Hearth & Hound
(Lee,
MA) Upon returning to the Berkshires, Alexis
Montgomery [photo left] was disappointed to find that the
dog daycare that she had used was closing. So Alexis decided to
start her own pet daycare — Hearth & Hound.
In August 2024, Alexis became a client of the Massachusetts SBDC when she completed our three-part series "How To Start A Business". Alexis worked together with an MSBDC senior business advisor on her business plan and financial projections.
Alexis started her business on March 24, 2025. It is 100% women-owned and operated. Alexis received an SBA 504 from Adams Community Bank for $60,000. As of August 2025, she has increased sales by $150,000 and created eight jobs in the Town of Lee.
Alexa commented, "The SBDC helped me turn my dream of business ownership into reality!"
Photo: Courtesy of iBerkshires (left to right: Alexis Montgomery, owner; Michelle Turner, manager and trainer; and Mackenzie Rathbun, employee)