Several area business people recently joined together to encourage other local establishments to become a larger, louder voice, in the business community and beyond.
That is the basis for the newly-formed Cumberland Coalition for Small Businesses. The brainchild of Brad Dean, Jason Dean, and Craig Force, Jr., the trio recognized that small companies were unable to locate basic information needed for success.
Brad Dean, who recently ran for Cumberland mayor, said that he heard the same thing repeatedly during his campaign last year. That message stuck with him, until he figured out what to do next.
“There were many small business owners in town who felt that their voices were not being heard,” Dean said. He serves as CEO of Dean Warehouse Services, Inc. “They are coming up against roadblocks instead of ways to foster help. We are striving to become that resource for local entities.”
Any company that is either based in Cumberland and/or does business in town is eligible to participate in this group.
The Coalition works off of four basic principles:
- Get Stronger Together: Build a unified voice for business owners in your community.
- Business Growth Support: Gain valuable knowledge, resources, and expert advice.
- Increased Exposure: Amplify your brand and expand your reach in the community.
- Meaningful Connections.
- Network with professionals who share your challenges and goals.
Force, owner of Force Advisors in Attleboro, said that business owners simply want clear answers and a collaborative approach.
“It should be a joint effort, with fewer hurdles,” he said. Force splits time in Business Development at CSC Paymaster in Warwick. “This group can be a valuable resource—a place to network, share ideas, and grow your business.”
According to its website, “Becoming a member today will mean gaining exclusive access to networking, advocacy, business resources, and growth opportunities.” Whether a company is looking to expand its influence, connect with like-minded business owners, or access valuable support, their membership tiers offer incredible benefits, tailored to a company’s needs.
The Coalition has several levels of support with varying degrees of benefits. They include:
**Community Advocate.
This level is ideal for business owners who want to enjoy local advocacy, build connections, and access essential business resources or have a direct voice in shaping our legislative priorities.
**Brand Builders.
Includes everything mentioned in the Community Advocate Plan for business, plus exclusive podcast sponsorship to boost your brand visibility.
**Business Growth Plan.
Benefits include the first two tiers, with the addition of expert business consulting to help your business grow and protect your business.
The Coalition will be kicking off with an event on Thursday, May 22nd, at Ravenous Brewery in Cumberland. This will happen from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Food, drinks, networking, and an opportunity to learn more about the group will take place. There is no charge to attend the event. Attendees can enter to win raffle prizes, as well.
Tara Rachels of Automated Business Solutions in Warwick said that the chance of meeting other local business owners and leaders can be powerful.
“I see this upcoming event as ‘networking with neighbors,’” she said. Rachels works as a Technology Automation Manager. “We want to set a precedent for being that voice that gets heard.”
Added Brad Dean, “The Coalition gets to understand the concerns and gripes with what’s happening. We can then go to a local meeting with a strong backing behind them. There is interest in town. We believe this is going to turn heads.”
Companies initially signed up for this Coalition include Dean Industries, CSC Paymaster, Automated Business Solutions, CompLyons HR Consulting, Berg’s Eye Communications, Gallagher, and Chasing Tail.
For more details about The Cumberland Coalition should visit its website at https://cumberlandcoalitionforsmallbusiness.com/. Those who visit the website will also learn more about how people can start a business, available resources and tips on what to do and what to avoid.
Also, they have information regarding their “Cumberland Unfiltered” podcast. It’s a twice-monthly program that devotes itself to local issues around town and beyond. Topics range from politics to schools to local government. This panel discussion show is co-hosted by Caleb Minson, Brad Dean, Jason Dean, and Andrew Bacon.
