North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to DivineTouch Home Health Care

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Funding expands certified home health services in Worcester County

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $100,000 loan to DivineTouch Home Healthcare, located at 95 Vernon Street, Suite 301 in Worcester.

Funding will support the business in becoming a certified homecare agency, making DivineTouch one of just a few home health agencies with such certification in Worcester County. As the business grows, the organization anticipates adding 19 salaried positions and 46 wage staff to the local economy over the next few years.

Founded by Grace Sterling, an immigrant from Jamaica with more than 12 years of hands-on health care experience, DivineTouch offers a number of programs and services, including skilled nursing, disease process teaching, medication administration, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, behavioral health management, and physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as medical social worker, home health aide, and pastoral care.

“Taking care of others is my passion,” said Sterling. “As an expert in the home healthcare sector, I saw gaps in the system and realized there was a need for more home-based patient services in Worcester County. With the support provided by North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I will be able to build my business and help those in my community.”

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.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | DivineTouch Home Health Care | Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Beauty Empire

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Funding to support startup costs to open beauty salon in Leominster

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently granted a $13,000 loan to support the opening of Beauty Empire, a beauty salon located at 71 Main Street in Leominster. Funding will be used toward the purchase of equipment, lease hold improvements, inventory and working capital.

Owned by Nadia Ruiz, Beauty Empire will provide four hair stations, which are available for rent by hair stylists, and two nail stations. The location is the former Hair Obsession salon, and Ruiz hopes current Hair Obsession clients will continue to come to the location for their hair and nail services.

“I immigrated to the United States from Uruguay in 2014 and became a U.S. citizen in September 2022,” said Ruiz. “As I have grown my clientele while working at Divinity Hair Spa, I saw an opportunity to open my own salon and I am grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and NewVue Communities for helping me open the doors.”

NewVue Communities provided assistance to Ruiz in developing a business plan.

Ruiz will be leading the business and providing nail services. Ruiz holds certificates in both Advanced Cosmetology and Nail Technician and is a licensed professional as a Registered Cosmetologist in the Commonwealth of 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.

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

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Beauty Empire | Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Adams Farm and Slaughterhouse

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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 a loan of $150,000 to Adams Farm and Slaughterhouse to assist toward the purchase of equipment and working capital.

Adams Farm and Slaughterhouse, a third-generation meat processor and retail store located at 854 Bearsden Road, Athol, employs 32 full-time and 11 part-time employees. The farm, which began as a dairy farm in 1919 by Hester Adams, was taken over in 1946 by Lewis Adams, who changed the operations from dairy farm to slaughterhouse. Today, the company is owned and operated by Lewis Adams’ wife, Beverly Mundell, her son Richard Adams, and her daughter, Noreen Heath-Paniagua.

“As a third-generation local business, we take great pride in providing our customers with a variety of fresh meats, dairy products and ice cream they’ve come to trust over the years,” said Mundell. “We appreciate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for their support of our efforts to enhance our business for more generations to come.”

Adams Farm and Slaughterhouse offers customers beef, pork, chicken, smoked meats, lamb, goat and veal at their retail store, as well as homemade deli products, produce, bread, milk, cheese and ice cream. For more information visit, https://adamsfarm.biz/

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.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Adams Farm and Slaughterhouse | Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to MK Dance Center

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Funding to support expansion of dance studio in Leominster

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $100,000 loan to MK Dance Center, Inc., located at Gateway Center, 435 Lancaster Street in Leominster.

The loan will be utilized to finance the build out and renovation costs at the dance studio’s new location to offer classes for dancers aged two through adult. The center employs two full-time employees and six part-time dance instructors.

Owners Kelly (Charpentier) Pelkey and Moriah Kelly-Hildreth opened MK Dance Center in 2013 and recently relocated to Gateway Center. The dance center offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Break Dancing and more.

Pelkey and Kelly-Hildreth are childhood friends who met while dancing at a local studio. Pelkey studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary, and has received national recognition as a soloist and group member. She began assisting with classes as a teenager and went on to lead ballet, top and jazz classes. Pelkey attended Fitchburg State University and graduated with a degree in Human Services. Prior to owning MK Dance Center, she worked as a Licensed Social Worker.  Kelly-Hildreth has been teaching dance for 20 years, focusing on ballet, tap and jazz. After leading the Dance Department at Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park, she choreographed for vocal groups and children’s theater, and taught musical theater classes during summers at The Boston Ballet School. A graduate of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston’s Teachers Training School, she completed four years of Dance Masters of America’s Teachers Training School and is currently an Associate of the program.

“We have both loved to dance from an early age, and this funding affords us the opportunity to bring our passion of dance to more youth and the young at heart in our community,” said Pelkey. Added Kelly-Hildreth, “With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we can build out our new space and create the dance studio of our dreams.”

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.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | MK Dance Center, Inc. | Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for Salt and Light Café

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Funding to purchase real estate for business operations in Groton

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $206,000 loan to Salt and Light Café to provide funding toward the purchase of property at 159 Main Street in Groton, where the business operates. This loan was in partnership with Main Street Bank and ensures employment of 3 full-time and 3 part-time jobs in the community.

The cafe was opened in 2015 by owners Josiah and Linda Coleman, who also operate Coleman Catering. Josiah serves as Executive Chef, and Linda oversees the operations for both the catering company and the café.

Located in downtown Groton, the café uses only fresh ingredients and provides a relaxing environment for guests to relax and linger while enjoying bold, eclectic dishes that fuels and inspires those served. “When we opened Salt and Light, we wanted to create an environment where customers feel welcomed as our friends,” said Josiah Coleman. “Through the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, in partnership with Main Street Bank, we can cement our roots in downtown Groton as a place to enjoy savory cuisine with family and friends.”

In addition to providing food, the café also boasts a small retail boutique area with items for sale from local makers, artists, farms and businesses.

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.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | Salt and Light Cafe | Microloan Lender

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $10,000 grant to City of Fitchburg

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Grant supports pop-up shop approach for artisans, crafters, entrepreneurs to share their work with the community

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it provided a grant of $10,000 to the City of Fitchburg for the development of pop-up shops to provide temporary space for local artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs to sell their products to the community.

InTown Fitchburg has been working in collaboration with the City of Fitchburg to identify multiple areas feasible for pop-up businesses, which are planned to begin in December 2022. Identified locations for the pop-up shops include vacant storefronts in the downtown area which have the potential to generate much needed economic activity for the properties and interest in the storefront.

Over the next few months, two pop-up shops will be coming to Fitchburg. InTown Fitchburg is partnering with Bonfire Books to lead a Retail Pop-Up Market from December 1 to December 23, 2022, and a post-holiday week event with additional discounts from January 2 to January 6, 2023. The shop will be located at 37 Boulder Drive in Fitchburg. Bonfire Books will be selling used, new and unusual books as well as hosting vendors who will be featured throughout the pop-up shop schedule. Participating vendors include local paper artists, woolens and winter accessories, custom cards and calendars, stationary and stickers, locally made soaps and candles, and other art, gift and craft items.

“A pop-up shop provides a tremendous benefit to the business owner while also helping to develop vibrant downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This funding will help support the ongoing revitalization efforts of the downtown Fitchburg area by bringing together local small business owners to share their work with the community.”

In addition to highlighting vendors featured in the pop-ups, placing pop-up shops in an existing business has the potential to attract a new customer base and could lead to future collaborations with featured vendors.

“As we continue our work to revitalize the downtown area, we are excited to open up our vacant storefronts for our local small business owners to share their products with the community through this program,” said Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale, City of Fitchburg. “It’s always wonderful when organizations come together to create unique opportunities for our business owners, and through this collaboration with the city, InTown Fitchburg, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, and the property owners willing to participate in the program, we are able to provide spaces for local artists and entrepreneurs to grow their business while we grow our downtown.”

Additional details, including opening times and updates for these pop-up shops, can be found by visiting www.intownfitchburg.com or following Bonfire Books on social media.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) | $10,000 Grant | City of Fitchburg, MA

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing toward purchase of popular dance and performing arts studio

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Paula Meola Dance and Performing Arts now known as MEM Dance Theatre

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $100,000 loan to Paula Meola Dance and Performing Arts as new leadership takes over the popular studio following the retirement of Paula Meola, founder of the studio. This loan retained two full-time employees and 13 part-time employees.

Now known as MEM Dance Theatre, the studio is located at 50 Leominster Road in Sterling and was purchased by Matthew Kooyomjian and Mary Elizabeth Tinervin in early 2022. In addition to ownership, Kooyomjian coaches and manages the elite competitive dance team, and will continue his role as Administrative Manager and Director of Competitive Teams. Tinervin has served as an instructor at the studio for the past two years and has an extensive dance background, including dancing professionally in Europe, Boston and New York City, which will serve her well as a new owner.

“With a proud heritage dating back more than 20 years, the primary mission of MEM Dance Theatre is to provide a safe, fun, skilled experience for families and their children who desire to study dance and theatre arts,” said Kooyomjian. “With the funding provided by the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we are able to continue Paula’s legacy of offering our community access to unique performance opportunities, and our students with dance techniques provided by talented faculty and guest artists.”

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 Development Corporation approves financing toward purchase of Birchtree Bread Company

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Funding to support business growth for popular Crust Bake Shop

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $125,000 loan as part of a funding package with TD Bank, for owners of Crust Bake Shop to purchase Birchtree Bread Company, located on Green Street in Worcester.

The restaurant was purchased by Alexis Kelleher and Nate Rossi, owners of the popular Crust Bake Shop in Worcester, to expand Crust Bake Shop with a larger commercial kitchen facility while enabling Birchtree Bread Company to continue servicing the booming canal district.

In 2016, Kelleher opened Crust focusing on artisan breads, pastries, baked goods, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. In August 2020, Crust expanded to a second location on West Boylston Street in Worcester. This loan helped to retain 22 full-time and 35 part-time jobs and was referred by NCMDC by the Small Business Development Center.

“We have experienced tremendous growth over the past six years and after looking for a large, commercial kitchen we learned Birchtree Bread Company was for sale,” said Kelleher. “This was the perfect opportunity for us to expand our business and continue providing the dedicated customers at Birchtree the food and beverages they’ve come to love over the years. We are grateful to the Small Business Development Corporation, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and to TD Bank for helping us achieve our goals.”

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 Development Corporation approves financing for Delicious Dips

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Funding to support start-up costs for new Fitchburg business

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $30,000 loan to Delicious Dips to provide funding toward start-up costs with establishing the business in Fitchburg. Funding created one full-time job in the community.

Delicious Dips, located in Parkhill Plaza on Franklin Road, is a bakery with walk-in retail service featuring smoothies with offers of custom orders of cakes and dipped fruits, among other items.

Owner Paige McNamara worked with the City of Fitchburg and the NCMDC to secure the loan funding and was also provided technical assistance from NewVue Communities Small Business Assistance Program to establish the business.

“The opening of my business is a testament to our community coming together to help someone achieve their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur,” said McNamara. “With this funding from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I was able to build out the business of my dreams, and order supplies and inventory as I opened the business this past summer.”

The business held a grand opening ceremony in July with local dignitaries, community, civic and business leaders in attendance. For more info, visit https://deliciousdipsbypaige.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.

 

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | Worcester County | Local Business | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Delicious Dips

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Magic Treasures

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Funding to support business in Fitchburg

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $10,000 loan to Magic Treasures, located at 914 Main Street in Fitchburg.

The loan will be utilized toward working capital and creates one full-time and one part-time job at the business. The funding follows a matching loan of $10,000 from the City of Fitchburg, and a small grant for façade improvements as part of Fitchburg’s North of Main program.

Following a career as a dental assistant, Keila Jardim, owner of Magic Treasures, decided to pursue her passion in mystical arts and open a business focusing on the health benefits of crystals. With this in mind, Magic Treasures sells specialty gift items with a focus on crystal sales and other novelty gift items for the alternative health care, and the mystical and spiritual niche market. The company was established September 2020, and recently relocated from Leominster to Main Street in Fitchburg. Keila received assistance with her business plan from NewVue Communities.

Jardim emigrated to America from Brazil when she was 16 years old. In Brazil, she resided in an area known for significant mining. “It was through this association that I developed a life-long passion and knowledge of crystals and their uses for health and mindful well-being,” she said.

“Many thanks to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for their support of helping me achieve my dream of being a business owner,” said Jardim. “With this support, I am able to hire staff and continue to grow my business in downtown Fitchburg.”

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.