Central MA Retina & Uveitis Center Named Woman Owned Biz of the Year

MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT

Release Date: April 29, 2024
Contact: norman.eng@sba.gov, 617-565-8510
Release Number: 24-8
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BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Gisela Velez, Owner of Central Mass Retina and Uveitis Center the 2024 Woman Owned Business of the Year for Massachusetts.

Central Mass Retina and Uveitis Center provides specialized ophthalmic care to underserved communities in Central Massachusetts. The practice provides specialized, tertiary medical ophthalmic care to community members that would otherwise have to travel to Boston to receive similar level care. This includes medical and surgical management of cataract, glaucoma, uveitis and retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

“Dr. Gisela Velez is an unsung hero to the Latino community,” said District Director Robert Nelson. “She built a remarkable business that addresses unmet public health needs of the Spanish-speaking population and the demand and growth of the practice is exciting to see. “

The practice was established in 2012 with a principal location in Ayer. In 2016, Velez expanded the practice to a second location in Marlboro, and now a third location in downtown Worcester is currently under construction and expected to open in 2024.

As one of few fully bilingual providers in this field, Velez is equipped to offer services to Spanish speaking communities that struggle with access to this level care due to language and cultural barriers.

Velez is a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts since 2014, providing support to non-profit organizations improving the health of people in the Central Massachusetts region.

Velez was nominated by Pedro Arce, Senior Vice President of Business Banking, M & T Bank.

Velez will be honored at the annual National Small Business Week Massachusetts Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at the Doubletree Andover.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.