WORCESTER—Construction firms owned by women and people of color in Worcester could soon get a financial boost from City Hall.
The city’s Business & Community Development Division announced Monday a new M/WBE Construction Advancement Program, offering grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to eligible businesses. The aim: help local firms cover operating costs and build capacity to compete for bigger contracts.
City Manager Eric Batista framed the initiative as part of a broader push to strengthen Worcester’s business landscape. “This exciting program builds on the municipality’s existing efforts to support the certification of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses,” Batista said. “It also aligns with the goals we set out in the Worcester Now | Next long-range plan … Investing in these businesses will mean investing in our neighborhoods.”
The grants are funded through settlement dollars from the state Attorney General’s False Claims Division. To qualify, businesses must be based in Worcester, certified by the state’s Supplier Diversity Office or another recognized agency, and active in the construction or construction-related sectors.
Applications opened Sept. 22 and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the money runs out. Eligible businesses can request up to 25% of their annual expenses, capped at $25,000.
Applications and more details are available through the city’s website.
