With support from PeoplesBank, Sunshine Village has opened an Entrepreneurial Center in space located at the Indian Orchard Mills in Springfield, MA.
This program is operated under the Community Based Day Services (CBDS) program that supports people in preparing for and obtaining employment opportunities. In addition to supporting people with health and wellness activities and socialization experiences, CBDS offers professional development training and assists participants with acquiring resources to achieve their career goals.
As many participants who desire the benefits of self-employment have interests in pursuing careers in the arts, Sunshine Village will focus on this Entrepreneurial Center on supporting artists with individual and collaborative work. Woodworking, photography, painting, beading and holiday design will be part of the various mediums that artists will be involved in.
The Sunshine Village Entrepreneurial Center will support artists in crafting handmade creations that will initially be sold at craft fairs and eventually through consignment relationships with retail establishments. Sunshine Village has already established a partnership with Kev’s Barnyard Flea Market in Granby and artists will also be able to participate in direct sales at Farmer’s Markets in Chicopee and Holyoke.
To assist in the creation of the Sunshine Village Entrepreneurial Center, PeoplesBank granted funding for equipment and furniture, including a kiln that will be used to upcycling wine bottle into glass creations.
Thank you PeoplesBank!