The Sphere to launch Westfield Business Accelerator

WESTFIELD — Low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs living in or owning a business registered in Westfield now have an opportunity to apply for the Sphere Westfield Business Accelerator.

The intensive business development program aims to expand on the proven accelerator model for a community ready for growth and entrepreneurial momentum, according to organizers.

The program is made possible thanks to a $50,000 grant awarded to the Sphere Northampton last June, which helped launch the Sphere Westfield Mindshift Business Accelerator.

The Sphere Northampton is a nonprofit organization that supports new entrepreneurs in Western Massachusetts by providing educational resources, professional trainings, networking events and more. This grant enables The Sphere to expand its accelerator model and entrepreneurial momentum. The funding was awarded through the Westfield Community Development Block Grant.

“The Sphere has been drawing entrepreneurs and business professionals from all over the Pioneer Valley and beyond — East Longmeadow, Deerfield, Greenfield, Pittsfield, Springfield, Holyoke, even Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont,” Sphere co-founder and Chief of Momentum Megan Allen told Reminder Publishing. “We try hard to ensure we are creating programming and experiences that meet what entrepreneurs really need by following their leads, ideas and feedback. We are really data-driven, and our leadership is built of a team of entrepreneurs who are not just talking the talk, we are walking the walk. We are living similar experiences to the community we serve.”

Allen said that two of the Sphere’s community members, Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello, partnered with the organization to offer the Sphere Mindshift Business Accelerator in 2025 with a Mass Development grant. After seeing success, the next move was to bring the program elsewhere in the region. Now, it comes to Westfield for the first time.

The Sphere Westfield Mindshift Business Accelerator will serve 10 local entrepreneurs directly through a robust eight-week training program that combines structured business education, individualized coaching, and access to essential professional services such as financial advising, branding and legal support.

In addition, the program’s outreach events and community-based workshops will reach and uplift more individuals across Westfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Westfield is full of untapped talent and potential,” said Allen. “This funding allows us to offer the kind of comprehensive, high-touch support that LMI [low-to-moderate income] entrepreneurs need to not only survive, but thrive. We’re investing in the people who are ready to build the future of their community.”

The Sphere Westfield Accelerator Program will meet on Tuesdays, starting Feb. 24 in-person at Westfield on Weekends, and wrapping up on April 14 in-person. The Tuesday dates in between are all virtual sessions. Participants must be present for all classes, have access to a computer or the ability to Zoom, and have an existing business, idea or concept to focus on. Individuals must also work and participate in a cohort setting, and live in or operate a business in Westfield.

Corsello told Reminder Publishing it is about taking a “whole person approach” when working with low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs.

“We’re taking a whole person approach because we know that building a successful business isn’t just about having a good idea — it’s about developing yourself as a leader and having the right tools and support. Participants get training in business basics, personal growth and leadership development,” said Corsello.

Through the eight-week business program, entrepreneurs receive coaching and mentorship, business consulting, and business planning, marketing and financial training in support of growing their businesses from the inside out. The program will also include a three-month subscription to LIVEPLAN software to help with business planning, and there will be a $1,900 stipend for professional services, such as legal help, accounting or marketing.

“For entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to afford these resources, this really levels the playing field,” said Corsello. “The real power of this program is that it transforms people from just being entrepreneurs into being powerful business owners; there’s a big mindset shift that happens there. We’re combining personal development with practical business skills, so participants are growing internally while also learning the fundamentals they need.”

Corsello added, “The LIVEPLAN software gives them professional planning tools, and that stipend means they can actually access the expertise they need to scale. By the end, they’re not just equipped with knowledge — they’re ready, mentally and practically, to take their business to the next level.”

The program builds on the success of the Blueprint for Business Accelerator series developed by Dice and Corsello, which has supported over 30 small business owners in past Westfield cohorts. The Mindshift rebranding represents an expanded and enhanced curriculum, one that integrates entrepreneurial mindset work, leadership development, and emotional resilience alongside technical training. Dice and Corsello will coach this accelerator, as well.

“It seems like a natural fit,” added Allen. “We gave a model that works, so we can easily replicate it for other areas once we understand the needs of the entrepreneurs. Plus, it comes with a community of cheerleaders and customers, The Sphere community.”Allen said entrepreneurs living in or owning a registered business in Westfield are encouraged to apply for the accelerator program.

“If someone has a business idea or an existing business, this program will help take it to the next level,” said Allen.To apply, visit tinyurl.com/mv7hzpbz, and for more information on the Sphere or its accelerator programs, visit spherenorthampton.com.