MWBE Construction Advancement Grant

The MWBE Construction Advancement Grant Program is administered by the City of Worcester through its Executive Office of Economic Development. The program is designed to address disparities in public contracting and promote economic equity for minority- and women-owned businesses in the construction industry. It offers financial support to increase operational capacity, enabling certified businesses to more effectively compete for local and state construction contracts. The program was initiated as part of the city’s broader Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Initiative, informed by a disparity study conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute. Based on the study's findings, Worcester adopted new procurement goals—10% for MBEs and 15% for WBEs—and is now investing $445,000 into this grant program using settlement funds received through the Massachusetts Attorney General’s False Claims Division. Eligible applicants must be for-profit businesses located and registered within the City of Worcester and operating in the construction or construction-related sectors. Applicants must be certified (or actively seeking certification) as a Minority-Owned or Women-Owned Business Enterprise through the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office or a recognized third-party certifier. Businesses must have been formed in 2024 or earlier and be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Worcester. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, capped at 25% of the applicant’s total annual business expenses. Eligible uses of funds include bonding and insurance, equipment purchases, rent and utilities, software, licensing, consultant services, payroll, apprenticeship programs, and storage costs. Funds must be expended within one year of award, and recipients are required to submit documentation of fund use. Evaluation criteria include completeness of application, clarity of proposed use, and alignment with goals to build capacity for public contracting. Applicants with a demonstrated history of bidding or who outline barriers and readiness will be prioritized. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting September 22, 2025, and will remain open until the $445,000 program budget is exhausted. Applicants must submit a completed application package including a budget, W-9, one year of tax returns, and a Certificate of Good Standing. Questions and completed applications can be submitted to development@worcesterma.gov. For more information, businesses may contact the Business and Community Development Office located at City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

Be specific about how funds will help you win public contracts. Incomplete applications are disqualified. Certification proof is required before approval.