Resources for Business
There are many organizations that partner with the Chamber to assist business, promote economic development, and enhance the region’s quality of life.
Worcester Business Resource Alliance
The Worcester Business Resource Alliance (WBRA) works to create a strong network of resources and other forms of assistance for the Central Massachusetts small business and entrepreneurship community. The network seeks to improve the ease of doing business in Worcester and the region and to stimulate commerce, community development and job growth by helping build sustainable businesses through the widest range of professional tools and services available to the constituents of Central Massachusetts who wish to pursue or are pursuing entrepreneurship. WBRA member organizations provide the training, technical assistance, education, and financial resources required for competitive, viable, and sustainable small businesses in Central Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI)
MBI helps biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical start-ups grow into valuable employers by offering lab space coupled with business development planning. They are dedicated to job creation and innovative healthcare by promoting the growth of start-up biomedical companies. They collaborate with the academic, business and government communities to promote Massachusetts as the world leader in the health sciences industry.
CONTACT: 508.797.4200, 60 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA 01605, massbiomed.org
Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC)
WBDC enjoys a long history of successful economic development throughout the region. The development of industrial parks, brownfields sites, cultural venues, and Worcester’s downtown has significantly expanded the regional commercial and industrial tax base, and created thousands of new jobs.
CONTACT: 508.755.5734, 89 Shrewsbury Street, Suite 100 Worcester, MA 01604, www.worcesterbdc.com
The City of Worcester
The City of Worcester is an economic engine for Central Massachusetts and the Commonwealth, actively responding to growth and development changes to create an environment conducive to both business and residential activity. They assist with all elements of development including identifying a site for a business, helping with tax credits, and connecting businesses to financial and technical programs and public/private collaborative efforts in the City.
The Business Assistance Division promotes, develops and expands investment and employment in the city; secures private capital; and administers and coordinates federal, state and local programs involving the preparation of property for real estate development through the remediation or removal of contaminated buildings, soils or substances. They work to create new business and retail opportunities; connect entrepreneurs and property owners with public financing opportunities; and market Worcester’s assets to the region and beyond.
CONTACT: 508.799.1400, City Hall 4th Floor 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 , email: development@worcesterma.gov or online: www.worcesterma.gov/development
The Cultural Development Division administers the cultural development agenda and programs of the city; to promote, develop and expand cultural activity in the city; and to execute the programs and administer the affairs of the arts council.
CONTACT: 508.799.1400, City Hall 4th Floor 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 , www.worcesterma.gov/development/cultural-development