City of Worcester, Massachusetts

Starting a Business in Worcester

With six million people living within a 50-mile radius, unique opportunities exist in Worcester for dynamic business growth. Once among the pre-eminent manufacturing cities in the nation, Worcester has transformed itself into a leader in bio-technology, advanced manufacturing, information technology, health care, and medical research. We offer innovative municipal support for business development and are setting the pace for sound, cooperative growth in New England.

While state law and local regulation charge different City agencies with overseeing the variety of permits necessary to operate a small business, the following chart gives a quick overview of the players and their roles. Small businesses vary widely—permits necessary to open a restaurant are different from those of a flower shop which are different from those of an auto body shop. We want to make sure that you navigate the system in the easiest and quickest manner possible to secure the permits necessary for your business.

The Worcester Business Start-Up Guide provides a general overview of the ten steps necessary to help you start and/or develop a successful business in Worcester.  It also provides a wealth of information of existing resources, including local, state, and federal governmental agencies, small business development agencies, and business assistance centers that foster small business start-ups and development.

Whether a start-up or an established business, Worcester will work for you. The staff of the Economic Development Division is ready to meet with you to extend our welcome and to discuss any issues or questions that you may have about Worcester. Please contact us at 508-799-1400, ext. 3. 

 

 

Small Business Guide

City Clerk

(508) 799-1121

Individuals doing business under a company name, or in partnership with another person doing business under a company name, are required by MGL Ch. 110, section 5, to file with the City Clerk.

Department of Public Works & Parks

(508) 929-1300

Works with private businesses in permitting and plan review. Most work is relegated to large development activities, but occasionally deals with citizens planning to open a small business in an existing structure or in a new relatively small facility.

Fire Department

(508) 799-1816

Enforces all requirements of MGL Ch. 148, CMR 527, all adopted City fire codes and ordinances, and administers all permits and licenses along with the necessary inspections to issue the same.

Public Health Division

(508) 799-8481

Provides environmental, medical, informational and administrative services to enhance public health and safeguard the environment by assessing community needs.

Department of Inspectional Services

(508) 799-1198

Responsible for enhancing public safety, enforcing State Building & Sanitary Codes and City Zoning Ordinance, ensuring decent, safe, and sanitary conditions for residential properties and commercial establishments, perform regulatory functions and permitting to support development processes.

License Commission

(508) 799-1283

Regulatory board for various licenses issued by the City including licensing purveyors of alcoholic beverages.

Planning & Regulatory Services Division

(508) 799-1400, ext. 2

Provides administrative, technical, and advisory support to the Historical Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Advises City Council regarding land use policy.

ZBA

Planning Board

Historical Commission

Police Department License Unit

(508) 799-8606

Licenses required from the WPD License Unit require an application and background check (completed by the License Unit).