Lowell’s Economic Development Office and Division of Development Services Host Workshop on Starting and Growing Small Businesses

LOWELL — An aspiring children’s clothing shop owner, an artist, and the owner of a new graphic design firm were among those who connected with local and regional resources at a workshop organized by the City of Lowell’s Office of Economic Development and Division of Development Services.

The inclusive event was aimed at helping entrepreneurs in the City of Opportunity connect with the wide variety of resources in place to help foster innovation and drive.

On Tuesday, May 26, Lowell’s Economic Development Office and Division of Development Services partnered with Community Teamwork Inc.’s Entrepreneurship Center, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union and the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide a Start and Grow Your Small Business Workshop to about two dozen attendees. 

Held on the sunlit deck of Gary’s Tipico on Andover Street, the workshop featured local and regional development leaders, bankers, and city code inspectors who provided entrepreneurs with an overview of how to create a business plan, how to finance a business, how to find and prepare property, and more. Speakers also provided information on regulatory requirements, financial assistance opportunities, and technical assistance resources. 

City of Lowell Employee Community Liaison Ineabelle Dominguez and City of Lowell Economic Development Specialist Maria da Silva Dickinson organized the event and worked to ensure it provided resources to all of Lowell’s communities. The free workshop was inclusive and included interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese and Khmer. 

Following presentations from partners, attendees networked, asking specific questions about their dreams and businesses and forming relationships. 

“Often entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed, scared or helpless when trying to start or grow their small business. The goal of this workshop was to educate our entrepreneurs about all the free resources and programs available to them from business planning to permitting and licensing guidance – to let them know that they’re not on this journey alone and that we’re here to help them succeed,” said Economic Development Specialist Maria da Silva Dickinson. “Lowell was recently named as the 2nd best U.S. city for starting a small business — a testament to the great resources and support that we provide to our small businesses.” 

“This was a special evening to bring together City staff and community partners to help residents take their first steps toward building something meaningful in Lowell,” said City of Lowell Employee Community Liaison Ineabelle Dominguez. “Whether someone is opening their first storefront, launching a creative business, or simply exploring an idea, we want them to know there is a network of support here ready to help them succeed in our community.”

“Lowell is the City of Opportunity because of our history of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and dreams. Supporting those who want to create small businesses is absolutely vital,” said City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “We want our community to know that the City and our regional partners are here to support everyone who wants to build their dreams.”

For more information on the supports available to new and aspiring small business owners, please visit: https://www.lowellma.gov/724/Economic-Development, email DoBizInLowell@lowellma.gov, or call the Economic Development Office at 978-674-4252.