Chamber Mission and Strategy

The Chamber organizes its work around three major directives.

Recruit

Identify companies and sectors of the economy that play to the region’s strengths and are poised for growth and conduct visits to them with industry leaders.

Retain

Maintain and grow jobs through workforce training and collaboration with area colleges and universities, vocational schools, and other educational institutions to retain graduates in the local economy

Incubate

Develop and implement programs to support and mentor entrepreneurship, and support local development efforts that create desirable spaces in which to live and work

Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation

The Chamber has a charitable 501c-3 called the Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation. This foundation is focused around supporting the education and workforce development initiatives of the Chamber, as well as our business recruitment and economic development efforts.

To make a tax-deductible contribution, DONATE ONLINE, or mail a check written out to: Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation and mail to:

Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunity Foundation
c/o Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
311 Main Street, Suite 200
Worcester, MA 01608

Elaine Eppinger Small Business Grant

In 2022, Elaine Eppinger established this grant opportunity for women-owned small businesses in Central Massachusetts, to be administered by the Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunities Foundation, the 501c-3 sole-purpose foundation of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Each year, Ms. Eppinger will make a $5k contribution to WRSOF to continue this fund.

The grant opportunity will be promoted through the Chamber’s network. Applications will be due on October 1 each year and reviewed by a committee of the WRSOF board. Grants will awarded at the December WRSOF annual meeting to up to 3 businesses. In addition to the financial award, the business will also be given a year membership to the Chamber, so that the business is connected with information and resources to help them thrive.

Criteria:

• Priority given to Woman-owned, BIPOC-owned
• Less than 10 FTE
• Business is located in the WRCC service area
• Business must be a for-profit entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation,
• cooperative or LLC)

Award:

• $1000 – $5000 per grant, determined at the discretion of the review committee (1-5 awards)
• And 1 year chamber membership, valued at $425

Required as part of the application:

• W-9 Form

Apply online. Deadline to apply is October 1.

WRSOF Board Members