated citizen-soldier with over two decades of experience in logistics and operations in the U.S. and overseas. His commitment led him to become the new commander of the 655th Regional Support Group, a unit that was established in 2002. The unit has been deployed worldwide to provide direct combat service support, command and control to units under its leadership. 'The commander will oversee this unit that is made up of about 1,300 soldiers throughout New England,' Colonel Sean Sherwood said. It was a position that Colonel Sean Sherwood did not want to let go of. He led the RSG for the last two years, but as he moves on to another commander role in his home state of Hawaii, he believes that the RSG's soldiers are ready for what's next. 'Soldiers here have learned to adapt, push through innovative ways for what we have to do to manage the expectations of the battlefield changes quickly,' Sherwood said. 'And it has changed significantly in the way they think.' Colonel Greeley told 22News he already has a plan for the unit, because the mission of the unit is to function as a command and control headquarters to extend protection over the Combat Support Brigade. 'In the next couple of years, we will really be focused on being ready now,' Greeley said. 'What that means is becoming tactically and technically proficient, doing soldier basic fundamentals of shoot, move, and communicate. So when our nation needs us, no matter where it is in the world, our soldiers are ready.' All of this comes at a perfect time, as the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th birthday this year. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time Business News
17 hours ago
- Time Business News
Smart Financial Strategies for Small Business Owners: Building Resilience in 2025
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the business landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for small business owners. Many entrepreneurs have embraced digital transformation, leading to increased efficiency and broader market reach. However, challenges such as supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behaviors persist, requiring businesses to remain adaptable and resilient. As of May 2025, the core inflation rate stands at 2.8%, impacting the cost of goods and services for small businesses. Higher interest rates mean increased borrowing costs, affecting loans, credit lines, and mortgages. Small business owners must carefully assess their financing options and consider locking in interest rates to mitigate future financial strain. The surge in e-commerce has transformed consumer purchasing habits, with many preferring the convenience of online shopping. This shift has posed challenges for local businesses, which now face increased competition from online retailers. To stay competitive, small businesses must enhance their online presence and offer unique value propositions to attract and retain customers. A comprehensive financial plan is crucial for small business success. It should encompass budgeting, forecasting, and contingency planning to navigate economic uncertainties. Regularly reviewing and updating the financial plan ensures that the business remains aligned with its goals and can adapt to changing market conditions. Implementing effective budgeting techniques helps small businesses control expenses and allocate resources efficiently. Adopting a bottom-up budgeting approach, where individual departments contribute to the budget, can provide a more accurate financial picture and foster accountability across the organization. Utilizing financial management software enables small businesses to monitor cash flow, track expenses, and generate insightful reports. These tools facilitate informed decision-making and help identify areas for cost savings and revenue growth. For additional guidance, consider exploring these smart money tips. Various loan options are available to small businesses, including term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans. Each type serves different purposes, such as funding expansion, managing cash flow, or purchasing equipment. It's essential to evaluate the terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules to choose the most suitable financing option. Alternative financing methods like crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending have gained popularity among small businesses. These options provide access to capital without traditional banking requirements, allowing entrepreneurs to raise funds directly from investors or the public. Understanding the nuances of these platforms is vital to leverage their benefits effectively. Successfully securing a loan involves thorough preparation. Small business owners should maintain accurate financial records, develop a solid business plan, and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. Building a strong credit profile and establishing relationships with lenders can also enhance the chances of approval. Engaging with the local community fosters customer loyalty and enhances brand reputation. Personalized interactions, community involvement, and exceptional customer service can differentiate a business and create lasting relationships with customers. Forming partnerships with neighboring businesses can lead to mutual benefits, such as shared marketing efforts and combined customer bases. Collaborations can include joint promotions, events, or bundled offerings, strengthening the local business ecosystem. Active participation in community events and initiatives showcases a business's commitment to the local area. Sponsoring events, volunteering, or supporting local causes not only contributes to community development but also enhances the business's visibility and reputation. For insights on community involvement, explore the importance of supporting agriculture. Implementing accounting software streamlines financial processes, reduces errors, and provides real-time insights into the business's financial health. Features like automated invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting enable more efficient and accurate financial management. Online banking offers convenience and efficiency for small businesses. It allows for easy monitoring of account balances, quick transfers, and timely bill payments. Leveraging online banking services can enhance cash flow management and reduce administrative burdens. Protecting sensitive financial data is paramount. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and regular security audits, helps safeguard against data breaches and cyber threats. Employee training on security best practices further strengthens the business's defense against potential risks. Diversifying income sources reduces dependency on a single revenue stream and enhances financial stability. Exploring new markets, offering complementary products or services, and adopting innovative business models can open additional revenue channels. Employees are vital assets to any business. Investing in their development through training, career advancement opportunities, and a positive work environment leads to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. A skilled and motivated workforce drives business growth and resilience. The business landscape is ever-evolving. Staying informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts enables small business owners to adapt strategies proactively. Continuous learning through workshops, seminars, and networking keeps businesses competitive and prepared for future challenges. In 2025, small business owners face a dynamic economic environment. Implementing robust financial planning, embracing digital tools, exploring diverse financing options, and engaging with the community are essential strategies for building resilience and achieving long-term success. Proactive financial planning empowers businesses to navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities. Regularly reviewing financial goals, monitoring performance, and adjusting strategies as needed ensures sustained growth and stability. Continuous education is crucial for staying ahead in the business world. Utilizing resources such as industry publications, online courses, and professional networks provides valuable insights and fosters informed decision-making. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Pouring Funds Into Untested Weapons Is A Recipe For Failure
Administration officials and leaders of the emerging military tech sector are determined to get rid of excess regulations that slow the development and production of new weapons systems. It is a reasoTrump administration nable goal, as long as the drive to deregulate doesn't eliminate rules and personnel that serve essential functions like preventing flawed weapons programs from going into full production before they have been adequately tested. Spending more won't make us safer if a significant part of the new funding goes to systems that don't perform as advertised, are difficult to maintain, or are not useful for the kinds of conflicts the U.S. military is likely to face in the coming period. Unfortunately, the administration seems to be doing just that, announcing that it will cut staffing at the Pentagon's Independent Office of Testing and Evaluation (IOT&E) in half. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has spoken out against the move: 'How is it 'efficient' to gut the office responsible for testing our equipment and making sure it's safe for servicemembers to use?' Warren said. 'This dangerous decision should be immediately reversed.' An analysis by the nonpartisan Taxpayers for Common Sense concurred with Sen. Warren's assessment: 'If the end result of this directive is to speed major weapons programs into the field before they're adequately tested, then the $300 million in savings identified by the [adminstration's executive] The independent testing office was created by Congress in 1983 The basis of its independence was the fact that it did not report to any of the military services, which are often too invested in new systems to assess them objectively. The office has earned its keep over the years by producing detailed, unbiased analyses of the cost and performance of major weapons systems like the F-35 combat aircraft. The testing unit's assessments have been invaluable to members of Congress and the media in identifying problems with weapons in the development phase, thereby providing a chance to fix problems early in the process, before they get out of control. At a time when the Pentagon budget is on the verge of hitting $1 trillion per year, and ambitious new initiatives like Golden Dome and the F-47 combat aircraft are scheduled to get huge infusions of cash, independent testing is more important than ever. Not all regulations represent unnecessary bureaucratic interference, as some in the Pentagon and industry seem to believe. The independent testing office is an example of an regulatory unit that can save taxpayers money and put more reliable weapons systems in the hands of the troops. This is not to say that there should be no effort to streamline the Pentagon's weapons buying process. There are no doubt a significant number of regulations that require useless paper work that slows down the development process. But distinguishing unnecessary regulations from essential ones would involve a level of patience and careful analysis that has yet to be exhibited by the administration or its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Most Americans have never heard of the Pentagon's testing office, but if it is weakened they could pay a high price in wasted tax dollars and dysfunctional weapons systems. Not only should the office be scaled back, it should be strengthened to monitor the flood of new weapons programs in the pipeline, especially complex systems driven by artificial intelligence, which could cause serious damage if they are not developed with adequate scrutiny.
