Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester is partnering with the city’s new entrepreneurship hub to support the business aspirations of its students.
The new Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship will provide flexible, business-focused programming for Quinsigamond students beginning in the fall. The new center will be supported by a $300,000 commitment over three years from the Cliff and Susan Rucker Foundation and is a separate endeavor from Auxilium, the Downtown Worcester startup hub announced by Worcester Railers owner Cliff Rucker in January.
“This partnership between QCC and the Auxilium is a powerful investment in Worcester’s future. This generous support is more than just a donation; it is a commitment to innovation, economic growth, and the dreams of aspiring business owners in our community,” QCC President Luis Pedraja said in a Friday press release announcing the center. “This is a clear demonstration that QCC is not just a college in Worcester, but Worcester’s college—deeply rooted in the success of our students, our workforce and our city. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future for all.”
The $300,000 commitment from the Cliff and Susan Rucker Foundation will go toward finding a full-time director for the center and establishing a foundation for its future growth. The center’s programming will be open to all QCC students, with the goal of building practical skills and creating opportunities for those interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.
The announcement came as the first-ever StartUp Week Worcester began on Monday, with programming set to include Tuesday’s WooTank startup pitch competition.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
