Business Community

As one of the area’s largest industries, higher education has a tremendous impact on the local economy. In addition to institutional spending by the 13 member institutions of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, more than 8000 college and university employees (with a payroll of nearly $390 million annually) pay taxes and purchase goods and services in Worcester County. (In addition, the colleges employ another 3000 people who live outside Worcester County.) With more than 6000 graduates every year, the colleges contribute many well-prepared members to central Massachusetts’ skilled workforce.

To continue and increase its contributions to the local economy, the Consortium offers several resources to the business community.

• Joint Purchasing
  • Bid on Open Goods & Services Agreements
• Sponsorship & Visibility Opportunities
• Buy Worcester & the Region - Consortium initiative to purchase goods and services from local businesses
  
  • Worcester Local First - Worcester Local First is a network of locally owned and independent businesses formed in 2007 to build a strong Worcester economy and a vibrant community.
• Hire Greater Worcester - Consortium initiative to hire local residents and a list of human resources contacts on member campuses
• Internship Database - Employers may register opportunities and students may search for internships
• Annual Career Fair - Discover the Intellectual Capital of Central Massachusetts: Dozens of area companies and organizations send representatives to this annual event where college seniors are seeking jobs.
• Employment Opportunities at the Consortium

The Consortium is a member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.