The Sphere secures grant to empower women, nonbinary entrepreneurs

NORTHAMPTON — The Sphere Northampton has received $89,000 through the Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Grant program to launch an initiative supporting women and nonbinary entrepreneurs.

The grant will fund the Sphere Accelerator, an effort designed to provide tools, resources, and mentoring to underrepresented business owners, fostering long-term growth and sustainability.

The Sphere Accelerator will consist of two cohorts, each supporting 12 participants through an intensive and tailored version of the Mindshift Business Blueprint Program, facilitated by Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello.

This proven incubator curriculum will guide entrepreneurs through the foundational steps of business development, including leadership, strategic planning, marketing, sales, financial management, and inclusive leadership. The program will emphasize building resilience, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and creating personalized business plans ready for implementation.

Applications for the Sphere Accelerator will open in late winter/early spring. For more information, contact Megan Allen at megan@spherenorthampton.com, or 813-748-1709.

The Sphere Northampton is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and inspiring women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. By fostering community, providing resources, and promoting work-life balance, The Sphere empowers entrepreneurs to make a meaningful impact on the local economy while achieving personal and professional growth.

Kuhn Riddle welcomes architect

AMHERST — Lindsay Comeaux Schnarr of Shutesbury has joined the growing architectural team at Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers.

Schnarr’s primary architectural interest is in public spaces, and she is pleased that her first project is working on CitySpace in Easthampton, a project that calls for renovating an existing historic building to include a theater space and other community use areas.

Schnarr interned as a student with KR from 2009-2011 and continued after graduation through 2014. She describes her return to the firm 15 years later as “bookending” her career to date.

Schnarr received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 2002 from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She graduated in 2011 with her Master’s in Architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

She has been on the Amherst Design Review Board for many years; taught design as an adjunct lecturer at UMass from 2015-2020; co-founded the Emerging Professionals Development Program for the Western Massachusetts American Institute of Architects (WMAIA); and is a member of the WMAIA’s Women in Architecture Committee.

Polish credit union adds VP of finance

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union has hired Vanessa Stratton as vice president of finance.

Stratton, a certified public accountant from of Manchester, Connecticut, brings over a decade of experience in the banking industry. She earned her Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance and has held several key positions throughout her career, including chief financial officer and treasurer at a community bank. Her areas of expertise include financial analysis and reporting, GAAP compliance, internal control, and investment management.

In her role as vice president of finance, Stratton will oversee PNCU’s financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management. She will also work closely with the executive team to implement strategic financial initiatives and support the credit union’s growth.

Headquartered in Chicopee, PNCU has seven branches, including in Granby, and Southampton.

New board member at UMassFive

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) recently announced the addition of Peter Rosskothen to its board of directors. Rosskothen brings over 35 years of business experience to UMassFive. He first became involved with the credit union through utilizing its business banking products and services five years ago.

With an educational background in finance from The Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia) and studies in hotel and restaurant management from UMass Amherst, Rosskothen has demonstrated an array of skills in organizational finance, budgeting, branding, marketing, strategic planning, and community relations.

Throughout his career, Rosskothen has also dedicated time to volunteer work, serving as a board member for several organizations, including People’s Savings Bank, the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.