The Worcester Business Development Corporation

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.

05/06/2026

We were proud to be back in Oxford yesterday celebrating another ribbon cutting for a growing small business supported through the SBA 504 Loan Program — Starwood Pet Resort ! 🐾✂️

It was a great event alongside State Senator Ryan Fattman , Representative Joe McKenna , Representative Paul Frost, Town of Oxford BOS Chair John Eul, and Sabrina Pena of Webster Five .

Most importantly, congratulations to owners Shawn and Stacey Bernard on this exciting milestone. Your hard work and vision are bringing something special to the Oxford community.

Wishing you continued success—we’re excited to see what’s ahead! 🎉

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, the Worcester Business Development Corporation is proud to highlight our commitment to building a more sustainable future through projects like GreenTech Park.

At GreenTech Park, we’re rethinking what an industrial campus can be—prioritizing clean energy integration, innovative water management strategies, and forward-looking infrastructure that supports both economic growth and environmental responsibility.

By investing in smarter, more sustainable development, we’re helping to create a Worcester that works better for businesses, our community, and the planet. 🌱

04/16/2026

SBA 504 & WBDC News - April 2026 -

The 504 Loan Program can be used to assist in a variety of different financing projects to benefit a small business. It’s the most affordable way to purchase, construct, or refinance commercial real estate. Reach out to us to discuss how we may partner together to assist your small business borrow...

04/03/2026

You're Invited to the WBDC's 61st Annual Meeting - https://mailchi.mp/87838aded59a/61st-annual-meeting

04/01/2026

We’re proud to celebrate the 2026 Erskine Award recipients presented by the YWCA of Central Massachusetts 🎉

A special congratulations to our very own Executive Vice President, Roberta Brien, on this well-deserved honor. Her unwavering commitment to our community and exceptional leadership at the WBDC continue to drive our mission forward every day.

We couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient. Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Roberta on this incredible achievement! 👏

We’re proud to announce the 2026 Katharine F. Erskine Award recipients, an inspiring group of leaders whose impact is felt across our community every day.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s honorees:
🔸Robyn Kennedy, MA State Senator
🔸Elizabeth Cruz-DeJesus, President, Latin American Business Organization
🔸Rubby Wuabu, Attorney & Policy and Cabinet Affairs Liaison, Office of Governor Maura Healey
🔸 Toby Sisson, Associate Professor of Visual Art, Clark University
🔸 Roberta Brien, Executive Vice President of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC)
🔸 Shiko Gathuo, Professor of Urban Studies and Graduate Program Director, Worcester State University

📅 Save the Date: Join us for our Tribute to Women event on September 29, 2026, as we honor these outstanding awardees and come together as a community to uplift and celebrate women’s leadership.

04/01/2026

It may be April Fools’ Day, but it’s also International Fun at Work Day! 😄

We might not be pulling any office pranks, but we do believe that taking a minute to laugh, connect with coworkers, or celebrate small wins can make a big difference in the workday.

A little fun goes a long way in creating a positive workplace. How are you bringing some fun into your office today? 🎉

03/27/2026

We were proud to host the ribbon cutting celebration at The Whistle Stop Bar & Grill in Town of Oxford yesterday!

It was a great event alongside town representatives, U.S. Small Business Administration, Cornerstone Bank , Representative Paul Frost, Representative Joe McKenna, and State Senator Ryan Fattman .

As part of our SBA 504 loan portfolio, we’re excited to support this new venture and the continued growth of local business in our region. Wishing the Todd, Kevin and the Whistle Stop team all the success in this exciting new chapter! 🎉