Resources for Small Businesses in Massachusetts
Office of Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship (OSBE): A Central Resource for Small Businesses, OSBE provides information on technical resources and financing as well as referrals on programs and funding sources available statewide. The OSBE has a number of agencies dedicated to promote economic development in a variety of methods. (617) 788-3606
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network: Provides business advising while focusing on business growth and strategies. Other services may include: business plan development, preventure feasibility, cash flow analysis, personnel and organizational issues, conventional and non-conventional financing, and marketing. (413) 545-6301
U.S. Small Business Administration: Aims to assist, counsel, and protect the concerns of small businesses. (800) 827-5722
SCORE (Society of Retired Executives): Provides counseling and workshops about loans, contracts, and other forms of assistance to small businesses. (800) 634-0245. Send questions to help@score.org
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation: A centralized resource at the state level that offers working capital, loan guarantees, and targeted technical assistance to solve specific financial and operational problems. MGCC will provide 50% of the cost of such assistance while the company being assisted will invest the other 50%. (617) 523-6262
Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (formerly SOMWBA): The SDO assists government agencies in meeting their affirmative purchasing and contracting goals by providing business development assistance to certified minority and women owned businesses.
Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP): Provides opportunities for small businesses to procure state funding by directing state spending for non-construction goods and services to participating Massachusetts businesses. (617) 720-3300. Send questions to COMMBUYS@state.ma.us
Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Corporations Division: A central resource for small businesses with regard to certification and other state requirements. (617) 727-9640
The Insurance Partnership: The IP helps small businesses with uninsured employees pay for health insurance. They remove many of the financial obstacles to health insurance and make it more affordable for employees. (800) 399-8285
City of Boston Office of Small Business Development (formerly OBD): Provides entrepreneurs and existing businesses with access to financial aid and technical resources. As part of the Office of Economic Development, it supports the nationally recognized Boston Main Streets Program, designed to promote the continued revitalization of the City’s neighborhood commercial districts through both public and private partnerships. (617) 635-0355
In Reading:
In North Reading: