Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) is a Western Massachusetts nonprofit with a mission to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving, scalable businesses. We have three core programs that engage experts and volunteers to support a network of new startup businesses with potential for high growth. Our programs support early-stage startups from all business sectors to transform their ideas into sustainable business models, create innovative products and services, and to learn about types of capital and how to raise it. We strive to prepare startups for significant growth and investment through mentorship, building social capital, and intensive training. All VVM programs are free of cost for entrepreneurs and offer resources essential to startups’ success like mentorship, pitch training, and connections to investors. Mentors offer startups “lovingly critical” advice and startups learn, grow, and inspire one another, creating strong social capital among entrepreneurs, making Western MA a destination for startups.