Best Small Business Resources in the Worcester Area

Description

The WBDC is a development corporation that assists businesses in navigating the various legal issues that come with starting a business, such as construction management, state and local permits, environmental assessment and remediation, etc. They also assist entrepreneurs in creating a business plan and are an SBA 504 Loan lender. 

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The Commercial Kitchen Incubator is a new program through the Worcester Regional Food Hub. It is a rentable commercial kitchen alongside a staff of experts who can assist with the creation of new food products and business advice. 

Restrictions

Must be a food-based business.

Description

VentureMeets is a networking group that brings together both new and experienced entrepreneurs. It is free and open to the public, and would be useful for people who are looking to find someone to learn from or to start a business with. 

Description

The Worcester Public Library has two things entrepreneurs will find useful: Databases for market research, and classes and workshops offered through the library. 

Restrictions

Some services require a library card to access. 

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.