WORCESTER—A new volunteer advocacy group has emerged in Worcester to help small businesses navigate the complexities of dealing with local government.
Embrace Worcester Business (EWB) was formed by a diverse group of local business owners who aim to support small enterprises facing challenges with city regulations, permitting, and construction projects.
The group will closely monitor city council agendas and advocate for policies that promote the success of small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Tony Economou, EWB’s chairman. “Embrace Worcester Business is committed to helping them succeed. We want to ensure that every small business and every entrepreneur has support to help them achieve success and thrive in Worcester.”
According to an announcement, the group was founded in response to the elimination of Phil Niddre’s position as Worcester’s small business ombudsperson, which left many business owners feeling unsupported.
Founder Andy Serrato said, “When the city eliminated Phil Niddre’s position, it created a void. Our aim is to fill that void and expand the influence of the ombudsperson long after the position is filled.”
EWB’s founding members represent a wide range of industries and include Joe Bafaro of JJ Bafaro Inc., Ed Fisher of Fisher Construction, and Alexis Kelleher of Crust Bakery, among others. These ten Worcester business owners plan to prioritize issues affecting small businesses and bring them before the city council. One of the group’s first initiatives involves advocating for advanced notice of utility work, which can disrupt business operations with minimal warning.
“I was part of a small business group on Chandler Street back 10 years,” Serrato told the Worcester Guardian, “and we accomplished a lot with [then] City Manager Mike O’Brien. We were able to get our issues concerns addressed. The majority of the business groups in the city have folded, and felt we as a city need a voice. I reached out to a few folks and got our ideas together to form this group.”
The group has already started addressing concerns for local businesses through its Facebook page, Embrace Worcester Business, and plans to expand its efforts as more issues arise. “We’ve already helped a couple of businesses solve problems they couldn’t get resolved on their own,” Serrato added.
“The city does a good job of posting trees in advance of leaf pickup,” said Serrato as an example. “Why not post signs a week or two in advance of utility work being done in commercial zones?”
With a focus on permitting, road closures, cleanliness, and business policy, EWB said it is determined to ensure Worcester’s small businesses have a seat at the table. Jack Woods of TJ Woods Insurance emphasized, “Dealing with the city has become fractured and frustrating for small businesses. EWB aims to change that.”
News to share? Sent it to Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
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