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

/in , /by

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.

North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce Membership | Chamber of Commerce | Member Benefits | Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Microloan Lender | Massachusetts Business | Business Development | Business Loans | Business Technical | Assistance | Small Business Loans | Small Business Technical Assistance | Business Development Corporation

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Approves Financing for Best Family Fitness

/in , /by

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.

North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce Membership | Chamber of Commerce | Member Benefits | Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Microloan Lender | Massachusetts Business | Business Development | Business Loans | Business Technical | Assistance | Small Business Loans | Small Business Technical Assistance | Business Development Corporation

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

/in , /by

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.

North Central Massachusetts | Central Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Chamber of Commerce Membership | Chamber of Commerce | Member Benefits | Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Microloan Lender | Massachusetts Business | Business Development | Business Loans | Business Technical | Assistance | Small Business Loans | Small Business Technical Assistance | Business Development Corporation

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation Funds New Artisanal Gift Shop

/in , /by

$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.

Fitchburg | North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Community Support | Business Development | Small Business Loans | Business Resources

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

/in , /by

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.

Gardner | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts| Chamber of Commerce near me | Economic Development | Community Support | Business Development | Community Support | Business Development | Business Loans | Business Technical Assistance | Small Business Loans | Small Business Technical Assistance | Business Development Corporation | Business Resources | Microloan Lender

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

/in , /by

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.

Fitchburg | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation | Economic Development | Manufacturing Support | Small Business Support | Small Business Loans | Start Up Business Loan | City of Fitchburg Business Loan | Downtown Fitchburg Revitalization

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

/in , /by

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.

Athol | North Central Massachusetts | Chamber of Commerce | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Chamber of Commerce Member Benefits | Community Support | Business Development | Small Business Loans | Business Resources

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

/in , /by

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.

Leominster | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Economic Development | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | New England Town | Small Town Economy | Worcester County | Community Development | Rural Economy | Business Growth | Business Resources | Business Growth | Sustainable Development

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides funding to support project in downtown Gardner through Regional Business Development Fund

/in , /by

Funding to Gardner Downtown Crossing, LLC, for development of residential apartments, restaurant

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $250,000 to Gardner Downtown Crossing, LLC, under the NCMDC’s Regional Business Investment Fund (RBIF).

The funding will support the development of commercial space in a mixed-use building located at 25 Main Street in the city. The plans include six one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors, and a 5,000 square foot restaurant on the first floor.

Jonathan Bombaci, a redeveloper and owner of Gardner Downtown Crossing, is no stranger to redeveloping older, outdated buildings into modern apartments and commercial space in the city, as his team is currently redeveloping 2-10 Parker Street.

“The building at 25 Main Street is at the crossroads of downtown Gardner and provides much opportunity to develop living and dining spaces that will complement the current landscape while also providing the city with additional residents and visitors who will dine or call 25 Main their home in the future,” said Bombaci. “The RBIF is a viable lending option for us to cover costs and expenses that are typically not available for financing, and we are grateful to the North Central Development Corporation and the Chamber for offering this type of loan to us.”

The RBIF can be used by developers for engineering, soft costs, site work, infrastructure, and hard costs for specific developments in the 26 communities that make up the North Central region and differs from other loan programs offered through the NCMDC. The loans are very flexible and geared towards real estate projects, with flexible repayment terms, and can be used to cover soft costs and other expenses not traditionally covered by lenders. Also, unlike other loan programs, the RBIF can be used for housing projects and non-profits are also eligible.

The project has the support of City of Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson and local officials, and is considered an important redevelopment project in the downtown area of the city.

“The team at Gardner Downtown Crossing has already made a significant investment in the downtown area and we are looking forward to working with them as they redevelop the property at 25 Main Street,” said Mayor Nicholson. “We are grateful that Gardner Downtown Crossing sees Gardner as a place with tremendous opportunity for growth and we will be here to help assist them toward their success along the way.

Fitchburg, MA | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Economic Development  | Massachusetts Business | Economic Development | Gardner Downtown Crossing, LLC | Business Development | Business Loans | Gardner, MA

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for J.Martin Landscaping ownership change

/in , /by

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announces financing of $150,000 to Mark Lafrennie of Gardner, MA for the purchase of the lawn care business portion of J. Martin Landscaping of Westminster, MA.

J. Martin Landscaping, in business for over 30 years, offers lawncare and landscape construction services, and operates a retail garden center—The Brook Bound Nursery and Garden Center at 170 State Road East.

Under the terms of the sale agreement, Mark Lafrennie, a 20-year employee and Manager of J. Martin Landscaping, is purchasing the lawn care portion of the business, which includes lawn care, plantings, seeding, clean-up, mulch application, show plowing, sanding and salting. The new business will be known as M. Lafrennie Landscaping and be located at 530 Pearl Street in Gardner, MA.

Jay Martin will continue to own and operate the landscape construction and retail garden center in Westminster.

“We are thrilled that the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation could support Mark with the funds needed to keep this well-established business moving forward,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With a strong client base and excellent reputation, it is wonderful to see respected local businesses change hands successfully, keeping the spirit of small business ownership alive and thriving in North Central Massachusetts.”

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.

“I am very grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for helping me achieve this milestone of business ownership,” remarked Lafrennie. “For the last 20 years, Jay Martin has been a great friend and mentor, and I am proud to carry on his legacy of great service to our loyal customers.”

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

Fitchburg, MA | Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber | Massachusetts Business | Local Business | J. Martin Landscaping| Business Growth | Business Development | Business Technical Assistance | Business Resources | Business Financing | Westminster, MA | Gardner, MA | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation