Wonder Products

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Wonder Products

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $50,000 loan to Wonder Products, a Sterling-based company focused on innovating everyday household products.

Funding will be utilized to support marketing efforts, and increased inventory and capital to grow the business surrounding the company’s newest product, the Wonder Plunger.

Founded in 2016 by Michelle Salas out of her desire to keep her home, and especially her bathroom, clean, Salas invented the Wonder Plunger. Wonder Plunger is a unique toilet plunger designed to shrink down for storage or expand for use with its patented one hand design and a ventilated base to prevent water build up following use.

“With the support of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, we will be able to expand our product reach through creative marketing efforts while also increasing our inventory and capital to bring consumers a unique plunger that provides a collapsible concept, aesthetically pleasing colors and a one-handed operational format to make our bathrooms cleaner.”

While the business has grown via word of mouth, the Wonder Plunger is sold at www.wonderplunger.com and via various online retail outlets. Small Business Development Center at Clark University assisted Michelle with her business plan and projections.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

 

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation provides $25,000 grant to City of Leominster

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North Central, Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, today announced it has provided $25,000 in funding to help support the City of Leominster’s Façade Improvement Program. The program, which provides an opportunity for downtown property owners and businesses to upgrade their building’s exterior, aims to help the city retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown area, increase utilization of existing busineses, and enhance property values.

Managed by the city’s Façade Grant Design Committee under the direction of the Mayor’s Office and the Economic Development Coordinator, the program offers funding for exterior improvements on building facades intended to improve the building’s aesthetic appearance. Six businesses are currently approved for the façade program, including Tavern 13 and Medical Arts Hearing Instruments.

“We are making significant investments in the downtown area, from Monoosnock Brook to supporting the façade project for our property and business owners,” said Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella, City of Leominster. “With just about every square foot of commercial space filled in our downtown area, this program will help enhance the unique buildings that make up our downtown while maintaining the small town feel people have come to experience in Leominster.”

“Our recent Regional Economic Development Plan identified one of the critical factors for our region’s growth is focusing on our downtown areas,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With this grant, downtown Leominster-based businesses have the opportunity to enhance the city’s image and ability to attract new residents and investment in the community.”

The funding came from a competitive regional economic development grant secured by the NCMDC from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact the City of Leominster Economic Development Office to discuss the potential project prior to submitting an application.

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery

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North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $15,000 loan to Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery, located at 150 River Street in Fitchburg. The loan will fund the purchase of fabric for furniture repair and fuel future growth of the business.

Founded in 2004, Lucy’s Furniture and Upholstery is owned by Wilson and Patricia Arrua. Services provided include furniture repair, upholstery and the manufacture of custom furniture.

“I learned the craft of furniture repair while living in Uruguay from an Italian upholsterer before I immigrated to the United States as a young adult,” said Wilson Arrua. “With this funding and support from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, I am able to purchase quality fabrics for my customers and establish my business for future growth as the local leader in furniture repair and upholstery.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.

VP Auto Mechanic

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing to VP Auto Repair and Mechanical

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North Central Mass.—The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, recently approved a $50,000 loan to VP Auto Repair and Mechanical, located at 39 Pleasant Street in Leominster. The loan will fund the purchase of two vehicle lifts, a hydraulic bender station, a truck diagnostic kit, and the installation of an epoxy floor.

Owned and operated by Victor Perez since 2018, VP Auto Repair and Mechanical provides various repairs for vehicles, including auto mechanic repair, brakes, oil changes, and auto body repair and paint.

“As a small business owner in Leominster looking to grow my business, the funding from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation will go a long way toward achieving my goals,” said Victor Perez.

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.