Located in Central Massachusetts, Worcester is known as the “heart of the Commonwealth.” It has a rich history of industry and innovation and became a notable industrial city after the Civil War. After World War II, Worcester began to fall into decline as the city lost its manufacturing base to cheaper alternatives across the country and overseas. Worcester’s economy started to recover as the city expanded into biotechnology and healthcare fields and it has gotten national recognition as an entrepreneurial-friendly hub. Fun fact: Worcester resident Harvey Ball designed the world-famous Smiley Face in 1963.
Greater Worcester
Business Accelerator
The Accelerator is a free, one-year program offered twice a year in EforAll communities. It provides immersive business training, mentorship and access to an extended professional network. Anyone with a dream to start or grow a business is encouraged to apply.
Pitch Contests
Fast-paced, fun community events that enable early-stage entrepreneurs to gain valuable exposure and feedback on a business idea at no cost. Great opportunity to network and validate business idea with potential to win a cash prize from EforAll.
Greater Worcester Entrepreneurs
Dishing Up a Tasty New Business!
Upcoming Events
Greater Worcester Spring 2023 All Ideas Pitch Contest
Event to be held on March 24, 2023. Must apply by March 09 @ 5 pm EST!
Greater Worcester Summer 2023 Accelerator
Classes start on July 11, 2023. Must apply by May 11 @ 5 pm ET!
News and Local Stories
EforAll Launches its Business Accelerator Program in Maine to Expand Access to Entrepreneurship
Press Release – March 7, 2023
Holyoke’s Crave Restaurant is Dream Turned Reality
MassLive – February 21, 2023
Community Spotlight: Entrepreneurship For All (Radio Interview)
KUAF (NPR Affiliate) – Jan 27, 2023
Rodrigo Salas is Determined to Increase NWA Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Talk Business & Politics – January 19, 2023
How Cisco supports entrepreneurship today and every day
Cisco CSR Blog – November 15, 2022
Greater Worcester Mentor Spotlight
Helder Machado – EforAll Greater Worcester
What made you want to become a mentor?
“I have had so many great mentors over the course of my career, and I wanted to pay it forward and help others as others have helped me in my business.”
Local Volunteer Opportunities
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Claudia Bastante
Local Partners
Leadership Advisory Board
- Christina M. Andreoli – Berkshire Bank
- Eric Busenburg – Euro-American Worldwide Logistics
- Mary Casey – Harbor Law Group
- Jeanne Esler – Esler Family Foundation
- John Esler – Esler Family Foundation (Board & Finance Chair)
- Dina Gaudette – Gaudette Insurance Agency
- John Haffty – Navin, Haffty & Associates
- Manasseh Konadu – ākra LLC
- Emmanuel Larbi – ākra LLC
- Ladd Lavallee – Laddawn Inc.
- Helder Machado – Machado Consulting
- Bart McCracken – Immedia Event Productions
- Kelsey Stuart – Hanover Insurance
- Monica Thomas Bonnick – Webster 5 Bank