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City of Worcester, MA

Eric D. Batista
City Manager

Worcester Launches Legacy Business Program Celebrating Long-Standing Small Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/5/2025 2:44 pm

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester announced Friday the launch of its inaugural Worcester Legacy Business Program designed to honor long-standing small businesses that have contributed to the city’s cultural, economic, and social identity. These businesses help define the fabric of our neighborhoods, provide jobs and services, and embody the spirit of the city.

We invite the public to nominate their favorite legacy businesses and share stories of how these businesses have contributed to the city. Every year, selected businesses will be recognized as Legacy Businesses receiving official recognition from the municipality, promotional materials, and inclusion on the City website in a Worcester Legacy Business list. 

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

  • In business for a minimum of 10 years.
  • Physically located and actively operating within the city.
  • For-profit business, locally owned and not part of a national or regional chain/franchise.
  • Less than 250 employees.
  • Nominated businesses must demonstrate community and cultural significance. 

“As a city, it’s important that we make time to celebrate the longstanding small businesses in our community that have helped shape our culture and celebrate the businessowners who have dedicated their lives to working here,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “It is a choice to open a business here and a choice to stay when you experience success. We appreciate and want to support all those who have made strong commitments to the City of Worcester and recognize their success.”

Nominations will be accepted from Friday, Dec. 5 to Monday, Feb. 2. Nomination forms can be found here:  https://forms.worcesterma.gov/ng/fa/LegacyBusinessNomination 

 

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