Cultivate Your Local Network

Locally Grown Network for LGBTQ+-Owned and -Allied
Small Business Owners, Artists, and Nonprofit Organizations in Western Mass

About Bloom Local

Bloom Local is a homegrown haven cultivating and connecting small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community.

Since 2021, we have connected a network of people in the River Valley who bring the values of community care, allyship, and authentic relationship-building to life through what they do - and the care they do it with.

We aim to (1) create platforms and spaces that support LGBTQ+-owned small businesses and nonprofit organizations (2) unite locals with inclusive businesses and organizations, nurturing a community where a culture of support blooms.

Bloom Local is a queer and trans-owned small business, nestled in the River Valley of Western Massachusetts.

Logo with gradient colors, featuring the letters 'BL' and a star symbol.

About the Partner Network Program

Bloom Local connects local community members to an intricate network of small businesses, maker artists, nonprofit organizations, healers, and creative people in Western Mass through the Community Guide and Event Calendar.

We also work with our retail partners’ to co-curate seasonal and special-interest gift guides that feature high-quality and unique products and services.

Partners are featured on their own listing page in the Community Guide, can list events in the Event Calendar, and gain access to these additional benefits: monthly in-person meet-ups, weekly resource-rich email updates, private barter board, and other tools and opportunities.

“I am a western Massachusetts-based business owner and being a Bloom Local partner is an integral part of my business's success. In the four years I have been connected to Bloom Local, I have made meaningful connections that have helped me develop my B2B and B2C strategies in a way that aligns with my values. I trust that the people who I connect with through Bloom Local will truly believe in the work I am undertaking and support it long-term.”

- Lachlan Thompson, Fortuna Major Creative Co.

“Being a partner of Bloom Local has been nothing but a great experience as a small business owner. I've appreciated the networking events and the monthly calls that grant opportunity for social networking amongst other Bloom Local partners.

I don't think I would have joined a business centered organization if it wasn't for Bloom Local.”

- Cara D’Anello, Homeward Bound Nutrition

Partner Network Benefits

  • Each Partner has the option to have an active listing in the Community Guide - a dedicated webpage featuring you/your business/org and connecting you to local subscribers.

    Pages follow a standard template including:

    • Logo

    • Featured image

    • Business/org description

    • All relevant details including location (if applicable) and referral links

    *If, for any reason, you would like your business/org omitted from the Community Guide, just let us know where indicated on the application form.

  • Our weekly newsletter is read by over 2K highly engaged subscribers every month, and features news, events, and content featuring our Partner Network.

    We also regularly co-curate collections of local goods with partners, which we advertise throughout the year.

  • Access weekly email updates, monthly partner meet-ups, and other networking opportunities to strengthen your LGBTQ+ small business community connections.

Annual Fee, Sliding Scale

We charge an annual service fee for Partner Network membership on a sliding scale of $50 - $300 to allow for greater access to individuals and organizations at different stages of growth and/or with varying access to capital.

We ask partner applicants to evaluate where they are on the sliding scale using the helpful Green Bottle visual aid - see below. A field is included on the application form where you may indicate your annual investment.

No-Fee Network Membership for QTBIPOC Entrepreneurs

As part of Bloom Local’s ongoing commitment to reparative justice, we offer one year of no-fee partnership to QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) small business owners. This initiative is one move we’re taking to support the growth of a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem in the River Valley.

If you identify as a QTBIPOC small business owner and are interested in becoming a partner, we invite you to reach out.

Graphic titled 'The Green Bottle: Where You Fall on the Sliding Scale', showing three bottles representing levels of financial privilege and personal financial experience. From left to right: the first bottle indicates financial comfort and full basic needs met; the second bottle shows some debt but basic needs are usually met; the third bottle depicts frequent stress over basic needs and reliance on assistance, highlighting varying economic situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did this project get started?

In 2021, we started working collaboratively with our peers in the small business community to develop a digital gift guide and directory of LGBTQIA+-owned and -allied businesses. Today, we continue growing our program benefits and platform publications to serve more members of our community each year.

Q: Is my business/organization a fit for partnership?

We partner with small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and solopreneurs with diverse specialties and services ranging from arts to financial planning, to retail, and everything in between. We welcome all LGBTQ+ and allied folks to apply for partnership.

If you aren’t sure if the Partner Network is right for you, we encourage you to contact us.

Bloom Local Partner Network

Meet our current partners.