North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for JC Ferreira Construction, Inc.

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Funding to support purchase of equipment for family-owned company

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $112,500 loan to JC Ferreira Construction, Inc., toward the purchase of construction equipment. This loan helped retain four jobs in Leominster.

JC Ferreira Construction was founded by Pablo (Paul) and Luis Ferreira in March 2020 as a family-run business specializing in utility and road construction for underground utilities. The company focuses on sanitary sewer, water, and drainage installations, as well as site, highway and civic construction. In addition to being certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the Supplier Diversity Office of the Operational Services Division in Massachusetts, the company is also a Disadvantage Business Enterprise certified by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Their crew has more than 30 years of experience working with cities, towns and government contracts.

“The opportunity to purchase additional equipment through this loan will enable us to expand our dedication to strong loyalty, trust and satisfaction with our customer projects,” said Paul Ferreira. “As a small business just two years young, we are grateful the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation was able to help us move forward with growing our business.”

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 provides $25,000 grant to ReImagine North of Main

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Grant supports the Façade Improvement Program to revitalize the City of Fitchburg downtown area

North Central, Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $25,000 in funding to ReImagine North of Main to support their Façade Improvement Program in the City of Fitchburg.

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 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 Stephen L. DiNatale, City of Fitchburg. “This façade program is instrumental to the plan and also provides ReImagine North of Main, now known as InTown Fitchburg, the opportunity to take the lead on larger, more meaningful impact projects as they work with the city towards its goal of revitalizing the downtown corridor.”

“With the momentum we’re building in downtown Fitchburg, these funds could not have come at a better time,” said Joe Ferguson, Director, InTown Fitchburg, which is housed in the Fitchburg State University Theater Block on Main Street. One of the businesses benefiting from the program will be located in a storefront adjacent to the theater. “Our storefront improvement grant program is designed to incentivize commercial occupancy in redeveloped storefronts, many of which have been vacant for a long time. These funds will support a locally owned, woman-owned business that has adamantly sought a physical, brick-and-mortar business offering on Main Street.”

Formerly known as ReImagine North of Main, InTown Fitchburg is a partnership of local anchor institutions, businesses, government, nonprofits and residents focused on making a collective impact to improve the quality of life in the downtown neighborhood and commercial district.

“Our recent Economic Regional Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth is 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 came from a competitive regional economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact InTown Fitcchburg to discuss the potential project prior to applying.

 

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Wonder Products

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Funding to support marketing, inventory and capital to support company’s Wonder Plunger product

North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $50,000 loan to Wonder Products, a Sterling-based company focused on innovating everyday household products.

Funding will be utilized to support marketing efforts, and increased inventory and capital to grow the business surrounding the company’s newest product, the Wonder Plunger.

Founded in 2016 by Michelle Salas out of her desire to keep her home, and especially her bathroom, clean, Salas invented the Wonder Plunger. Wonder Plunger is a unique toilet plunger designed to shrink down for storage or expand for use with its patented one hand design and a ventilated base to prevent water build up following use.

“With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we will be able to expand our product reach through creative marketing efforts while also increasing our inventory and capital to bring consumers a unique plunger that provides a collapsible concept, aesthetically pleasing colors and a one-handed operational format to make our bathrooms cleaner.”

While the business has grown via word of mouth, the Wonder Plunger is sold at www.wonderplunger.com and via various online retail outlets. Small Business Development Center at Clark University assisted Michelle with her business plan and projections.

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 provides $25,000 grant to City of Leominster

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Grant supports the Façade Improvement Program to revitalize the city’s downtown area

North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $25,000 in funding to help support the City of Leominster’s Façade Improvement 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 busineses, 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. Six businesses are currently approved for the façade program, including Tavern 13 and Medical Arts Hearing Instruments.

“We are making significant investments in the downtown area, from Monoosnock Brook to supporting the façade project for our property and business owners,” said Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster. “With just about every square foot of commercial space filled in our downtown area, this program will help enhance the unique buildings that make up our downtown while maintaining the small town feel people have come to experience in Leominster.”

“Our recent Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth is focusing on our downtown areas,” 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 regional economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact the City of Leominster Economic Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to submitting an application.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery

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Funding to support purchase of fabric, fuel future growth

North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $15,000 loan to Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery, located at 150 River Street in Fitchburg. The loan will fund the purchase of fabric for furniture repair and fuel future growth of the business.

Founded in 2004, Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery is owned by Wilson and Patricia Arrua. Services provided include furniture repair, upholstery and the manufacture of custom furniture.

“I learned the craft of furniture repair while living in Uruguay from an Italian upholsterer before I immigrated to the United States as a young adult,” said Wilson Arrua. “With this funding and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I am able to purchase quality fabrics for my customers and establish my business for future growth as the local leader in furniture repair and upholstery.”

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 to VP Auto Repair and Mechanical

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Funding to support purchase of equipment, renovations to facility

North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $50,000 loan to VP Auto Repair and Mechanical, located at 39 Pleasant Street in Leominster. The loan will fund the purchase of two vehicle lifts, a hydraulic bender station, a truck diagnostic kit, and the installation of an epoxy floor.

Owned and operated by Victor Perez since 2018, VP Auto Repair and Mechanical provides various repairs for vehicles, including auto mechanic repair, brakes, oil changes, and auto body repair and paint.

“As a small business owner in Leominster looking to grow my business, the funding from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will go a long way toward achieving my goals,” said Victor Perez.

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 to Connecting to Greatness

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Funding to support purchase of equipment for virtual counseling, additional staff

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $25,000 loan to Connecting to Greatness, located at 15 Monument Square, Suite 100 in Leominster. The loan will fund the purchase of required equipment to effectively provide virtual counseling services to clients, as well as support the hiring of two full-time clinicians in an effort to reach more individuals in need of mental health care. 

Founded in 2018 by Kimatra Maxwell, Connecting to Greatness focuses on mental health education and training to help clients confront self-limiting beliefs, realign with what is truly important to them, and learn to trust themselves again. The practice also helps address significant psychological problems and resolve issues that impair one’s ability to function well.

“With this funding, we are able to expand our services to those who are not able to physically come to our facility and also provide additional clinicians so we can help more people,” said Maxwell. “The need for mental health services is significant and with this support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we will be able to make an impact in the lives of those who desperately need help.”

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 real estate purchase for Baldwinville Station Restaurant

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Funding supports popular family-owned and operated restaurant

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recently granted a $67,000 loan in partnership with Athol Savings Bank to purchase the real estate that houses Baldwinville Station Restaurant at 9 Circle Street in Baldwinville.

The Baldwinville Station Restaurant is a family-owned and operated breakfast and lunch establishment, which is open 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. seven days a week and is a popular breakfast spot in Baldwinville.

“When we bought the business four years ago, we concentrated on running the restaurant like we had when we owned Rockin’ Robins on Main Street in Athol,” said Shawn Graham, who has owned the business since 2018. “Thanks to this partnership with Athol Savings Bank and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we’re able to focus on taking care of our loyal customers.”.  Visit https://www.baldwinvillestation.com for more information.

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 Lyla’s Beauty Bar

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Funding supports purchase of new equipment for local day spa

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recently granted a $50,000 loan to support the purchase of a new laser system equipment for Lyla’s Beauty Bar in Acton, which offers laser hair removal, electrolysis and skin rejuvenation.

“When I opened Lyla’s Beauty Bar in December 2019, I needed a loan to help with the startup costs of establishing my new business,” said Surinee Piwchuen, owner, Lyla’s Beauty Bar. “Thanks to my continued relationship with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I’m now able to expand our services to include body sculpting for customers using a new laser system.”.  For more information visit https://lylabeautybar.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.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to RA Aldrich Trucking

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Funding to support new tractor purchase

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recently approved a $44,000 loan to RA Aldrich Trucking in Fitchburg to assist with the purchase of a 2020 Peterbilt tractor Model 389 to replace the current truck that NCMDC financed a couple of years ago.

“When I started my business three years ago, I applied for a loan to facilitate the purchase of my first truck to make petroleum deliveries,” said Rafael Aldrich, owner, RA Aldrich Trucking. “Thanks to the financial assistance and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I’ve been able to update my equipment and continue growing my business.”

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.