North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for The Vice

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $30,000 to The Vice, a startup business located in Westminster.  Business planning was provided by NewVue Communities in Fitchburg.

The Vice, a new café located at 134 Main Street in Westminster, has officially opened its doors. Owned and operated by Amanda Davidson, The Vice brings a fresh new spot for locals to enjoy pastries, ice cream, freshly prepared deli sandwiches, charcuterie boards, craft coffee, espresso, and dirty sodas!

To help with start-up costs, Davidson received a $30,000 loan from NCMDC. The financing supported the purchase of deli and kitchen equipment, inventory, and supplies needed to launch the café.

Located next to Westminster Pharmacy, The Vice offers both indoor seating and seasonal outdoor seating. The café is designed to be a welcoming gathering place for residents, workers, and visitors in Westminster Center.

“I wanted to create a space where people can enjoy great food, coffee, and community,” said Davidson. “I’m grateful for the support from NCMDC and NewVue Communities, which made it possible to bring this dream to life.”

For more information, visit https://www.thevice.biz or 978.668.5045

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion, and, working with our banking partners, to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for HaBBQ

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $50,000 for the purchase of a food trailer to establish HaBBQ, a food truck business based in Rutland. Business planning was provided by the Small Business Development Center at Clark University.

Turning his passion into a business, HaBBQ Owner Jordan El-Qasem wanted to provide a unique flavored BBQ, which blends traditional Texas-style BBQ with Middle Eastern spices, while also offering halal-certified meats. Halal-certified meat adheres to Islamic law and is permissible for Muslims to eat.

“I’ve been working to perfect my recipe for the past five years and I’m looking forward to sharing my unique take on traditional BBQ with foodies, BBQ enthusiasts, and the entire community,” said El-Qasem. “The North Central Development Corporation and the Small Business Development Center made it possible for me to turn my passion into an established business with their expertise, knowledge and guidance toward the financing and business acumen I needed to make my dream come true.”

HaBBQ can be found at various food festivals, breweries, events and venues throughout central Massachusetts every weekend. For more information and a current schedule visit HaBBQ on Facebook

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Country Pizza in Fitchburg

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved financing of $122,500 for costs associated toward the purchase of Country Pizza, located at 6 Ashby State Road in Fitchburg. NewVue Communities assisted with developing the business plan for the ownership transition.

Established in 1989, Country Pizza has been serving the Fitchburg community for over 35 years, becoming a trusted neighborhood destination for families and pizza lovers alike. The business was recently sold to Sara J. Clark and Murry W. Clark, who plan to operate Country Pizza as a family business along with their son and daughter, who both currently work at the business.

Sara began working in the pizza industry as a teenager and has been serving customers at Country Pizza the past 15 years. Since 2022, she has served as manager of the business, which offers pizza, a variety of sandwiches, salads, subs, and traditional Italian dishes.

“The pizza business has been part of my life for a number of years, and I’m thrilled with the opportunity to continue serving our customers as the new owner of this long-standing business in Fitchburg,” said Sara Clark. “Country Pizza has been like a home to me, and I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, NewVue Communities, and my family for not only supporting me in this endeavor but also believing in me and providing guidance so I could officially purchase the business that has given so much to me and my family over the years.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Approves Financing for Best Family Fitness

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $32,000 to support the startup of Best Family Fitness, a new fitness center located at 360 High Street in Clinton.

Serving patrons of all athletic backgrounds, Best Family Fitness will focus on clients seeking more stamina, improved sleeping, and decreased feelings of stress and anxiety. Programs specific to weight loss, improved mobility, conditioning, and nutritional guidance will also be offered. A comprehensive business plan developed with the assistance of NewVue Communities helped secure the financing needed to bring this vision to reality.

Eric Machuca, owner of Best Family Fitness, is a Personal Trainer certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and has been in the personal and physical training field for a decade.

“A big part of what makes Best Family Fitness different from other fitness centers is our unique approach to ensuring our program offerings fit each client’s individual goals,” said Machuca. “I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for their guidance and support in helping me achieve entrepreneurship so I can bring my knowledge and expertise in physical fitness and nutrition to those seeking a healthier, more active lifestyle right here in Clinton.”

Best Family Fitness will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to personal training, group morning and afternoon classes will be available.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for MacMannis Florist & Greenhouses

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $150,000 in financing for MacMannis Florist & Greenhouses, located at 2108 Main Street in Athol, toward the purchase of the former Brooks-MacMannis Florist and Greenhouse.

Originally founded a century ago as Hamilton Florist, the business was purchased by Charles and May MacMannis in the 1940s. Today, the business is now owned by Beth Jailet, who was employed by Brooks-MacMannis Florist for 20 years. Jailet recently purchased and rebranded the business to MacMannis Florist & Greenhouse.

“I am honored to continue the legacy of the floral shop and greenhouse,” said Jailet. “We have a rich history of being a trusted partner in our customer’s important life moments and celebrations. And with the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, our community will continue to have a local florist for years to come.”

The florist is the preferred vendor for several wedding venues and serves many local community churches and organizations in the Athol area. Online ordering for pickup and delivery is available through the business website at https://www.macmannisflorist.com/.

With a degree in soil management, Jailet will also bring her expertise and knowledge to helping customers achieve a green thumb.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion, and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Funds New Artisanal Gift Shop

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$40,000 in financing approved for Handcrafted Artisanal Marketplace, bringing unique local shopping experience to Airport Road in Fitchburg

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $40,000 in start-up financing for Handcrafted Artisanal Marketplace, a new specialty gift shop at 68 Airport Road in Fitchburg. The funding supports the latest addition to the region’s growing creative economy.

Known as the H.A.M. Gift Shop, the store features handcrafted products from local artisans, hosts monthly workshops, and provides special events that showcase regional talent. The business offers both direct sales and consignment opportunities for area craftspeople.

“My hope is for the gift shop to provide our region with a central hub for artisans while supporting personal and community causes,” said founder Katelyn Murphy. “Since we opened, we have received such a warm welcome from the community and our guests really enjoy meeting our mascot, Ham, too!”

The shop’s unique name stems from Murphy’s Quaker Parrot, Ham, her companion since 2020. “Ham has helped me through college, milestones, and hardships,” she added. “I named The H.A.M. Gift Shop after him to combine two of my passions, creativity and birds.”

Murphy developed her business plan in collaboration with NewVue Communities before securing financing through the NCMDC. To learn more about the gift shop, please visit https://thehamgiftshop.com/.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Butler Machine and Prototype in Gardner

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $70,000 in financing to Butler Machine and Prototype, located at 400 Matthews Street in Gardner. The funding will support the purchase of various pieces of equipment, tooling and working capital while also creating one job with two additional jobs planned within the next year. NewVue Communities of Fitchburg assisted with the development of the company’s business plan.

Founded by David Butler, Butler Machine and Prototype is a custom machine shop for small lots and prototype design for machine shops. A graduate of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, Butler earned a two-year apprenticeship certificate and has worked at various machine shops gaining professional and leadership experience over the past 30 years. Most recently, he worked for a machine company prototyping and fixturing for medical devices.

“With over 30 years of experience as a Class A Machinist and more than 15 years of experience as a tool and die maker in metal stamping and cold metal framing, I am excited to bring my years of knowledge and experience to my customers,” said Butler. “With the collaboration of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and NewVue Communities, I am able to do what I love to do while achieving the dream of entrepreneurship.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $12,000 grant for Fitchburg Sign Program

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Grant supports opportunity for business and property owners to obtain, improve signage

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has granted $12,000 to the City of Fitchburg in support of the city’s sign program.

Since 2022, the NCMDC has contributed a total of $57,000 towards the program, which provides an opportunity for downtown and gateway property owners and businesses to obtain or improve their business signage. The grants help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing business, and enhance property values.

“Part of our Urban Revitalization Plan focuses on supporting a diverse mix of downtown businesses and the facilitation of the redevelopment for significant vacant or underutilized properties,” said Mayor Sam Squailia, City of Fitchburg. “This sign program contributes to our revitalization plan as it affords our city the opportunity to help our downtown business owners make meaningful improvements to their storefronts while also giving our downtown an enhanced opportunity to attract businesses and visitors alike.”

“With the momentum we’re building in downtown Fitchburg, these funds could not have come at a better time,” said Liz Murphy, executive director, Office of Community Development and Planning, City of Fitchburg. “It is our hope that these grants will encourage our new and current businesses to create or upgrade to high quality, attractive signage while also incentivizing commercial occupancy in redeveloped storefronts, many of which have been vacant for a long time.”

“Our One North Central Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth as focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, the city will be able to improve and enhance the exterior of its many historic buildings while positively impacting the downtown’s revitalization.”

The funding is part of a competitive economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Economic Development.

Property or business owners interested in applying for a sign program grant should contact the City of Fitchburg Community Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to applying.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Tails Pet Salon in Athol

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved $75,000 in financing to Tails Pet Salon, located at 1265 South Main Street in Athol. The funding supported startup costs for the business and helped create two full-time and four part-time jobs. NewVue Communities in Fitchburg assisted with the development of the salon’s business plan.

Founded by Danielle Rouleau, Tails Pet Salon offers professional dog grooming as well as specialty services, such as flea and de-skunk treatments. Rouleau, who is a certified veterinary technician, has worked at Adams VCA Animal Hospital since 1997. For the past 17 years, she owned and operated Doe Valley Standard Poodles, a breeding standard for poodles.

“Following years of providing care and comfort to dogs through my work in veterinary care, I am excited to embark on offering services to help dogs maintain good hygiene and a clean appearance,” said Rouleau. “I am grateful for the collaboration of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and NewVue Communities for all they did to help me ignite my entrepreneurial spirit with Tails Pet Salon.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

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North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $12,000 grant to City of Leominster

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $12,000 in additional funding to help support the City of Leominster’s Façade Improvement Program. Since 2022, the NCMDC has provided a total of $57,000 toward the program.

The program, which provides an opportunity for downtown property owners and businesses to upgrade their building’s exterior, aims to help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing businesses, and enhance property values.

Managed by the city’s Façade Grant Design Committee under the direction of the Mayor’s Office and the Economic Development Coordinator, the program offers funding for exterior improvements on building facades intended to improve the building’s aesthetic appearance. Since the program was introduced in 2022, 13 businesses have participated, including The Groom Room, Tim’s Diner, Allen’s Department Store, Medical Arts Hearing Instruments, Tavern 13, TC Lando’s, C&M Pizza, Columbia Tavern and Logan’s Table, to name a few.

“The businesses in our downtown area that have utilized these funds, such as Allen’s Department Store on Main Street, have enhanced the unique buildings that make up our downtown area and improved the overall look and feel of Leominster,” said Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster. “With these additional funds, we are happy to have had so many downtown businesses be able to renovate their storefronts and bring new life into our older buildings.”

“We have seen the positive impact of how these rounds of our funding improved the aesthetics of these downtown businesses in Leominster,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, downtown Leominster-based businesses have the opportunity to enhance the city’s image and ability to attract new residents and investment in the community.”

The funding came from a competitive economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Economic Development.

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