On February 15th, the City of Lowell and UMass Lowell's Innovation Hub co-sponsored Mass Innovation Nights #95.  MIN#95 took place at the iHub at 110 Canal Street showcasing over 10 new high-tech innovative products with significant representation of local start-up companies.  The event attracted 175 people including entrepreneurs, investors, and business resource providers.  It was a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs to shine at this event! 

Lowell's Invisawear took the grand prize and two other iHub entrepreneurs were finalists: Nonspec and Aquaterene.  The City provided ample parking and in collaboration with the Lowell Regional Transportation Authority (LRTA), provided free shuttle service from the commuter rail to the iHub.  The after party took place at Coffee and Cotton at Mill no. 5, where Boston area entrepreneurs had an opportunity to network with DPD staff and experience Lowell's creative economy and stunning architecture. 

To find out why innovators are saying, "There's a lot to like about Lowell" and hear more about how Lowell is helping entrepreneurs, please contact the Economic Development Office through our website or call us at 978-674-4252.

The City of Lowell unveiled a new look and many added features to our website in January.  The website is designed to be more user-friendly and helps residents and business owners find the information they need.

Resources for businesses including site finder services, grant opportunities, partner resources, and market data may be found on our Economic Development page.

The website can be viewed in a mobile-friendly version and an app will be released in the next couple months.
 

After a year of research and community engagement, the Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative released its Action Plan on February 2nd, 2017. 

Among the goals of the initiative is to increase economic development opportunities by activating Lowell's historic waterways through placemaking activities.  Check out their website to read the plan and watch the two minute video. 

UMass Lowell students and staff are able to ride LRTA buses for free in a pilot program that started in January.  This initiative increases coordination between the transportation agency and the city's largest traffic generator.

In this new pilot program, ridership will be tracked by Lowell-based Scheidt & Bachman USA, Inc. to see if students are using the buses to go shopping, dining, or elsewhere.

Lowell's economic success depends on strong partnerships.  The City of Lowell's Economic Development Office is fortunate to work with some great local and regional organizations.  Together we offer a wide variety of services and assistance to Lowell businesses.

                                                            Danielle McFadden

                                    President of Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce

Could you talk a bit about the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce?  The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce was established in 1995 and we cover the communities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, and Westford.  It's our mission to provide our membership with opportunities through marketing, networking, advocacy, and education.

How long have you been working with the GLCC?  I have been working at the GLCC for six years and was a member for three years prior to that.  I served on the Community Service Committee, WISE (Women Inspiring Success and Empowerment) Committee, and I served as co-chair on the Board of Directors before becoming president.  Also, I've hosted Chamber Chat on WCAP radio for the past 8 years.

What business sectors does your office work most closely with?  We work with all business sectors in the community.  We have over 600 members and they all have different immediate needs.  We have members who are starting their businesses at home to large businesses that employ over 100 employees.

How does your office partner with the Economic Development Office?  We have a very close relationship with Lowell's Economic Development Office.  Maria Dickinson, Lowell Economic Development Officer, also serves on the GLCC Board of Directors.  The GLCC and Lowell's Economic Development Office plan, promote, and host events as well as attend ceremonial ribbon cuttings.  It is great to have partners who are more than willing to help.

What is your main goal in helping the Greater Lowell business community?  How are you working towards your goal?  Our main goal is to help our members and their businesses thrive.  We host about 100 networking events per year which helps our members connect with the necessary contacts and resources.  The GLCC can also provide our members opportunities through radio and local access television shows.

What do you enjoy most about working at the GLCC?  I love everything about my job.  It is fun working in a small office and our team can come up with ideas and implement them quickly.  Every day at the office is different which makes it a great place to work.

Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce Website
 

Wednesday, March 8th

Opening Doors to Contracting Opportunities Workshop

Wednesday, March 8th

Women in Tech Pitch Contest

April 30th - May 6th

Lowell Celebrates National Small Business Week - Check out next month's newsletter for more information.

It's warming up in Lowell and a great time to see what the city has to offer.  Check out Like Lowell's calendar for many fun activities throughout the city.