There’s a particular kind of hustle that exists in Western Massachusetts. Out here, 3 hours from New York, 2 hours from Boston, 1 hour from Hartford, there is an entrepreneurial vibe that says build new techy things, but leave the trees and lakes alone. Drink your fancy wine, but make sure you tour all the new craft beer breweries. Shoot ahead in success, but make sure you don’t leave your community behind.
It’s scrappy, creative, and community-oriented. The kind of business energy that doesn’t always show up in glossy magazines or trend reports, but that’s building real value, day by day.
Launched in November 2024, Inc413 attempts to spotlight and reflect that energy.
It’s a platform for small business owners, creative entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders across Western Mass who are doing the work and deserve to be seen.
The Artist Dynamix team has spent a lot of time over the last two years working on this platform as part of our AdX Wonder initiative. During this time, we also built Amherst Now, which launched in October 2024.
What is Inc413?
Inc413 is a website that shares tools and resources for small businesses in Western MA. It also highlights stories of inspirational leaders, disruptive businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures that are making a difference.
Besides the website, the Inc413 initiative has a mailing list and will offer a number of other resources for businesses in Western MA.
Where do small business owners in Western Mass go to be visible, understood, and supported? We want at least one of the answers to that question to be “Inc413.”
There are great chambers and coworking spaces here. There are state programs and numerous resources. But there hasn’t been a central hub focused on business visibility, especially for founders who don’t always have access to traditional media, funding networks, or insider circles.
Inc413 is here to fill that gap.
We’re not trying to be a newspaper. We’re not trying to be a business directory. We’re building something more alive than that:
- A place to discover local business stories that go deeper than press releases
- A space to learn practical business strategies and tools
- A guide to the ecosystem; who’s here, what’s happening, and how to plug in
What you’ll find on Inc413
We’re still in the early chapters, but here’s what we’re already rolling out:
- Business profiles that highlight the people and stories behind the brands they run.
- Tools & Resources: funding opportunities, online tools, training resources, and more.
- Local events: From chamber of commerce events to legislative breakfasts.
- A bit of irreverence (because not every insight needs to be buttoned-up and uppity)
It’s part platform, part experiment, part love letter to the entrepreneurs of Western MA.
Who’s Inc413 for?
If you’re a founder, creative, or community builder in Western MA, and you want to grow your business without losing your soul in the process, this is for you.
If you’ve ever looked at the business section of a regional publication and thought,
“Where are the people like me?” Where are the really small businesses? Inc413 was made with you in mind.
What’s next?
We’re just getting started. In the coming months, you’ll see:
- Guest articles and interviews
- Challenges and workshops
- Opportunities to get featured, share your voice, and connect with others doing the work
Follow along at inc413.com and on our social channels. Or better yet, drop us a line and tell us what you’re building.
We’d like for business in the 413 to not be just about survival.
It should be about thriving and helping others thrive too.
Fungai, Your Web Guy
Founder, Artist Dynamix & Creator of Inc413
Writer | Digital Storyteller | Web Developer
I believe that every serious artist should be able to make a living from their work if they want to and I’m on a mission to find the best tools, ideas, and resources to help artists succeed. I experiment with business models, monetization ideas, and new technology in my own creative process as part of this journey of discovering.