Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation is a community development nonprofit working toward a more livable Dorchester and Boston. Its work spans four areas: building and preserving affordable housing and commercial space so residents can remain in the neighborhood, lending capital to small businesses, training people for jobs and placing them in careers, and supporting residents of its buildings while advocating for community needs. It works collaboratively with residents, businesses and partners toward those goals.

Local civic associations founded the organization to fight economic disinvestment, unemployment, crime, community tensions and a shortage of quality affordable housing. Many of those problems persist, and newer pressures such as gentrification and displacement have added to the work. Recent efforts include three developments meant to carry Uphams Corner into its next chapter and a SNAP into Action campaign. For entrepreneurs, the organization explains what it reviews in a loan application, such as revenue, business stage, location and registration status.

What to Know

• Dorchester Bay EDC was founded in 1979.
• Small business loans are available in Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Roslindale and Roxbury.
• A four-part Small Business Management Program and a small business workshop series are offered.
• Boston hospitals have invested $800,000 in its affordable housing preservation and development work.