Senators Cyr, Fernandes, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce celebrate state investments
WHAT: State Senators Julian Cyr and Dylan Fernandes will join the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce for a check presentation recognizing state investments to its affiliated nonprofit organizations, Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation and CapeTide Economic Development Corporation.
WHEN: Friday, October 16, 2026 | 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce | 5 Patti Page Way, Centerville, MA 02632 | Sandy Neck Conference Room
WHO: Senator Julian Cyr; Senator Dylan Fernandes; Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki; CapeTide Board President Jonathan Margolis; CapeTide Entrepreneur Javoan Davy; Janet Rocha, Falmouth Public Schools; Cat Wilson, MassHire Cape & Islands
CONTACT: Matt Fortin, Communications Director for Senator Julian Cyr | matt.fortin@masenate.gov Anneke Butkus, Communications Director for Senator Dylan Fernandes | Anneke.Butkus@masenate.gov
_____________________________________________________________________________________
To celebrate milestone investments in Cape Cod’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and blue economy, Massachusetts State Senators Julian Cyr (D––Provincetown) and Dylan Fernandes (D––Falmouth) will join the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, regional business leaders, education partners, and other community members for an event highlighting recent state funding for nonprofits CapeTide and the Blue Economy Foundation.
Senators Cyr and Fernandes have secured critical state funding in the last two fiscal year budgets for the pair of nonprofits, which are housed under the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and work to strengthen small businesses and expand economic opportunity across the region. A $30,000 allocation was awarded to the Blue Economy Foundation to develop curriculum for K-12 students interested in pursuing a career in a maritime industry. $25,000 has been allocated to CapeTide to develop programming supporting entrepreneurship and small business development on Cape Cod. Additionally, $80,000 has been awarded to the Cape & Island Bridges Coalition over the past two years toward its work aiding businesses during the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges.
Launched in 2025, CapeTide is a new economic development organization focused on entrepreneurship programming, mentorship opportunities, and resources for emerging businesses across the region. The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation was established in 2017 to promote and sustain a maritime-focused economy on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth.
Friday's event will include remarks from the senators, chamber leaders, nonprofit partners, local businesses, and others to highlight these unique partnerships, the work they've done so far, and how this support will benefit the Cape and Islands’ economy far into the future.