Small Business

Nearly four decades after Massachusetts lawmakers banned the practice statewide, happy hour could return to the menu in willing cities and towns if the Senate has its way.

In a deal that closed on Thursday, Worcester Housing Authority has purchased the former Sun ‘N’ Sound location at 24 Mill St. for $1.35 million for maintenance and property management offices.

The City of Worcester announced late Friday the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has increased the city’s quota for each category of Section 15 off-premise licenses by five.

Blustream, a Worcester technology company specializing in after-sale product experience, has raised $5.2 million in Series A funding.

Connecting to Greatness, a small Leominster business providing mental health counseling, has received a $25,000 loan for an expansion into telehealth.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce graduated 17 local professionals as part of the Class of 2022 from its Community Leadership Institute, during which they established a foundation and supported community needs.

Vinh Ly, owner of 3B Auto Inc. on Canterbury Street in Worcester, has purchased three lots in Worcester and Auburn for just under $1.2 million.

After 10 years of owning the Gazbar Sports Grill in Leominster, Erica Grinkis is working on a few small projects to keep the eatery fun and enticing, but its main goal is to keep the space familiar to regulars.

The woman-owned Alicia’s Spice Co. in Worcester is racing down a path of growth, evident with its Biz-M-Power partnership in June or its developing goal of putting products in schools. 

The business closed its two retail stores in March 2020, operating solely from its online shop. The Kelley Square location re-opened in May 2021, and the DCU Center location started welcoming back customers in May 2022.