Members of the Sphere Northampton, 413 Living Local and Common Capital pose for a group shot during the Dec. 9 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight event in Northampton.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — The Sphere Northampton was highlighted in the most recent 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight on Dec. 9 in a ceremony at Union Station. In all, 24 women and nonbinary-owned businesses were spotlighted.
The 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight is a monthly event created by Living Local 413 and Common Capital in an effort to establish a more cohesive network for entrepreneurs in the region, while also shining a spotlight on the area’s newest business owners as they start their journeys.
The red carpet event allowed guests to walk through into an open-house, science-fair style showcase and meet graduates of the latest Mindshift Accelerator program cohort from the Sphere, who each had their own display tables for their businesses.
The Sphere’s Mindshift Accelerator program features an eight-week curriculum on business skill and leadership development, including beginner workshops and additional support for entrepreneurs in financial knowledge. After completing those, entrepreneurs then work with small business consultants on becoming more comfortable with data collection for their business.
The 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight was a red-carpet event at Union Station that allowed guests to walk through into an open-house, science-fair style showcase and meet graduates of the latest Mindshift Accelerator program cohort from the Sphere Northampton. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
The evening culminated with two businesses, Kara Brown Coaching and Baldwin and Rose: Event Enthusiasts, splitting $800 to help jumpstart their work, after a vote from attendees for their favorite business at the spotlight. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
The 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight was a red-carpet event at Union Station that allowed guests to walk through into an open-house, science-fair style showcase and meet graduates of the latest Mindshift Accelerator program cohort from the Sphere Northampton. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
The Sphere Northampton co-founder and Chief of Momentum Megan Allen greets attendees and thanks them for their support during the Dec. 9 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis. 
Bill Cole, founder and president of Living Local 413, speaks to attendees about the services offered through his organization, and that they are always there to support entrepreneurs in the region. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis.
“When it comes to women and gender-expansive business owners, sometimes the biggest thing getting in our way is ourselves. This curriculum is different because it’s business skill, strategy and knowledge, but there’s also a mindset component and leadership development,” The Sphere co-founder and Chief of Momentum Megan Allen told Reminder Publishing. “We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and recourse, so if you can build a strong network of support, you’re already one step ahead.”
Graduates of the program also receive three months of free access to the co-working and networking space that is The Sphere Northampton.
State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa attended the event and spoke in support of the Sphere’s work and mission.
“In a separate life, I was a business owner, and it is hard to run a business,” said the Northampton Democrat. “I am so impressed by everybody who has a dedicated idea they are turning into a reality, because it takes so much passion and hard work. It was great to hear from all of you, and I hope everyone here has the wind at your back as you continue to take your businesses and grow them and make them into what you’ve always dreamed of.”
The evening culminated with two businesses, Kara Brown Coaching and Baldwin and Rose: Event Enthusiasts, splitting $800 to help jumpstart their work. Attendees voted for their favorite businesses on display by purchasing voting stickers. Every dollar collected went directly to the two businesses who split the winning check.
Bill Cole, founder and president of Living Local 413, told Reminder Publishing that the 413 Entrepreneur Spotlight was created because he and co-founder of the event Roberto Nieves, from Common Capital, saw a gap in the many talented, creative founders in the region who were often working quietly and did not always have access to networks, capital or visibility.
“We wanted to change that,” said Cole. “The goal of the event is simple: shine a light on local entrepreneurs, especially those who might be overlooked, and connect them with the people and resources that can help them grow. It’s meant to be both a celebration and a launchpad.”
Cole added they will continue the 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight events into 2026 and plan to host at least one spotlight in each of the four Western Mass. counties. The next 413 Entrepreneurial Spotlight is scheduled for Jan. 8 at the Springfield Innovation Center.
To learn more about The Sphere Northampton, visit spherenorthampton.com. To learn more about Living Local 413, visit livinglocal413.org. To learn more about Common Capital, visit commoncapitalma.org.
