Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $6.7 Million to Support Small Business Services Statewide
Small Business Technical Assistance Program Awards Will Help 73 Nonprofits Deliver Technical Assistance, Business Skills Workshop Training, and Access to Financing to Small Businesses
WORCESTER, Mass. — Today, the Executive Office of Economic Development and MassDevelopment joined state and local officials in Worcester to announce $6,729,552 in grants to 73 nonprofits through MassDevelopment’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program (SBTA), which supports organizations that deliver technical assistance, training, and access to capital to Massachusetts small businesses.
Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba made today’s announcement at the Worcester Regional Food Hub, a recipient of a SBTA award. In total, five nonprofits in Worcester are receiving $577,788 in grants from this round of the SBTA grants.
“This program is all about empowering our small businesses to do what they do best through increased access to technical assistance, workshops, and financing,” said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “As we recognize Small Business Month and celebrate the many ways small businesses contribute to our economy, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is grateful to MassDevelopment and our nonprofit partners for administering this crucial support.”
“MassDevelopment is pleased to award $6.7 million in grants through our Small Business Technical Assistance Program and celebrate with award recipients today in Worcester,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “This funding will help nonprofits in every region of the state who are working hand in hand with small businesses to create jobs and drive economic growth. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the legislature for their continued support of this small business resource.”
Administered by MassDevelopment, the Small Business Technical Assistance Program was created in 2006 by the former Mass Growth Capital Corporation to empower small business support organizations, such as community development corporations and community development financial institutions, to increase access to business planning support and capital for underserved small businesses throughout the state. In February 2025, Mass Growth Capital Corporation merged with MassDevelopment, which now administers the program.
Ranging from $26,700 to $155,750, the grants awarded in this round will support the operational capacity of nonprofits with programming that addresses the needs of small businesses, with a focus on promoting job creation and economic growth. This programming can include one-on-one technical assistance, comprehensive business skills workshop training, and improved access to financing options. Additionally, the grants will enhance the nonprofits’ ability to deliver small business services through “train-the-trainer” learning opportunities in the form of workshop-style best practice discussions and courses in partnership with Bay Path University and The Mel King Institute.