Framingham

Stockholders in Framingham-based TJX Cos. will see a 20-percent increase in dividends in two months as the parent of off-price retailers T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls continues to grow revenue and profits.

The majority of small business leaders, 87 percent, are optimistic about the year ahead, according to a recent Staples' small business survey conducted online by Research Now.

Framingham-based Staples Inc. saw a steep decline in earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2014 along with weaker sales. And the office supplies retailer expects sales to continue falling in the first quarter of 2015.

Framingham-based Ameresco reported financial gains in its fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 results.

Staples Inc. has approved a 12-cent quarterly dividend that the Framingham-based office supplies retailer will give April 16 to its shareholders of record as of March 27, the company announced Wednesday.

Definitive Healthcare, which provides data, intelligence and analytics on the health care provider market, said it has received what it calls a “significant” investment from a Boston-based growth equity firm.

Staples has partnered with financial technology firm Lendio to deliver lending services to small businesses, according to a company statement released Wednesday. The service, which will be known as 'Staples Business Loans powered by Lendio',” will deliver more than 20 different funding options to small businesses looking for capital, according to Staples.

TJX Cos. delivered good news to shareholders and employees Wednesday, as the Framingham-based discount retailer announced profit and sales growth as well as plans to increase wages for U.S. employees at its HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and Sierra Trading Post sites.

Health care organizations of all kinds are striving for efficiency under the looming transition to managed-care systems.Instead of being paid for each service, providers will instead be paid to deliver care for a set number of patients annually. Naturally, this is leading providers to reconsider how they manage those patients from the moment they walk through the door.

If you summed up goals that the MetroWest business community cares about, here are three that might...