Join the City of Worcester and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce to learn about how your business might be eligible to receive $5,000.00 in grant funding by the Executive Office of Economic Development Business Development Division American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ARPA Diverse Business Certification Program.

The City of Worcester has $550,000 in ARPA funding to establish the Diverse Business Certification Grant Program to encourage greater certification through the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office and/or other recognized third-party organizations for small business owners in the City representing diverse populations.

 The objective of this program is to:

 • Grow the total number of certified small businesses and of newly certified small businesses located within the city, particularly for minority and women-owned small businesses.

 • Assist with registration and address obstacles frequently encountered by minority and women-owned businesses when seeking government contracts and resources.

• Help small businesses be better positioned for contracting opportunities with government entities, institutions, and other businesses.