Economy

Clark University in Worcester has secured a $10-million federal grant for workforce training in industries including information technology, advanced manufacturing, and transportation.

Office employers in Worcester are finding during the coronavirus pandemic that they don't need nearly as much room as they used to. Space available for sublease in the city nearly doubled in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to a year prior.

New unemployment claims have spiked in Massachusetts and nationally since the holidays ended, with statewide numbers hitting two-month highs and national numbers at five-month highs.

The fourth quarter was a relatively good one for Central Massachusetts restaurants: Revenue was up 18% compared to the previous three months.

The Greater Worcester unemployment rate took another slight drop in November, hitting 6.3% in November, according to federal data released Tuesday.

Massachusetts has long been a state where more people move out to other states than in, attracted by job opportunities, milder winters or cheaper real estate. Immigrants have more than made up for the difference to keep the state growing.

A new minimum wage of $13.50 an hour across Massachusetts will go into effect with the new year starting Friday.

The Massachusetts paid family and medical leave program starts in the new year, meaning people may begin signing up Friday.

Restaurants, retailers and other small businesses hurt by the pandemic will be eligible for grants through a new $668 million small business relief fund operated by the state, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday, a day after announcing new business restrictions aimed at preventing a post-Christmas boom of COVID-19 cases.

Much like the rest of the country and the world, 2020 was a tough year in Central Massachusetts business. Looking at WBJ's Economic Forecast special edition, WBJ Podcast hosts Brad Kane and Hank Stolz look at what is to come for the region's economy in the coming year, including a look at some specific, bold predictions for news events in 2021.