The Worcester Business Development Corporation

10/29/2026

SBA 504 & WBDC News - October 2026 -

The 504 Loan Program can be used to assist in a variety of different financing projects to benefit a small business. Reach out to us to discuss how we may partner together to assist your small business borrower.

10/22/2026

Another podcast episode is live!

Could an SBA 504 loan help your business take its next step?

Christina Escobar of The Worcester Business Development Corporation and Sabrina Peña of Webster Five join Hank Stolz to explain how the program works, what business owners should know, and why a conversation with a local banker is a useful place to start.

From real estate to equipment and expansion, the conversation explores financing options and resources for Central Massachusetts businesses.

Read and listen: radioworcester.com/sba-504-loans-worcester-wbdc-webster-five/



Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz

09/30/2026

What a day of celebration at the WBDC! 🎉

Yesterday, we were honored and incredibly proud to celebrate our very own President, Craig Blais, as he received the Worcester Business Journal 's Lifetime Industry Leadership Award at the Central MA Real Estate Forum. As if that wasn’t special enough, Craig was surprised with a Key to the City from Mayor Joe Petty – a truly memorable moment recognizing his years of leadership and commitment to Worcester.

Later, we had another reason to celebrate as our Executive Vice President, Roberta Brien, was honored with the Katharine A. Erskine Award from the YWCA Central Massachusetts, alongside an inspiring group of deserving honorees.

We are so proud to have Craig and Roberta leading the way at the WBDC. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to our community inspire us every day and show us what it means to lead with purpose. ❤️

Congratulations, Craig and Roberta! We are lucky to have you both on our team! 👏

08/14/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated at GreenTech Park—a major milestone in our efforts to transform this former industrial campus and bring new energy and opportunity to the area.

We are incredibly grateful to Congressman James P. McGovern and Senator Edward J. Markey for their leadership, support, and commitment to Worcester. Their advocacy helped secure significant funding that is making this important infrastructure work possible.

These investments will help reconnect neighborhoods, create new public access through the campus, support future development, and bring vibrancy back to an area with tremendous potential.

Thank you to Congressman McGovern and Senator Markey for continuing to believe in Worcester and for helping us move GreenTech Park forward. We’re excited for what’s ahead! 🚧🏗️

07/30/2026

Join us as we celebrate a major milestone at GreenTech Park! 🚧🎉

The WBDC is proud to welcome Congressman Jim McGovern and Senator Ed Markey as we break ground on the future public roadway at GreenTech Park. This transformational project is possible thanks to the $10.4 million in federal funding secured with their support, helping unlock new opportunities for investment, access, and economic growth in Worcester.

This new public roadway will open the campus to the community, improve connectivity, and help pave the way for the next generation of businesses and jobs at GreenTech Park.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this exciting step forward!

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Samantha Penzone at [email protected].

07/22/2026

"This approval represents more than just the arrival of our first tenant, it validates our vision for GreenTech Park as a catalyst for economic revitalization in the Greendale neighborhood and across Worcester," said Craig Blais, President of the WBDC. "Restaurant Depot's commitment to this site demonstrates confidence in our master plan and in Worcester's continued emergence as a regional economic hub."

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the Worcester Business Development Corporation!

As we celebrate our nation's independence, we are reminded of the determination, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to drive economic growth throughout Worcester and Central Massachusetts.

Today, we honor the businesses, community leaders, and residents who invest in our region and help create opportunities for future generations.

We wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Independence Day with family and friends.

Happy Fourth of July! 🎆

06/05/2026

✂️🎉 Another ribbon cutting and another exciting milestone for a small business in our SBA 504 loan portfolio!

We were proud to celebrate the grand opening of AG Signs and Graphics & AlphaGraphics new headquarters in Worcester. A longstanding family-owned business, AG Signs & Alphagraphics has helped countless organizations and businesses across the region bring their brands and messages to life.

By consolidating their operations into one location, they have made a significant investment in their future while reaffirming their commitment to staying and growing right here in Worcester.

Congratulations to the entire team on this exciting new chapter. We are honored to have played a small role in helping make this project possible and wish you continued success for many years to come!

05/21/2026

This deserves its own post:

💥 A record-breaking number of sponsors supported this year’s Annual Meeting, and we are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for believing in the mission of the WBDC and for your continued partnership and collaboration. Your support makes our work possible, and we are proud to have such a strong community behind us.

05/20/2026

Last week, the Worcester Business Development Corporation was proud to host our 61st Annual Meeting at GreenTech Park. While the weather may not have matched this week’s sunshine, it was a wonderful afternoon spent celebrating economic development, partnership, and progress across our region.

We were honored to be welcomed by Mark Rayfield, who shared valuable insights on the future of manufacturing and the important work being done locally by Saint-Gobain North America.

A highlight of the event was presenting the 2026 Robert S. Bowditch Economic Development Award to the Chacharone Family Chacharone Properties, LLC in recognition of their longstanding commitment to Worcester and the region. In honor of this year’s recipients, we were also proud to present a $10,000 donation to Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center to support their continued impact throughout the community. We were also pleased to present the SBA Highlight Award to N & T Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for their recent relocation and expansion in Sterling made possible through the SBA 504 Loan Program.

Thank you to our record number of sponsors for supporting this year’s event, with special recognition to our exclusive sponsors: Bohler , Bowditch & Dewey LLP , and Rockland Trust .

We are also grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a success:

🎤 Event Production Service

🎪 Creedon and Co., Inc.

🏆 Olympic Trophy & Healy Plaques

🧀 Charcuterie Woo

🍷 Decantedwinetruck

🎥 Munq

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we reflected on the WBDC’s history, celebrated the progress being made today, and looked ahead to the future.