Small Business

A new business coalition launching Wednesday plans to pursue a suite of policies aimed at helping workers foster the skills that employers seek.

MacFawn Fire & Flood Restoration, a New York company, is opening a location in Worcester on Thursday, where it will primarily focus on commercial water damage restoration, mold remediation and biohazard cleanup, the company announced.

A commission created under a 2018 law to review tax breaks for businesses and individuals released its first biennial report last week, flagging several items for potential legislative review.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. on Wednesday announced it had approved a $35,000 loan to the owners of Black Hydra Tattoo in Fitchburg: Emily Shortsleeves, Matt Gallagher, and Brad Touchette. 

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking applicants to fill 25 spaces in its 2022 Leadership Worcester program, the organization announced on Friday.

Fitchburg and Worcester have each received $60,000 in state funds to help with small-business grants meant to aid overcoming the coronavirus pandemic.

The travel order for those coming into Massachusetts will be downgraded to a travel advisory as of Monday, eliminating the need for visitors to fill out a travel form, according to a Thursday announcement from the Gov. Charlie Baker administration.

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Isabel Guzman as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s new administrator, in an 81-17 vote. 

A minor league baseball team. A mid-level professional hockey club. A top-50 theater worldwide that can seat about 2,300. Nine institutions of higher education. Myriad breweries. A well-established cultural scene.

The Worcester Business Journal is seeking suggestions for individuals to include on its 2021 Power 50 list, which is compiled annually.