Economic Development
All/Business Networking/Business Planning/Economic Development/Funding Resource/Manufacturing Support/Small Business Counseling/Start-Up Resource/Workshops & Webinars/
NewVue Communities
https://newvuecommunities.org/small-business/
NewVue Communities Small Business Assistance Program offers one-on-one technical assistance to small businesses throughout the region to help grow or stabilize their business. NewVue’s business mentors work with entrepreneurs to develop a business plan that will help grow their business and assist with obtaining capital.
Massachusetts Small Business Development Corporation (MSBDC)
Provides free one-on-one business advisory services and resources for startups
https://www.clarku.edu/offices/small-business-development-center/
In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, MSBDC provides free one-on-one comprehensive and confidential small business counseling focused on business growth and strategies, financing and securing capital. SBDC also offers low-cost educational programs and workshops to prospective and existing Massachusetts small businesses to help start, run, and grow their businesses.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
https://www.score.org/worcester
In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE is a network of volunteer, expert business mentors, offering free counseling services to small business and entrepreneurs. SCORE mentors are dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals. Services include mentoring, workshops, webinars, online courses, and templates.
Center For Women and Enterprise (CWE)
In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, CWE is a nationally known nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women business owners and aspiring female entrepreneurs launch and grow their business by providing greater access to the resources, tools and support they need. CWE offers confidential one-on-one business consultations as well as classes and webinars to help with startup, growth, loans, marketing, government contracting, technology and much more. CWE have the resources to help start, grow or sell businesses and as a non-profit most of CWE services are free of charge.
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
http://www.cweonline.org/About-CWE/Veterans-Business-Outreach-Center
In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the VBOC program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members interested in starting or growing a small business.
Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org
MGCC functions as a one-stop resource for debt financing for small businesses. MGCC partners with local banks and lending institutions, community development corporations, and other nonprofit organizations to finance projects that create and preserve jobs at small businesses, inclusive of those owned by women, minorities, immigrants and veterans. MGCC also works to promote economic development throughout the Commonwealth, with special paid attention to business needs in underserved areas, Gateway Cities and low to moderate income communities.
Small Business Administrations (SBA)
The SBA offers substantial educational information with a specific focus on assisting small businesses to develop and grow. The SBA offer small businesses access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy.
Wachusett Business Incubator (WBI)
https://wachusettincubator.com/
WBI is a one-stop resource for entrepreneurs and existing business owners to help gain access to the resources, tools and support needed to start and grow their business in north central Massachusetts.
Mount Wachusett Community College’s Entrepreneurship Center
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech)
MassTech supports business formation and growth in the state’s technology sector, helping Massachusetts lead in the global digital economy. To achieve that goal, we build strategies, strengthen connections, assist companies, make investments, and lead programs; develop meaningful collaborations across industry, academia, and government, turning shared challenges into economic opportunity; and support the Commonwealth’s tech sector with a strategic focus on talent, ecosystems, and innovation infrastructure across key divisions and programs.
MassMakes
This one-stop site for Massachusetts manufacturers is your direct connection to all of the resources available to help support and grow your business, including financing solutions, business support & assistance, building your workforce, and manufacturing news & events. It’s everything you need to grow and thrive, in one convenient location.
MASSMEP
MassMEP is dedicated to helping small to mid-sized manufacturers across Massachusetts in various parts of their businesses, with the ultimate goal of helping them to achieve growth. MassMEP leverages our team’s decades of manufacturing experience as well our partnerships with government, business, and academic institutions to offer three core areas of expertise for our clients: Operational Excellence, Workforce Strategies, and Innovative Growth Solutions. Additionally, we serve as a workforce training grant resource, guiding you through the Massachusetts’ Workforce Training Fund application process and program implementation.
North Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Council
The North Central Massachusetts Manufacturing Council is a program of the Chamber and to members in the manufacturing industry or related industries. The mission of the North Central Massachusetts Manufacturers’ Council is to provide knowledge, resources and support in order to create a stronger and prosperous manufacturing sector in North Central Massachusetts. The Council meets to share best practices, hear from policymakers and discuss the advantages and challenges surrounding manufacturing in North Central Massachusetts.
MWCC Advanced Manufacturing Program
Advanced Manufacturing – Mount Wachusett Community College (mwcc.edu)
Training Programs for High-Demand Advanced Manufacturing Occupations
MassDevelopment
Provides financing for real estate
https://www.massdevelopment.com/
MassDevelopment is the state’s development finance agency and land bank. MassDevelopment works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities offers financing and real estate solutions to help stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, increasing housing, and eliminate blight across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)
Provides resources, grants, and support for businesses looking to grow in Massachusetts.
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-of-business-development
MOBD serves as the umbrella organization for all business development activity on behalf of the state, offering a range of expertise and services to small businesses and entrepreneurs, including permitting assistance, tax incentives, regulatory support, assistance with site selection and infrastructure support for businesses wishing to locate or expand in the Commonwealth, workforce training, and business consultation.
MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Board (WIB)
Offers workforce development resources and programs to support businesses in the region
https://masshirenorthcentralwb.com/
The MassHire North Central Massachusetts Workforce Board is the gateway to assist with workforce expansion and retention strategies. The WIB can connect you with its partners to help you develop new talent as well as upgrading the skills of your current workers, so you retain talent and become more strategically positioned in the competitive marketplace. Visit their Career Center website for additional information regarding all of the services we can offer.
Local Economic Development Office
Contact your local municipality’s economic development office for resources to help support your business. Through a collaborative effort of local agencies, state offices, and municipal services, each municipality offers a broad range of economic development resources and business services including site selection, tax incentives, workforce development programs, and more. Please contact your respective municipality for more details and contact information.
- City of Leominster Economic Development
Economic Development | Leominster, MA (leominster-ma.gov)
- City of Fitchburg Economic Development
Economic Development | Fitchburg, MA
- City of Gardner Economic Development
Economic Development | Gardner MA (gardner-ma.gov)
Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA)
Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority
FRA is an independent economic development agency for the City of Fitchburg. The FRA is responsible for urban renewal planning, land acquisition, business relocation, demolition of obsolete structures, and public improvements within the Urban Renewal District.
North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. The NCMDC is the lead economic development organization for the region and acts as a connector, facilitator and partner. From businesses looking to start, expand or to those looking to relocate to North Central Massachusetts, let us be your primary resource.
North Central Massachusetts Land Bank, Inc.
The North Central Massachusetts Land Bank, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advance, encourage and promote economic, commercial and civic development in communities throughout North Central Massachusetts. The Land Bank partners with developers, nonprofit service providers, and government in the twenty-seven communities that comprise North Central Massachusetts through brokering, land banking and other assistance to help support economic development.