The Main Street Bank Charitable Foundation awarded The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation a $30,000 grant

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The Main Street Bank Charitable Foundation awarded The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) a $30,000 grant for the Economic Advancement Fund to implement and expand the regional economic development program.

The NCMDC is the principle resource for the region in terms of economic development; lending and financing; and implementing a multi-faceted regional economic development strategy to enhance economic development services while expanding lending capacity to accommodate the region’s unique industry mix.

“We are very grateful to Main Street Bank for their support of our Economic Advancement Fund”, said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the NCMDC. “They have been a longstanding partner and this contribution demonstrates their continued confidence and commitment to our collective efforts to advance the economy in North Central Massachusetts.”

“Main Street Bank is proud to support the Economic Advancement Fund”, said Wally Dwyer, President of Main Street Bank. “We have enjoyed a long and mutually rewarding relationship with the North Central Mass Development Corporation.  We believe they are a valuable asset for our customers and our communities.”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR THE PURCHASE, RENOVATION & REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HISTORIC MEETING HOUSE – WESTMINSTER, MAThe Town of Westminster Massachusetts is requesting proposals for the acquisition, renovation and redevelopment of a most noteworthy and remarkable town-owned historic building:  the Historic Meetinghouse built in 1839, located at 3 Bacon Street.  Used as the Town Hall until 2006, the building is located within the socially, culturally and economically emerging Village Center District. The building offers a unique opportunity for a high-quality redevelopment (residential, retail, office or a mixture of uses) that can seamlessly integrate itself into the fabric of our Village Center and be a community asset for years to come. Deadline for RFP submission is Friday February 16th, 2018. To obtain a copy of the RFP, please contact Town Planner Stephen Wallace (978-874-7414 or [email protected] ) or visit the Town of Westminster municipal website: www.westminster-ma.gov

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The Town of Westminster Massachusetts is requesting proposals for the acquisition, renovation and redevelopment of a most noteworthy and remarkable town-owned historic building:  the Historic Meetinghouse built in 1839, located at 3 Bacon Street.  Used as the Town Hall until 2006, the building is located within the socially, culturally and economically emerging Village Center District. The building offers a unique opportunity for a high-quality redevelopment (residential, retail, office or a mixture of uses) that can seamlessly integrate itself into the fabric of our Village Center and be a community asset for years to come.

Deadline for RFP submission is Friday February 16th, 2018. To obtain a copy of the RFP, please contact Town Planner Stephen Wallace (978-874-7414 or [email protected] ) or visit the Town of Westminster municipal website: www.westminster-ma.gov

Little Leaf Farms Hosts Local Youth as Part of Manufacturing Month Activities

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Students from the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster participated in a special tour of Little Leaf Farms located in Devens on Thursday, October 26, 2017.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development affiliate the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation organized the tour in partnership with Mr. Jon Blodgett, Teen Director of the Boys & Girls Club.  The tour was part of efforts to celebrate Manufacturing Month and inspire young people to consider careers in advanced manufacturing.

Located in Devens, MA, Little Leaf Farms has built the most modern, technologically-advanced greenhouse in the world that can produce year-round, locally grown baby greens that give New England consumers an alternative to West Coast grown lettuce.  All Little Leaf Farms products are non-GMO and pesticide/herbicide-free.

The Little Leaf Farms team kicked off the day’s events at their facility in Devens, with an informative presentation followed by a tour of their agricultural production.  Co-founders of Little Leaf Farms, Paul Sellew and Tim Cunniff, lead the tour and stopped to engage a few of the younger employees along the way.  The young men and women from the Boys and Girls Club learned about automation, modern agricultural processes and other facets of the business.

 

“Manufacturing is alive and well in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, “Advanced manufacturing accounts for one in four jobs in the region and these are some of the most well-paid, highly trained and in demand jobs in the workforce, working on some of the most advanced equipment and technology.”

However, many manufacturers have been challenged recruiting the workers they need.  Despite the high wage potential and increasing employe  r demand, there is both a need for more young workers and a skills gap among an existing and a transitioning workforce.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation remain committed to supporting and growing this critical sector of the region’s economy.  From our collaborations with local schools and colleges, internship and career exploration programs and our HYPE program, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, are engaging and connecting businesses to the next generation of talent—to ensure a consistent and continual pipeline of talent.

For more information, please contact the Chamber at 978.353.7600 ext. 244 or visit www.northcentralmass.com.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce Partner to boost Small Business Development

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to bring additional micro lending resources closer to young companies in the Gardner area of Massachusetts.

The collaboration involves the NCMDC providing start-up and existing small businesses in the Greater Gardner area with access to its microloan financing programs, which provide loans of up to $150,000 to help businesses that may not meet the traditional lending standards.  The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce will provide the NCMDC with marketing support and a presence in their office for their loan officers to counsel potential clients.

 

“We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation on this loan program,” said Jim Bellina, President & CEO of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great resource to support businesses and economic development in the greater Gardner area. The NCMDC’s track record and commitment to growing new and existing businesses in North Central Massachusetts have played an important role in our expanding regional renaissance.”

“Our microloan program has had a profound impact on our business community in North Central Massachusetts. We have a long and successful history of supporting small businesses with financial resources and technical assistance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are excited to partner with the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce to continue to help support the small and emerging businesses that are so important to the economic advancement of North Central Massachusetts.”

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. D

 

epartment of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $6 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.  In addition, these funds were leveraged with local financial institutions providing $21 Million of their funds and local investors and business owners providing another $3.2 Million. Thousands of new jobs have been created in the region as a result of the loans made.

Microloan programs have become increasingly important to the business community since the economic collapse in 2008 that put more restrictions on how banks can serve small business loans. Micro loans made by the NCMDC can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and refinancing of business credit card debt. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, retail, wholesale and service businesses usually having five employees or less at the time of application and meeting the definition of small business. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.

NCMDC loan officers will be available via appointment to serve the needs of new clients in the Gardner area. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NCMDC at 978.353.7607 or contact the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce at 978.632.1780.

STARTING OR EXPANDING A SMALL BUSINESS 101 SEMINAR SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Hometown Bank are holding two business workshops on September 28, 2017 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

These free workshops are approximately two and a half hours each and are being held in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE, NewVue Communities, City of Leominster and the City of Fitchburg.  Both workshops will be held at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber office, 860 South Street, Fitchburg, MA.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Bob Aspell, SCORE

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:30. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

 

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978.353.7607 ext. 232 or [email protected].  You may also register online at www.northcentralmass.com/calendar-of-events North Central Massachusetts.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation & ReImagine North of Main Collaborate to Attract and Diversify Neighborhood Businesses

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and ReImagine North of Main have announced that they are collaborating on an effort to expand financing to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in the North of Main neighborhood in the City of Fitchburg. ReImagine is providing a grant of $25,000 for a loan loss reserve that will be leveraged with capital from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation to provide micro-loans of up to $50,000.  The fund will be focused upon assisting ventures which seek to locate or are already located in the North of Main neighborhood, with priority given to the Main Street commercial district.  This project supports existing efforts around revitalization of the downtown business district and helps stimulate new entrepreneurism and investment in the North of Main.

Eligible loan participants may include any existing venture or new venture that proposes to add value and diversification to the business climate of the North of Main neighborhood and/or create jobs in the community.  Special consideration will be made to restaurants, specialty foods, shoe and apparel stores, art galleries, entertainment coffeehouses, and creative-based businesses including graphic design, music and video production.  Loans made can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and refinancing of business credit card debt. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.

The organizations anticipate that the collaboration will support 3-6 loans to North of Main businesses that will mitigate lender risk and reduce borrowing costs for businesses and create 1-2 new businesses on Main Street through start-up costs supported by the fund.

“We are excited to partner with ReImagine North of Main to expand economic opportunity in the community,” said Roy M. Nascimento, IOM, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “This collaboration will allow the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation the ability to provide more microloans to small and emerging businesses and support collective efforts in the community focused on economic development.”

The collaboration also seeks to engage with the private sector and municipal plans to connect financing resources with opportunities in and around the North of Main to improve entrepreneurship.

“Fitchburg’s downtown, through the many efforts of our City, community partners, and the business community, is on the rise thanks to coordinated efforts like this,” said Patricia Pistone, ReImagine North of Main Coordinator and Vice President of Planning at Montachusett Opportunity Council.  “We hope these funds can be used to further investment in Main Street by attracting unique new businesses. ReImagine North of Main is very excited to be a part of an opportunity that will contribute to the long-term success of the City and, more importantly, its residents.”

The funding originated from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge Initiative, a grant program designed to advance collaborative leadership in smaller, postindustrial cities to transform the lives of their low-income residents. ReImagine North of Main received $150,000 in tactical funds to support strategies to support the revitalization of the downtown area and surrounding neighborhood.

This financing initiative was developed to support the City of Fitchburg’s efforts to support downtown revitalization. Tom Skwierawski, the City of Fitchburg’s Executive Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that “Fitchburg is a place that cultivates entrepreneurship, a place where prospective businesses feel they can make their dreams a reality. We will continue our efforts to become more business-friendly and are happy to join with committed partners—like ReImagine and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber—who, through programs like this, will help us make it happen.”

For additional information or to inquire about a loan, please call 978.353.7607 or visit x73.b49.myftpupload.com

Small Business Micro-Loan Helps Local Educational Coaching and Consulting Business

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) recently granted an Express Loan of $5,000 to Jennifer Morazes of Genesis Coaching and Consulting in Acton, MA.  This loan will assist with expenses associated with starting her business.

Jennifer has been coaching students for 20 years in college and high schools.  She has recently opened her own coaching and consulting business for those interested in achieving educational, career, and wellness goals with a focus on first generational students.  Jennifer was referred to NCMDC by Commerce Bank.  For more information on Genesis, visit their website at www.genesistimetobegin.com.

All-Day Workshops Scheduled for Entrepreneurs in Fitchburg, MA

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation and Bank Hometown are holding two business workshops on May 4, 2017 aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs.

These free workshops are approximately 2 hours each and are being held in partnership with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE, NewVue Communities, and City of Fitchburg and Leominster’s Economic Development Office.  Both workshops will each run approximately two and a half hours and will be held at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, 860 South Street in Fitchburg on Thursday, May 4.

Session I: Fundamentals in Planning, Preparing, and Financing Your Business will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will focus on evaluating and understanding the fundamentals of owning one’s own business.  Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Continental breakfast will be provided for all participants.  Presented by Bob Aspell, SCORE

Session II: Understanding the Purpose of Financial Statements and How They Can Help Determine the Health of Your Business will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on understanding a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.  The workshop will also explain how a small business owner can anticipate financial needs in order to operate his/her business more efficiently.  Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Presented by Robert C. Alario, CPA

To register, please contact Sandie Cataldo at 978.353.7607 ext. 232 or [email protected].  You may also register online at www.NorthCentralMass.com.

 

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

 

For more information about the NCMDC loan or technical assistance programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit x73.b49.myftpupload.com.

North Central Mass Development Corp Provides Financing to Little Explorers Child Care Center

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is proud to announce that Little Explorers Child Care Center, LLC has secured a micro-loan of $39,750 for the purchase of real estate.

Lindsey Page opened the Child Care Center in July of 2012, which is conveniently located off Route 2 in Templeton, and attracts families from surrounding towns. With the help of this loan, Lyndsey plans to purchase the building that she currently leases to accommodate her growing business. Quality care, convenient location, and flexibility to suit the individual family’s needs separates Little Explores Child Care Center from the competition; giving her a huge advantage over her market. This loan was in partnership with Bank Hometown and will create 2 jobs. For more information on Little Explores Day Care call (978) 939-8080.
As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $150,000 for working capital, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4,200,000 in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the NCMDC and its loan programs, call 978.353.7607 or visit x73.b49.myftpupload.com.

North Central Development Corporation Publishes Manufacturers Directory

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Expansive guide highlights the region’s vast manufacturing firms and industrial space

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) announce the publication of the 2017 edition of the Manufacturers Directory and Industrial Parks Guide for North Central Massachusetts. The publication is designed to promote and connect manufacturers with suppliers as well as serve as a resource for companies looking to relocate or expand throughout the region.

This new version of the directory was nearly a year in the making and represents the first new edition since 2015. Working with multiple sources, the NCMDC confirmed the operating status and primary product line of each company listed in the directory. In addition to the listing of local manufacturers, the publication also includes a section on life science companies, a listing of suppliers and a guide to business and industrial parks in North Central Massachusetts.

“We published this directory to help support our local manufacturers who are so critical to the long term vitality of the North Central economy”, said Roy Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We hope that this publication will be a resource in connecting manufacturers with their peers and helping them find local suppliers.”

This new publication is part of the Chamber and Development Corporation’s continuing efforts to help promote the region and advance the economy of North Central Massachusetts. In addition to this new manufacturing directory, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation has recently expanded its loan programs to include a new Express Loan program, a Second Chance loan initiative and has grown its technical assistance offerings for new and established small businesses in the region. NCMDC has been expanding its reach to small and growing businesses in neighboring communities through partnerships with local chambers. Partnerships have already been created with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation also recently launched the new website ChooseNorthCentral.com and the hashtag #ChooseNorthCentral to promote North Central Massachusetts as a great place to grow or relocate a business and the organization has been engaged in new workforce development initiatives to improve the pipeline of skilled workers for local employers.

The 2017 edition of the publication was supported by advertising and is being circulated to manufacturers throughout the region. For more information, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts. The NCMDC acts as a connector, facilitator and partner and works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance. The NCMDC is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program and is a micro-loan intermediary for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $4.2 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.

For more information about the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation please call 978.353.7607 or visit x73.b49.myftpupload.com or www.northcentralmass.com.