Resources
We are here to help.
If you have a specific inquiry or need assistance email info@amherstarea.com or call (413)253-0700 and the Chamber will connect you with the resources you need.
The business of the Amherst Area is education. Amherst alone is host to three institutions of higher education: Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Amherst College
Amherst is a private, not-for-profit college that for almost two centuries has prepared students to use ideas to make a difference in the world. At Amherst, you are part of a lively, inquisitive, devoted community of students, faculty, staff and alumni who find inspiration in one another and in the process of learning.
Hampshire College
Hampshire opened in 1970, created when presidents of four distinguished New England colleges sought a home for bold, influential—even radical—ideas in higher education.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
UMass Amherst is one of the major public research universities in America. Nestled in idyllic Amherst, Massachusetts, the campus is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the nation, and offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers.
Five College Consortium
Five Colleges, Incorporated, sustains and enriches the excellence of its members -- Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges and the University of Massachusetts Amherst -- through academic and administrative collaboration. The consortium facilitates intellectual communities and broad curricular and cocurricular offerings; affording learning, research, performance and social opportunities that complement the distinctive qualities of each institution.
Career resources compiled with the help of the Western Massachusetts Career Centers' MASSHIRE Franklin Hampshire Career Center.
These are local, regional, and national job search websites for specific job types that can help you find employment in our area.
- Pioneer Valley jobs (many different job types) – Jobs in the Valley
- State jobs in Massachusetts –  Find Your Future Commonwealth Job
- Federal jobs – USAJOBS
- Jobs for young people -  Franklin Hampshire Youth Employment
- Jobs for people with disabilities – Jobs Without Limits
- Local non-profit jobs – Human Service Forum
- National non-profit jobs – Idealist
- Jobs at local colleges and universities –  Five Colleges Jobs
- Area public school jobs – School Spring
- Arts and culture jobs – Hire Culture
National Job Search Sites
The sites below are national job search sites that also include local job listings. You can search locally by entering the city or zip code for the area in which you’d like to find a job:
Newspapers with Employment Classifieds
Newspapers are still a great way to find employment opportunities. Below are local and regional newspapers that employers use to post jobs as well as some options in the larger New England area that can help you find potential employment opportunities:
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AAA Service Center - This is a full-service AAA branch providing insurance, financial services, travel, discounted tickets, travel money services E-ZPass, RMV Services
- Norwottuck Rail Trail
Whether you need assistance navigating systems, are seeking a letter of support for a project, or advocating for policy change at the local or state level, you will always have an advocate in the Amherst Area Chamber. Your Chamber staff and Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy Committee are informed, engaged, advocating for economic development, and representing your interests. We are in the room and at the table. The Chamber proposes policy, advises officials and stakeholders at every level, and weighs in on proposed legislation and regulations. We are in your corner, fighting for you.
Seeking advocacy around an issue or a letter of support? Submit an inquiry here or contact Chamber staff directly.
Relocating your business? The Chamber is the place to start.
Just getting your feet wet or simply need a space to get work done? AmherstWorks is a co-working space in the Amherst Area. Incubator space is currently being developed in Downtown Amherst.
The future is here. The Chamber can recommend real estate and development opportunities in the Amherst Area and connect you with the partners you need.
A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an important international trade document that certifies that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. They declare the ‘nationality’ of the product and also serve as a declaration by the exporter to satisfy customs or trade requirements. Â
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce can certify a Certificate of Origin for members in good standing in Massachusetts. Complete the Certificate of Origin Form and send it to info@amherstarea.com and an Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce staff members will follow up with you directly.Â
Additional Resources:Â
Submit a request below or contact Chamber staff directly for further assistance.Â
The Chamber is a leading player in the region's strategic effort to recruit new business, retain and develop a talented workforce, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Along with business leader partners we are able to cast and vision, plan for the future. By doing so, we help manage and grow your business.Â
Current Economic Development InitiativesÂ
Coming Soon! To Launch Fall 2020
You will be part of abundant networking opportunities. Our popular "After Fives", breakfasts, workshops, and annual signature events give Chamber members a chance to meet face-to-face, expand their network, and connect with other professionals. Building relationships is an important part of running a business. Chamber membership will help you do that.
Find Upcoming Events:Â
You will be both recommenced and referred to fellow members and the community-at-large. The Chamber responds to the dozens of customer inquiries we receive monthly by phone, email, online, and that walk into our Visitors' Information Center. Make sure you are on our list! We work hard to ensure that your membership returns tangible visibility and sales to you and your organization.Â
The Chamber's Member Directory is a starting place. Feel free to reach out to Chamber staff directly for concierge services, referrals, and recommendations. Submit an inquiry here or contact Chamber staff directly.
Thinking of moving to the Amherst area? Submit an inquiry here or contact Chamber staff directly. We can provide you with information resources to help make your move as smooth as possible.Â
Check out the Real Estate, Moving & Storage listing on our Member Directory.Â
The Chamber hosts and provides marketing and outreach services for groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and anniversaries for our Members. Submit an inquiry here or contact Chamber staff directly.Â
Seeking business advice? Our door is always open. As a member, the Chamber will provide you with professional development opportunities as well as coach you through business challenges and transitions.
The Chamber hosts monthly office hours with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) and can set you up with undergraduate and graduate-level student researchers and consultants from our institutions of higher ed.Â
Additionally, the can refer you to great local resources including professional coaches as well as our partners:
- Small Business Development Team at Valley Community Development
- Western Mass SCORE ChapterÂ
- Complete list of business development resources and coaches
At Chamber workshops, you will hear from experts on topics ranging from technical such as leveraging social media, email marketing, and to how to gain more leads with through your website and SEO to more general management and operations subjects such as our "9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back" series and "How to love your customer so they love you back" event. Get ready to grow!Â
The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) co-manage the Visitors' Information Center in Downtown Amherst. Member's materials can be featured in the VIC.Â
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Attractions
Looking for more information? Submit a request here or contact Chamber staff directly.
Make the Chamber part of your marketing strategy. We offer a variety of opportunities through traditional and digital marketing to increase the visibility (breadth) and impact (depth) of your marketing.
Visibility begins with membership. Member information is promoted on our digital platforms and on display in the Visitor Information Center. Search engine optimization (SEO) of the Chamber website and Member Directory places your name in front of targeted customers. Through Google Analytics and our CRM database, the Chamber can share stats and track your ROI.
Additional Marketing Opportunities:Â Â
- Event Sponsorship
- Downtown Amherst Banner Campaign
- Create a Custom Marketing
Submit a request below or contact Chamber staff directly.Â
Also, check out fellow Chamber Members that are marketing gurus:
Review your Chamber directory profile, and its stats, and ensure you are getting the most your of your listing.Â
Contact the Chamber's Director of Engagement & Development Heather Heamel at heather@amherstarea.com to get started with a virtual or in-person consult.Â