There are over 700,000 small businesses in Massachusetts, representing over 40 percent of the state’s workforce. Our VoIP service was designed specifically for small businesses and given how many of our customers live and work in Massachusetts, we wanted to put together a list of resources available for this market. You can find a wide array of free and low-cost resources available across Massachusetts for small businesses to grow and thrive. Whether you’re just getting started or planning your next stage of growth, we think there is something in here for every small business.
Small Business Resource Map
This interactive map is maintained by the Commonwealth and provides an up-to-date view of support organizations across the state. You can search by location or service type to find nearby incubators, lenders, training centers, and more.
Small Business Administration – Massachusetts District Offices
The Massachusetts District of the Small Business Administration services the entire state and has offices in Boston and Springfield. These offices offer assistance with funding, business counseling, federal contracting opportunities, and disaster recovery. They also connect entrepreneurs with partner organizations, lenders, and community groups that provide valuable resources and support. You can find free local events hosted by the SBA on their website.
SmallBusinessMA.org
Run by the Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General, this site offers centralized access to state-sponsored tools, funding opportunities, and guidance for entrepreneurs. It’s a great starting point for any small business navigating regulatory requirements, certifications, or support programs.
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)
A long-standing resource for small businesses, MSBDC provides no-cost business advising, training, and help with financing. Offices are located throughout the state and services are confidential and practical.
MassVentures
This state-affiliated venture capital firm supports early-stage companies with funding and mentorship, especially those located outside of Boston or led by underrepresented founders.
EforAll
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) is a nonprofit that collaborates with communities across the country to support underrepresented individuals in launching and growing their businesses. EforAll serves all of Massachusetts and offers intensive business training, mentorship, and access to a broad network of professional support. They have offices in New Bedford, Lowell, Pittsfield, Holyoke, Roxbury, Lynn, Worcester, and Hyannis.
Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE)
The Center for Women & Enterprise supports women entrepreneurs through business workshops, one-on-one consulting, and guidance on Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. CWE serves both startups and established businesses.
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
MGCC offers financial assistance to small businesses, including grants and loan guarantees. Their programs are particularly helpful for minority- and women-owned businesses and those facing economic hardship.
Local Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce are excellent connectors to the local business community. They often offer networking events, advocacy, and promotional tools to help businesses gain visibility. On the US Chambers of Commerce website, you can find a list of Chambers in Massachusetts. Some organizations not listed on the US Chambers of Commerce site include the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts which offer many similar benefits as a traditional chamber of commerce.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
CDFIs provide capital and coaching to small businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Many work closely with businesses in low-income and underserved communities.
One great example of a CDFI in Massachusetts is the LEAF Fund. LEAF provides financing and development assistance to cooperatives and social purpose ventures that create and retain jobs for low-income people. As part of their advisory services, LEAF offers the free Elevate Small Business program, which consists of a team of highly-skilled financial analysts to help small businesses find solutions to their financial challenges while uncovering growth opportunities.
City and Town Specific Small Business Programs
Did you know that you could get resources available to you right in your Massachusetts city or town? For example, businesses located in the town of Clinton may be eligible for a matching grant up to $3,000, covering up to 85% of the cost for exterior property improvements. Qualifying upgrades include façade enhancements, signage, awnings, architectural lighting, flower boxes, outdoor dining areas, painting, masonry repointing, and accessibility improvements.
In New Bedford, you could receive a kick-starter grant of up to $10,000 for your startup if you are less than two years old and based in New Bedford. This program is part of the New Bedford Economic Development Council’s offerings.
It is worth taking time to look at your local city or town where you reside or where your business is located. You may be surprised to find that there are resources available to you at no or low cost.
Legal Assistance for Small Businesses in Massachusetts
Boston College offers two clinics for startups seeking legal assistance. The Community Enterprise Clinic (CEC) provides legal representation to small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs in the Greater Boston area who are unable to afford private legal services. And the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Clinic (EIC) provides transactional legal services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and innovative nonprofits in the Greater Boston area that are unable to afford private legal counsel. The clinic supports clients with legal needs related to launching and running their ventures.
Havard Law School offers similar low-cost programs available to small businesses in Massachusetts. The Transactional Law Clinics at Harvard Law School serve clients throughout Greater Boston.
What Else Should We Add?
Massachusetts offers one of the most supportive ecosystems for small business owners in the country. From funding and mentorship to maps and training, these tools are here to help you start strong and grow with confidence. Did we miss any resources we should add to this post? Let us know.
