A bakery preparing to bring artisan sourdough to local markets, a transportation service designed for veterans and seniors, and a nonprofit helping freelance artists obtain health insurance are among 10 ventures selected for this year’s StartUp Worcester program.
The businesses and organizations make up the 2026–2027 cohort of StartUp Worcester, an entrepreneurship initiative now entering its 12th year of helping early-stage companies establish themselves and grow in Central Massachusetts.
The program, operated by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and WorcLab, provides participants with coworking space, business mentorship, networking opportunities and access to resources intended to help entrepreneurs move from developing an idea to operating a sustainable business.
This year’s participants represent a range of industries and stages of development. Some are preparing to launch, while others are already serving customers and looking to expand.
Among them is Golden Transportation and Logistics LLC, founded by Navy veteran Maxwell Adu-Boakye. The pre-launch business plans to provide non-medical transportation for veterans, older adults and people with disabilities throughout Worcester County, drawing on Adu-Boakye’s more than 13 years of experience in health care contracting.
Another participant, Artist Health Coverage, is a nonprofit initiative led by Magdelene Barjolo that aims to help freelance artists and other creative professionals navigate health insurance options. Still in its early development phase, the organization is exploring enrollment assistance, partnerships with venues and member-owned coverage models.
In Millbury, Greenhouse Bread founder and head baker Vanthara Hill, working with David Hill, is preparing to bring artisan sourdough to local markets and pop-up events. The self-funded bakery is completing municipal licensing requirements before launching sales.
The cohort also includes Lexagy LLC, a Worcester software company founded by Raymond Carville. The business is beta-testing a subscription-based platform focused on family reading and community sharing, with a launch planned for November.
Other participants are focused on professional services, education, wellness and support for families.
Avanza Ability Partners Inc., founded by Mayerling De La Rosa and two partners, provides bilingual assistance and culturally responsive support to families of people with developmental disabilities. The organization is preparing to pursue contracts with state agencies.
Born For More, founded by Michaelangelo Shavies, combines youth mentorship with a game-based platform intended to encourage personal development and engagement. The venture is pursuing curriculum licensing and pilot programs, with a goal of generating as much as $25,000 in revenue this year.
Worcester-based Dewar Performance, founded by Melissa Dewar, helps local contractors and service businesses improve their websites and search engine visibility. The company is working to develop recurring client relationships and more standardized services.
My Collective, founded by Crystal McGlynn, operates a wellness studio in Sturbridge combining mindfulness, movement and art. The business is seeking to expand its corporate wellness offerings.
Vanguard Insight, a Worcester consulting firm co-founded by Andrew and Jacqueline Swenson, provides operational and workforce development services to businesses and nonprofit organizations. The self-funded company is participating in StartUp Worcester as it works to expand.
Rounding out the cohort is Wuoti Law LLC, founded by Amanda Wuoti. The firm offers contract legal services in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, allowing clients to obtain assistance with specific legal tasks rather than retaining an attorney for broader representation. According to the program announcement, the firm generated $45,000 in its first year and serves approximately 30 active clients.
“The 12th StartUp Worcester cohort reflects the breadth of entrepreneurship taking place across Central Massachusetts,” Mike Kane of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce said in the announcement. “These founders are tackling challenges in areas ranging from transportation and healthcare access to technology, professional services, food, and youth development.”
Participants receive complimentary memberships to the Chamber and WorcLab, access to coworking facilities and opportunities for mentorship through the program and SCORE, an organization that provides guidance to small-business owners. The program also offers networking, fundraising and other business development opportunities.
Programming begins this month and will continue through the 2026–2027 cohort year.
StartUp Worcester has supported ventures across industries ranging from manufacturing and technology to food and professional services. Previous participants include Petricore, Solvus Global, HydroGlyde Coatings, Munq, Wicked Wheels, Wake the Way, the Jewelry Co-Op and EZBusy.ai.
The program is supported by sponsors including M&T Bank and Millstone Law.
