Cleartech Group, an IT solutions business in Leominster, was named the Small Business Administration's Minority Owned Small Business of the Year for the state of Massachusetts. Tony Fields, a veteran who opened Cleartech in 2017, says his business received the award because of his growth, customer service and dedication to community service. 

Since 1993, NeighborWorks America has convened over 15,000 lower-income resident leaders at its annual Community Leadership Institute (CLI). The nation's largest effort to amplify resident voices equips these leaders with the tools, seed funding and network of support they need to drive changes in their neighborhoods. 

As we begin a new year — and a new decade — NeighborWorks America's network organizations are hard at work, doing what they do best. Some are exploring on new partnerships. Some are focusing on matching residents with new homes, with workforce training and with resources for staying sober or aging in place. Network leaders say they're finding inspiration in last year. And the lessons they've learned are serving as a roadmap for the year ahead.

Sarah Norman, Director of Healthy Homes & Communities, NeighborWorks America
Leah Ettman, Senior Associate of Health & Wellness, National League of Cities

Everyone knows it’s important to save for a “rainy day.” Emergencies happen: appliances break, cars sputter to a stop, jobs are lost. But when your paychecks are not that much more than what you need to pay your routine bills, that’s a habit most haven’t been able to form.