StartUp Worcester

StartUp Worcester, now in its 8th year, is an initiative of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Venture Forum, and WorcLab to launch and to provide support as well as co-working space for the region’s budding entrepreneurs.

What does StartUp Worcester do?

The program helps to attract and incubate new businesses and retain local entrepreneurs in Central Massachusetts, where they have access to everything they need to succeed, by providing each participant with a free membership to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, WorcLab, and Venture Forum. The program was initially geared towards college-age entrepreneurs, but now the program accepts applicants of all ages. Through events, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to build networks and fundraise, StartUp Worcester supports entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds, talents, and industries.

Each year, StartUp Worcester awards 12 full-year memberships to the Chamber, Venture Forum, and WorcLab. There is no charge for applications or winners. Each StartUp Worcester membership awarded is valued at $14,000 (the value of Chamber, WorcLab, and Venture Forum memberships), but the access to resources, mentors, network and publicity are invaluable to help companies get to the next level.

How has the program been successful?

Just a few of our alumni companies include: Petricore, Inc. ’16, which designs app-based games with over 750,000 downloads and contracts with museums, companies, and other institutions; Slydde ’16, which was acquired by NY company Hooch; Solvus Global ’16, which just opened a 32,000 SF manufacturing facility and whose founder Aaron Birt was named to the 2017 class of Forbes 30 under 30; HydroGlyde Coatings ’18, which has received over $1.4 million in funding from the government and the Gates Foundation; and The Learning Hub ’17, which was named HulaFrog’s most loved extracurricular STEM program and whose founder Giselle Rivera-Flores was named to the 2017 class of WBJ’s 40 Under 40.

Watch a Fox 25 news feature about two StartUp Worcester alumni