Monson Collaborative hosting 2nd annual business expo

MONSON — The Monson Collaborative, a local organization whose goal is to bring vitality to downtown Monson, will be hosting its 2nd annual business expo and potluck on Saturday, May 18 from 4-6 p.m at the Monson Gymnasium. The Collaborative secured $10,000 in grant money to support and promote Monson businesses and organizations and will be awarding that money at this expo. Public participation is at the center of this event as they will be the ones deciding who gets the micro-grant money through vote casting. Those that bring a dish to pass will receive a second vote.

For the event entrepreneurs create a tabletop presentation to share their business including how much money they’re requesting, and what it would be used for. This can be in multiple formats; oral, written, diagrams, video, or whatever way people will be able to understand what their business is about. Grant applicants will have booths where the townspeople will be able to engage them one-on-one to hear their pitches. Those present then vote for the entrepreneur of their choice. Votes will be tallied at 6 p.m. with winners revealed shortly after. If participants cannot physically be present, they may submit a written or video proposal which will be stationed at their booth in lieu of their presence. 

Come support the town and local business people in choosing the first-ever recipients of the Monson Collaborative Entrepreneur Expo grants. While bringing a dish to pass is not required, every attendee who contributes to the potluck gets an extra vote.  

The Monson Collaborative is an umbrella organization including representatives from town government, the Beautification Committee, library, Business Association, historical society, and local businesses. The goal is to bring vitality to the downtown by supporting the needs of our community with the guiding principles of Main Street America, using the four-point approach.