Introduction
Massachusetts offers a robust ecosystem for small businesses, providing a variety of resources and support to foster growth and sustainability. This article explores the key state programs, local services, and funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Commonwealth.
State Programs
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)
The MSBDC offers no-cost, confidential business advising and training programs to small and mid-sized businesses throughout Massachusetts. Services include:
- Business plan development
- Cash flow analysis
- Marketing strategies
- International trade assistance
- Government procurement guidance
- Address: 23 Tillson Farm Road, Amherst, MA 01003
- Phone: (413) 545-6301
- Website: (msbdc.org)
- Berkshire Regional Office (Pittsfield): (413) 499-0933
- Central Regional Office (Worcester): (508) 793-7615
- Northeast Regional Office (Salem): (978) 542-6343
- Southeast Regional Office (Fall River): (508) 673-9783
- Western Regional Office (Springfield): (413) 577-1768
- Funding assistance through various programs
- Microlending
- Community development support
- Business planning
- Funding options
- Management and accounting
- Working capital loans
- Loan guarantees
- Targeted technical assistance
- $5,000 funding
- A complimentary year of coworking across any Workbar location
- The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network offers no-cost, confidential business advising and training programs statewide.
- The Massachusetts Office of Business Development assists businesses with funding and community development support.
- The Small Business Resource Toolkit provides comprehensive resources for business planning, funding, and management.
- The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation supports underrepresented groups with working capital loans and technical assistance.
- Workbar offers an annual Small Business Grant, including $5,000 funding and a year of coworking space.
- Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, 2023/2024 (msbdc.org)
- Massachusetts Office of Business Development, 2023 (mass.gov)
- Small Business Resource Toolkit, 2023 (smallbusinessma.org)
- Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, 2023 (mass.gov)
- Workbar Small Business Grant, 2025 (workbar.com)
State Office:
Regional offices are located in:
Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)
The MOBD assists businesses relocating to Massachusetts and those wishing to expand operations within the state. Services include:
Address: 136 Blackstone Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 973-8600
Website: (mass.gov)
Local Services
Small Business Resource Toolkit
Developed under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, the Small Business Resource Toolkit provides comprehensive resources for small business owners in Massachusetts. It offers guidance on:
Website: (smallbusinessma.org)
Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
Located in Boston, the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship serves small and growing businesses with training and resources for micro-entrepreneurs, including grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), webinars, and accelerator programs.
Address: 75 Arlington Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (857) 241-3877
Email: info@tlecfue.org
Website: (medwayma.gov)
Funding Opportunities
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
MGCC supports small business development, particularly for businesses owned by women, people of color, immigrants, and other underrepresented groups. Services include:
Address: 529 Main Street #201, Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 523-6262
Website: (mass.gov)
Workbar Small Business Grant
Workbar offers an annual Small Business Grant to support Massachusetts founders and local innovation. The grant includes:
Website: (workbar.com)
Conclusion
Massachusetts provides a wealth of resources and support for small businesses, from state programs and local services to funding opportunities. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are encouraged to leverage these resources to foster growth and success within the Commonwealth.