No cost to attend; Registration required
Event Description:
A panel discussion on how startups can tap into Worcester’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, from local funding sources to mentorship networks and community partnerships that support early traction.
The conversation will highlight practical ways founders can connect with regional resources and programs to accelerate progress and build stronger, more resilient companies.
Save your seat to discover the local resources, connections, and support that can help move your startup forward.
Moderator:
Racquel T. “Rocky” Knight
Director, Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at Quinsigamond Community College | Director - Central MA Women's Business Center- CWE
Racquel T. “Rocky” Knight is a social entrepreneur, business development strategist, and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. She currently serves as Director of the Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at Quinsigamond Community College, where she leads programming that connects students with mentorship, hands-on learning, and resources to launch and grow ventures, while strengthening pathways into the broader Worcester startup ecosystem.
Rocky is also the Founder and CEO of Own Your Legacy Ventures, where she works with entrepreneurs and organizations to build purpose-driven brands and sustainable business strategies. Her career spans leadership roles in entrepreneurship support and economic inclusion, including serving as Director at the Center for Women & Enterprise, where she led initiatives focused on advancing women and entrepreneurs of color.
Panelists:
Celia Blue
President & CEO, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
Celia Blue is the President and CEO of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, where she leads efforts to advance equity, advocacy, and economic empowerment for women of color across the Commonwealth. Celia’s career spans senior leadership roles across government, financial services, and technology, including serving as Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and holding executive positions at MassDOT. In addition to her executive leadership, she is actively engaged in civic and community initiatives, serving on boards such as the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and the UMass Boston Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy.
Darnell Dunn
Director of Business Recruitment, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce (WRCC)
As the Director of Business Recruitment at the WRCC, Darnell is responsible for spearheading initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses to the Worcester region while fostering the growth and expansion of existing businesses. Before his position at the Chamber, Darnell was a Senior Associate at Rubric Commercial LLC, a full-service, Worcester-based commercial real estate brokerage. There, he concentrated on Landlord and tenant representation for Office and Industrial property in Central Massachusetts. Prior to joining Rubric, he spent nearly a decade in Ecuador providing insightful, data-driven recommendations to real estate clients from North America, Europe, and Asia at Abundant Living Ecuador, a real estate brokerage and property management firm he co-founded. He earned a BA in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Jose Castro
Executive Director, EforAll Greater Worcester
Jose Castro is the Executive Director of EforAll Greater Worcester, where he leads efforts to support aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentorship, education, and access to resources. Alongside his leadership in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, he brings early professional experience in operations and customer-facing roles, including at Amazon, where he developed strong skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and execution. A Clark University graduate in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Jose combines practical experience with a deep commitment to mentorship and community development.
Margie Breault
Business & Community Advancement Manager, City of Worcester
Margie Breault is a Worcester-based community leader focused on strengthening the city’s small business ecosystem. In her role with the City of Worcester’s Office of Economic Development, she coordinates grant programs and initiatives that support entrepreneurs, with a focus on women-owned and BIPOC-led businesses. She also leads the Worcester Business Resource Alliance, bringing partners together to improve access to resources and support for local founders. Beyond her civic work, Margie is a facilitator with Leadership Worcester, where she helps develop emerging leaders through dialogue, systems thinking, and community-centered leadership. She also serves as a mentor through EforAll and supports local food entrepreneurship through the Worcester Regional Food Hub’s advisory efforts.
Tom Herald
Regional Director & Adjunct Faculty, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University
Tom Herald is a business advisor, executive coach, and former U.S. Air Force officer focused on helping entrepreneurs improve sales, profits, and performance. As Regional Director at the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University, he works with small business owners on strategy, access to capital, operations, and growth. Tom is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Herald and Associates, where he has coached leaders and teams for decades through business planning, turnarounds, and leadership development. Beyond his work with founders, Tom serves as Chairman of the Board for Clear Path for Veterans New England and is a board member with Sophia’s Fund a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in their fight against childhood cancer.
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