Startups

The industry, which in its infancy relies on companies with ready access to cash, is not very diverse.

With recreational marijuana as the new hot industry in Massachusetts, expected to soon generate up to $1 billion in taxable revenue, it's easy to overlook its illicit past.

Cannabis Control Commission Chairman Steven Hoffman said said the CCC is in a "rhythm" now that could result in four to eight new retail stores coming online each month.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has rolled out what it calls is the country's first social equity program for the marijuana industry.

A ceremony held at the former B.F. Brown School was a chance for officials and development partners to mark the latest stage in what is seen as a revitalization of the city's downtown.

For the first week, the stores reported a combined 56,380 products sold and an average of just under $40. Customers are averaging 3.4 products per transaction.

The WBJ and Worcester Regional Research Bureau embarked on a monthslong look at the impact of immigrant businesses in Worcester. The project found foreign-born residents make up 36 percent of the city's business owners.

The Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center will establish a new center to help those working on new technologies to fight heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders.

For the first year, the U.S. Small Business Administration brought its Emerging Leaders program to Worcester, the agency announced Tuesday.

A focus group found foreign-born entrepreneurs weren't as connected as they could be to resources. The city and its partners say helping such businesses is a priority.