Our conversation focused on a number of current topics.

We explored the gains Worcester has experienced in becoming a hub for the life sciences industry, a phenomenon of economic development that many other communities across the Unites States have desired or engaged in with little to no success.

Despite the challenges, Worcester businesses centered on research, entrepreneurship, manufacturing as well as clinical services within the life sciences has grown significantly in no small part due to the presence of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and entrepreneurial space such as MBI and The Reactory.

Our conversation also focused on how priorities are changing regarding the use of space and infrastructure in Worcester and the Commonwealth as a whole.  What was accelerated by the pandemic through the work-from-home experience of the last 14 months was already in play. How can central and western MA take advantage of keeping more professional class people living and working without long eastern commutes?  What effect would that have on Worcester’s downtown businesses and other communities in Worcester county? What interesting innovation may occur with a change in property and land uses?

Trains, Planes and Automobiles

We discussed the role multi-modal transportation plays in the development patterns of Central MA

And no podcast focused on Worcester could go live without a mention of Kelly Square.

Where are the new living accommodations in downtown Worcester and what other exciting opportunities in new business and cultural amenities are in play.  The city is making strides ensuring these amenities are well situated around multi-modal transportation opportunities. 

Are We a College Town?

On Monday, March 29 Becker Collage confirmed they will cease operations for the fall semester. We spoke with Grant regarding the importance of the academic sector to Worcester and where some of Becker’s most successful programs will be migrating to in the fall including their eSports, Veterinary programs and where MassDigi goes next including Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

We’re all things Wormtown for another episode of SMG’s ‘Are We Here Yet?’ Podcast.

Welcome to the home of SMG’s ‘Are We Here Yet?’ Podcast.  We seek to produce vibrant storytelling from the entrepreneurs, creative-class warriors and dynamic citizens that collectively tell the story of modern-day America.

Add to that special tidbits like our Essays, The JazzRoom, Special Features and more.  We hope you find enlightenment and entertainment in each episode we present.

About our Hosts:

Scott M. Graves is the founder of SMGraves Creative Enterprises.  Most recently he was executive director of the Wachusett Business Incubator where the SMG team experimented with various programming to overcome the meaningless ‘ribbon cutting’ experiences so synonymous with much of our nation’s  well-intentioned economic development.   He is known for a steadfast resolve for intellectual rigor and business strategy.  Nothing makes Scott feel more fulfilled than to help other develop their own unique creativity which leads to fulfillment in work and life.  His team is currently partnering with The Worcshop, the east coasts largest industrial makerspace to develop the Worc-It Business Lab for incubating new business.  

An entrepreneur in his own right, Scott previously operated the former Smash Music. Along with ImageIdentity’s David Lubelczyk their team developed Leadership Candidates Program for immersive support of new enterprise and Business Triage, a direct response to the issues now exacerbated for small businesses since the spread of Covid-19.