Often, small business owners do not have the time or skill set to understand and manage their income and expenses. The Bookkeeping Program was launched to meet this growing need for accessible financial guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

The program meets business owners where they are by providing one-on-one bookkeeping support to establish a baseline while creating something they can do on their own. Through hands-on support, Valley helps entrepreneurs understand that their cash flow is not separate from day-to-day operations; It is a way to measure how their business is performing. 

Eyad Salha, the Small Business Advisor at Valley, oversees and runs the Bookkeeping Program. Eyad works directly with business owners, combining his career in business development with a passion for helping small businesses. “When business owners have reliable financial information, they can make better strategic decisions, manage growth and cash flow, and navigate challenges before they become larger issues”, said Eyad.  Eyad noted that making informed decisions leads to a level of confidence that “often becomes a turning point, not only in how they manage their finances, but in how they lead, grow, and sustain their businesses.” 

Ally Montemagni, the founder of Freetide Creative, started working with Valley in 2024. Through content creation and photography, Freetide Creative’s mission is to help businesses realize the power social media has to inspire engagement and connection. 

“I definitely have a more creative mind, so even the smallest parts of finances can feel really intimidating to me,” said Ally. “I went into the bookkeeping session feeling overwhelmed. When we finished [our advising session], I felt like I could finally breathe.” 

The Bookkeeping Program is free and available to for profit small businesses looking for support with financial projections and planning, setting up bookkeeping systems, and learning good bookkeeping practices. Valley’s staff work directly with business owners to provide help unique to each business’s needs, learning style, and stage of growth. 

The program is part of Valley’s broader mission to foster localized economic opportunities by empowering small businesses throughout Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. 

Business owners interested in accessing support through the Bookkeeping Program can visit valleycdc.org to learn more. 

 

Valley Community Development is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting communities throughout Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. Since 1988, Valley has remained steadfast in its mission to create economic opportunity and housing stability for entrepreneurs and residents across the Pioneer Valley.