Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1513950
wbjournal.com | January 8, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 23 ARE YOU ON THE BEST FINANCIAL PATH REVIEW YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM AND FIND OUT. We are a team of committed Financial Advisors servicing our clients with progressive wealth management strategies. We strive to provide the highest level of customer service and continually earn our clients' trust. 508-842-0539 WWW.PROVOWEALTH.COM We strive to instill confidence that you are on the right path and in alignment with your values. While our analysis and opinion are accurate up to the time of publishing, situations can change. The opinions stated above are not necessarily appropriate for every person and every portfolio. Factors such as age, risk tolerance, and socially responsible or sustainable investing may also be relevant. Securities offered through Cetera Financial Specialists, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Patriot Financial Group, an SEC registered investment advisor DBA Provo Wealth Management. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 385 SOUTH STREET, SHREWSBURY, MA 01545 | T: (508) 842-0539 | F: (508) 842-0571 | WWW.PROVOWEALTH.COM O W N E R S H I P B E S T O F B U S I N E S S Founded: 1989 Employees: 16 PENTA has been 100% woman-owned and operated since its founding in 1989 and has been recognized within the top 1% of all female-owner businesses nationwide. In its 35-year history, PENTA has contributed nearly $3 million to nonprofits throughout Worcester County and MetroWest. Notable runners-up: Sullivan Benefits, Jade n BEST MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS Jade* Worcester hellostudiojade.com Top executive: CEO Brittany Wong Founded: 2021 Employees: 10 In 2023, Jade mastered a process for cannabis retail businesses, enabling it to expand to support businesses throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. In line with its growth, which included adding new employees, the company rebranded last year from its former name, Studio Jade. Notable runners-up: Bri's Sweet Treats, UnicPro n BEST BUSINESS INCUBATOR Venture X Marlborough* Marlborough venturex.com/locations/marlborough Top executive: CEO Ryan Gagne Founded: 2018 Employees: 4 In 2023, Venture X Marlborough completed an expansion of its space to now include a 900-square-foot, 24-person training and meeting room. The organization finished 2023 with an occupancy rate of more than 95%. Notable runners-up: Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, EforAll n BEST OFFICE CLEANER Mass Commercial Cleaning* Sturbridge and Northampton masscommercialcleaning.com Top executives: Katerina Cai, president; Bill Hickman, general manager; Christine Thurman, office manager Founded: 1989 Employees: 135 Every MCC employee owner is granted shares in the company. With their ownership in the company, each cleaner gets profit sharing through dividend distribution. The company grew its owner network in 2023 as demand for its project work and custodial cleaning grew. Those dividends totalled $28,000 to the network and grew the company shares 33%. n Jade CEO, Brittany Wong All Mass Commercial Cleaning employees have opportunities to buy ownership in the company. (From left) Venture X's Cori Ketchi, Bryn Koskinen, and Ryan Gagne