Why I Built My Business in Worcester (and You Can, Too!)

A local resident shares the ins and outs of doing business in Worcester.

By Rebecca Treon on September 8, 2023

Jeff Adkins

Locals love that Worcester, MA, offers an affordable cost of living, easy commutes, and a vibrant arts scene. But an inviting climate for entrepreneurs is another reason Worcester stands out as an ideal place to live in New England.

Jessica Walsh moved to Worcester in 2007, after attending college in Boston, to have a closer commute to work. She soon fell in love with her new hometown and started making “I love Worcester” pins as a hobby. The pins grew into totes, hats, shirts, stickers, and other local merch.

Walsh opened her store, Worcester Wares, in 2015. Today, Walsh’s designs are worn by Worcester lovers around the world, and both her brick-and-mortar store and online retail store are thriving. Livability chatted with Walsh about the benefits of doing business in Worcester.

What kind of resources and support were available to you when you started?
I felt like there was this vibe in Worcester that things were going to happen. I didn’t do things the way people tell you that you should start a business, but between the Small Business Development Center at Clark University – where they help you with your business plan – grants, different programs with the city and just even talking to other small-business owners, there are lots of options for people.

Why did you think Worcester would be a great place to start a business?
Worcester is a blank slate in a lot of ways – there are a lot of things that haven’t been tried but that people are trying now. There’s a culture here where people want to support someone’s “crazy idea,” and a lot of people understand the bigger picture of thinking outside the box.

Why would you recommend others open a business here?
People in Worcester, like the Worcester Cultural Coalition and Discover Central Massachusetts, have been pushing to get this area recognized – this is where people are going that’s outside of Boston. It’s the small businesses here, immigrant businesses, legacy businesses that have made this city what it is – they were all pushing for this city before I got here, and they were the ones who got excited about Worcester Wares and said, “Try it!” Worcester has this kind of gritty, self-deprecating honesty that is what started my love affair with this place.

What’s one piece of advice you would give other entrepreneurs trying to open a business?
I’d tell them to surround themselves with people who are louder than the voice in their head, telling them they can’t do it, they’re messing up, or they’re an imposter. Figure out what kind of support you need, ask for help, and use that support – don’t try to do everything yourself. You can’t know everything; I’ve been open for eight years and I’m still learning things.