Locating Your Business in Worcester

More than 5,000 businesses call New England’s second largest city home – and it’s no surprise!

The City of Worcester is the perfect place to start or expand your business.

A THRIVING METROPOLITAN DOWNTOWN     |     The recently revitalized CitySquare project includes hundreds of millions of dollars worth of private and public investment, including 12-acres of office, medical, retail and residential space in the heart of the city’s business district.

ACCESS TO A YOUNG, EDUCATED WORKFORCE    |     The Worcester area is home to 13 renowned colleges and universities, including the College of the Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. More than 35,000 college students enroll annually, creating a pipeline of trained and skilled employees and a market for innovation.

THE REACTORY   |  a 46-acre dynamic, scalable biomanufacturing campus with pad-ready parcels

CENTRALLY LOCATED WITH A MULTI-FACETED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM    |    Located in the heart of New England – only 45 minutes from Boston, Providence, or Hartford, the city of Worcester is a convenient option for businesses and shipping freight. Plus, the city offers a regional airport with commercial air service, commuter rail service to and from Boston, and inter- and intra-city bus service from a state-of-the-art intermodal hub.

A DIVERSE ECONOMY    |    Worcester is a center for commerce, with varying industry sectors that make up its diverse business base. Topping the list are health care, medical research, life sciences and biotechnology, education, manufacturing, information technology, financial services, and retail.

HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND CHARM WITH BIG CITY APPEAL    |     Worcester is home to more than 65 arts and cultural venues, including world-renowned museums, theater, and art galleries, as well as 60+ parks, a premiere 13,700-seat arena and convention center, and a thriving nightlife.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS    |     The city offers a streamlined permitting process, a state-of-the-art fiber-optic infrastructure, and resources to assist with business development, site selection, and financing options.

COST COMPETITIVE    |     The cost of doing business (e.g.,real estate, workforce, and the cost of living) in Worcester is less expensive than nearby larger metropolitan areas, but with all of the perks and conveniences afforded by larger cities.

MARKET SNAPSHOP

By the Numbers…

− Population  |  185,000 with 41% age 34 or younger

− Population within 75 mile radius  |  8+ million

− Median family income  |  $83,600

− 13 area colleges and universities  |  more than 35,000 students

− In excess of 5,000 businesses call Worcester home

− 20 round trip MBTA trains to Boston

− More than 2 million visitors annually

− 13,700-seat arena  |  100,000 sq. ft. exhibitor space

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. They can be reached at: City Hall 4th Floor, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
via phone: 508.799.1400, via email: development@worcesterma.gov
 or online at: www.worcesterma.gov/development