A new resource center for entrepreneurs and neighborhood businesses will open in March as a major component of a state-funded effort to help Worcester’s Main South neighborhood.
The Main South Biz Hub at 801 Main St. was created as part of the state agency MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative, which aims to help economically struggling city neighborhoods across the state. A five-block stretch of Main Street between downtown and Clark University was designated as part of the program in 2018.
The TDI program works with local businesses and property owners to help spur new economic opportunities and growth, and includes the creation of a business association and the development of reuse plans for vacant sites. The Biz Hub will operate as a six-month pilot program, offering business counseling, training programs, professional workshops, and the opportunity for local vendors to showcase their products at a pop-up vendor space within the facility.
The president and CEO of MassDevelopment, Lauren Liss, will unveil the Biz Hub on March 10. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Worcester has previously received state aid through the TDI program for the planned redevelopment of a long-vacant retail building at 526 Main St. MassDevelopment bought the property in 2017, and Washington, D.C. developer Menkiti Group has plans to redevelop it.
Fitchburg has also been included in the TDI program to spur development in its downtown, including the Theater Block building and the former B.F. Brown School being renovated into new housing.
