Small Business

The Boulevard Diner now stands as Central Massachusetts’ sole independently-owned diner operating with any kind of 24-hour model.

Nine Central Massachusetts nonprofits have received a total of nearly $1 million in grant funding for their efforts to provide small businesses with technical assistance training and access to financing.

Restaurant owners scrambling to turn profits amid rising food, labor and energy costs again turned to the Legislature Tuesday for some reprieve as they lobby to pass credit card surcharges onto their customers. Meanwhile, economic development groups that support minority businesses aired their worries on Beacon Hill about how the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and tariffs are impeding their supply chain and customer base.

Story by Joseph Corrazini, vice president for government and community affairs at Clark University

The School of Business at Clark University in Worcester, in partnership with Worcester Business Journal, has launched a training academy to help emerging women leaders develop new skills and advance their careers.

Safe Exit Initiative, a Worcester nonprofit supporting those involved in the sex trade, has expanded its reach into the Mid-Atlantic, launching a harm reduction and outreach program in Baltimore. 

Bella Pizzeria, which has an existing location in Milford, will serve items including pizza, burgers, and esfihas, which are small pies containing either savory or sweet fillings.

NextGen Realty, a Boston-based real estate and property management firm, has expanded its reach into Central Massachusetts by opening an office in Worcester.

Two Central Massachusetts small businesses have turned to alternative, community-based fundraising methods to support their expansion efforts.

Melendez is the proud owner of four restaurants, with a fifth on the way.