The Better Business Bureau has long promised value for both businesses and consumers: for companies, a reputation boost and access to member benefits, and for the public, trustworthy information and a host of consumer-protection resources. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Megan MacBride, director of Marketing & Communications with the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all this and more, from how the BBB elevates area businesses through an exciting awards program to some of the most common scams currently tripping customers up, and how to avoid them. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

In the eight years since LaunchSpace was ... well, launched from the Orange Innovation Center, it has grown its impact while staying true to its mission of supporting economic development in some intriguing, interconnected ways, including supporting craftspeople with workspaces, operating a training center and partnering with local educational leaders, and providing incubator space and resources for entrepreneurs. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, President and CEO Brianna Drohen talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how this mission is still evolving — an upcoming shared-use space for food producers and processors at a converted school, for instance — the challenging landscape for nonprofits these days, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

In the eight years since LaunchSpace was … well, launched from the Orange Innovation Center, it has grown its impact while staying true to its mission of supporting economic development in some intriguing, interconnected ways, including supporting craftspeople with workspaces, operating a training center and partnering with local educational leaders, and providing incubator space and resources for entrepreneurs. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, President and CEO Brianna Drohen talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how this mission is still evolving — an upcoming shared-use space for food producers and processors at a converted school, for instance — the challenging landscape for nonprofits these days, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

The mission of Girls Inc. is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. But Girls Inc. of the Valley has certainly displayed those characteristics in other ways, including building out and opening a new, dynamic headquarters two years ago and expanding upon programs that immerse girls in STEM studies, career preparation, skills to overcome challenges and achieve mental wellness, and much more. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Executive Director Suzanne Parker talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how the organization’s focus and programming continue to evolve in the service of helping girls succeed and thrive in myriad ways. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

Emma deVillier was just 19 when she launched her own event-planning business. Today, six years later, she creates both impactful moments and lasting memories with weddings, showers, parties of all kinds, and corporate events, with a growing list of major clients in and well beyond Western Mass. It’s the kind of success story born from being attuned to details small and large, and passionate about the end result. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, deVillier talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the challenges her enterprise, deVillier Designs, has faced along the way, how she continues to evolve the business and its geographic footprint, and more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

DJ Tucker understands the value of the Children’s Museum at Holyoke — after all, he grew up in the city and spent a lot of time there as a kid. Today, as the museum’s executive director, he has a much deeper understanding of its ties to the community, corporate supporters, and the families and kids who benefit from all that educational, interactive fun.  For the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tucker talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all that and much more, including why it’s important that “children discover how the world works by doing.” It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

In 1996, BusinessWest created its Top Entrepreneur award to pay homage to this region’s rich history of entrepreneurship and to recognize those that continue that tradition. The winners for 2024 are John and Chris DeVoie, founders and owners of the growing chain of Hot Table panini restaurants. For the next episode of BusinessTalk, contributing writer George O’Brien talks with the DeVoies about how they got started, how they’ve grown their business and their brand, where they want to go from here, and what this ride has

More than six years into legal cannabis sales in Massachusetts, the landscape is more challenging than ever for business operators, who are contending with a competition-driven squeeze on prices and profits, a continued disconnect

Kathy Martin crafted an impressive career in higher education before pivoting, in the fall of 2023, to the world of senior living as president and CEO of Glenmeadow, a venerable Longmeadow facility that specializes in independent living,

Corporate responsibility. There’s a lot that goes into that two-word phrase — everything from writing checks to nonprofits to volunteerism within the community to the companies on a venture’s vendor list. And all of this makes a statement, according to Matt Bannister, senior vice president of