Small Business Support
Resources & Community
Supporting small businesses is crucial for the health and vibrancy of local economies, as they are the backbone of communities. Small businesses create jobs, foster innovation, and circulate money within the community, keeping it strong and resilient. By providing resources such as access to funding, training, and mentorship, it empowers entrepreneurs to succeed and grow. When small businesses thrive, they contribute to a diverse and dynamic local economy, which in turn attracts more investment and supports a higher quality of life for residents. Moreover, they often provide unique products and services that reflect the character and values of the community, making them an essential part of its identity. Ensuring their success is not just beneficial for business owners but for everyone who depends on a vibrant, locally-driven economy.
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With over approximately 8,000 businesses in the city of Worcester, ninety-percent are considered small businesses.
On May 3, 2024, we toured parts of Worcester’s small business landscape with Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, as a part of the committee’s ongoing Small Business Tours. This tour was especially focused on engaging learning how small businesses navigate the recovery phase of the post-pandemic economy.
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Thank you to the The Downtown Worcester Bid for collaborating with us and a special thank you to our panelists Katherine Aguilar of K Sense, Lynn Cheney of Maker to Main, and Jared Forman of deadhorse hill.
Resources
The City of Worcester stands ready to assist in all elements of the business and community development process, including identifying sites, securing the required local and state permitting and providing support through various business assistance tools: Click here
The Worcester Public Library offers online databases, tutorials, onsite SCORE counseling, and “Ask a Librarian” email research by information professionals to individuals with small business and entrepreneurial pursuits: Click here
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber in New England representing 2,100 members from all industries and of all sizes located in our service area of 35 cities and towns and other communities in Central Mass. and beyond. Worcester’s affiliate Chambers of Commerce are: Auburn, Blackstone Valley, Central Mass. South, Clinton Area, LABO, Wachusett Area, and Webster Dudley Oxford: Click here