Greenfield native celebrates grand opening of Almanac Mkt. in historic Paxton barn on May 23
PAXTON — Almanac Mkt., a new retail marketplace specializing in antiques, vintage goods, art, handmade products, crystals and furniture, will host its official grand opening on Saturday, May 23. Located at 242 Pleasant St. in Paxton, the doors will open at 11 a.m., followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon.
Founded by entrepreneur Skye Wellington, the business occupies a historic New England property that previously operated as a local nursery and gift shop for more than three decades. The site features a main retail floor alongside a converted greenhouse dedicated to plants, fountains and metaphysical items.
Wellington had previously operated Innovintage Place at 76 Hope St. in Greenfield before moving to Amherst in 2025. The Paxton location marks Wellington’s third marketplace venture in eight years. The relocation and renovation process was completed with help from store manager Alicia Cross, carpenter Edward Bourbeau and Wellington’s family.
In addition to hosting vendors during the grand opening event, Almanac Mkt. is actively seeking permanent vendors and consignors. The business is currently accepting applications for individuals specializing in antiques, vintage decor, art, jewelry, furniture and curated retail concepts.
BusinessWest announces this year’s 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award finalists
SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest has announced the 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award finalists: James Krupienski, partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., 40 Under Forty class of 2010; Modesto Montero-Forman, executive director, Libertas Academy Charter School, 40 Under Forty class of 2020; Adam Quenneville, owner, Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding, 40 Under Forty class of 2009; and Ciara Speller, evening anchor, WWLP-22 News, 40 Under Forty class of 2023. Their stories are in the May 25 issue of BusinessWest at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward.
This year’s AAA finalists were selected by a panel of three independent judges: Jeffrey Fialky, managing shareholder at Bacon Wilson, P.C. and 2025 BusinessWest Alumni Achievement Award winner; Rania Kfuri, 2025 BusinessWest Woman of Impact; and Julie Quink, managing principal at Burkhart Pizzanelli and 2026 BusinessWest Difference Maker.
The Alumni Achievement Award winner will be announced at the 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards gala on Thursday, June 11 at 5 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Tickets are available at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/40-under-forty-gala-2026 for $140 per person through May 28. The 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award is presented by Baystate Health | Health New England. For more information, visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward/ or contact Melissa Hallock at 413-781-8600, ext. 109, or melissa@businesswest.com.
Beacon Bank invests nearly $600K in local nonprofits
SPRINGFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested nearly $600,000 in its communities through charitable giving and sponsorships to more than 130 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont from January to March.
“Our priority is supporting organizations that know their communities best,” said Jim Hickson, president of the bank’s Springfield & Hartford region. “By helping to lift up local nonprofits, we help strengthen the places where we live and work.”
Examples of nonprofits that received funding in the first quarter include Greater Westfield Credit for Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Inc., Mental Health Association Inc., Springfield Museums and YMCA of Greater Springfield Inc.
Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education and critical services.
Learn more by visiting beaconbank.com/about-us/community/community-support/foundation.
SBA launches $1M Patriot Pitch Competition to showcase America’s entrepreneurs
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by cloud-based Android point of sale platform Clover Network, Inc., the competition is open to eligible small businesses that represent the promise of American innovation and opportunity, and who have utilized qualifying SBA capital products.
“From the family farm to the factory floor, small businesses have punched above their weight for the last 250 years to power America’s economy, which is why the SBA is proud to spotlight the legacy and potential of entrepreneurship through the Patriot Pitch Competition,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “We look forward to demonstrating how small business is big business for our nation — and to highlighting the resilient job creators and local businesses who are delivering the services, products and solutions that are defining America’s future.”
“New England is the birthplace of our nation’s pursuit of independence, freedom and liberty, as well as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution,” said SBA New England Regional Administrator Peter A. Steele. “So the SBA’s Patriot Pitch Competition is an excellent opportunity for New England-based innovators and entrepreneurs to get the recognition and resources they deserve to continue the work they do every day to strengthen our economy and provide the essential products and services that keep America competitive, secure and strong — just as they have been doing for 250 years.”
The Patriot Pitch Competition will progress through four stages of judging, with submissions evaluated on strengthening American competitiveness; innovating and demonstrating an outsized impact within an industry; delivering economic opportunity and quality jobs; and showing strong fundamentals and execution readiness.
The competition will culminate in a one-day finals event in Washington, D.C., to be held in September, where the top finalists will pitch live before a panel of notable judges and a national audience for national recognition and the opportunity to win a share of the $1 million prize pool funded by Clover.
In addition to the live competition, the Patriot Pitch finals event will feature speakers from business, government and industry; a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger companies and contracting opportunities; and networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders and policymakers.
Small business owners interested in competing are encouraged to submit an application by June 10. Additional details on eligibility, competition stages and event programming can be found at sba.gov/freedom250.