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Small Business Resources

We know COVID-19 presents unique challenges for small businesses. We're pulling together resources and tools to help. We will continue to update this list as we learn of new resources available throughout the Commonwealth.

Please be advised, MGCC is not affiliated with any of the listed programs and we are unable to provide one-on-one assistance for these programs.

Financial Relief Programs

Application Opens Application Deadline Program Description/Who Can Apply?
Open Ongoing Boston Local Development Corporation Loan

For small businesses operating in the City of Boston, those seeking to relocate or those creating a new enterprise in the city. The borrower may be a corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietor or, in some instances, a realty trust.

Spanish translation available.

Open Ongoing Kiva Crowdfunded Loan

To apply, you must be living in the US, you must be at least 18 years old, and you must use this loan for business purposes

Spanish translation available.

Open Ongoing Mainvest Crowdfunded Loan

An investment platform that connects brick-and-mortar businesses with investors.

 

General Resources

Type Date(s) Description & Link
Free intensive Training program Next cohort runs July -December 2023

T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined

TRAIN. HOPE. RISE. INNOVATE. VENTURE. ELEVATE (T.H.R.I.V.E.) is the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) executive-level training series designed to develop strong leaders and accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses across the US.

Sign up to learn when the application portal opens for 2023

Resource site N/A

Coronavirus Toolkit

Resources from the US Chamber of Commerce to help as many businesses, families and industries as possible endure the financial hardships caused by the pandemic and return to work in a safe and sustainable way. 

Find resources here.

Free online courses N/A

DreamBuilder

Free online courses teaching skills to start or grow a business. Available in English and Spanish.

Learn more or sign up here.

Resource site N/A

Federal Resource Site for US Small Businesses 

An official federal resource for US small businesses affected by COVID-19, powered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Find resources here.

Free online courses N/A

Grow with Google

Training, tools and resources to help users grow their skills, careers or businesses.

Find resources here.

Resource site N/A

MassChallenge

Dedicated to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through collaboration and development.

Learn more here

Resource site N/A

MassChallenge Startup Tools

A brief description of some tools that startups can use to succeed in the areas of market research/validation, project management, communications, scheduling, social media, content marketing, sales, training, customer success and more. 

Find resources here.

Free small business support N/A

Merrimack Valley Strong

Supports businesses that create a prosperous and resilient economy in the Merrimack Valley, offering a one-stop resource with municipal contacts, zoning designations, community information and properties available for sale and for lease. 

Learn more or apply here

Free online courses N/A

Meta Blueprint (Formerly Facebook Blueprint)

Offers online learning courses, training programs and certifications that can help users get the most out of Meta marketing platforms.

Learn more or sign up here

Free business newsletter N/A

Midnight Oil

Business advice, delivered weekly, from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more or sign up here.

 

Resource site N/A

The National Women's Business Council (NWBC)

A non-partisan federal advisory committee serving as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the US President, Congress and the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration on issues of importance to women business owners and entrepreneurs.

Find resources here.

Resource site N/A

MA Small Biz Reopening Guide

Helps small business owners in Massachusetts figure out how to reopen their business following the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary safeguards implemented by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Find resource here.

Resource site N/A

Cambridge College Resource Library for Business Development Program

Connects consultants, technical assistance providers and students to a variety of learning tools, including sample documents and industry trend topics.

Find resources here.

Resource site N/A

Small Business Administration (SBA) Learning Platform

SBA's online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way.

Find resources here.

Resource site N/A

SCORE

Mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education.

Find resources here

Webinars N/A

SCORE Workshops

Free and low-cost educational workshops that provide valuable information necessary for establishing and managing a successful business.

Learn more or sign up here.

Resource site N/A

Small Business Strong

A non-profit organization empowered to help women- and minority-owned small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find resources here.

Resource site N/A

Tech Goes Home: Small Business Resources

Empowers communities to access and use digital tools to overcome barriers and advance lives.

Find resources here

Free online curriculum Ongoing

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

Free online curriculum with courses, expert coaching, peer networking and exclusive incentives and grant opportunities.

 Learn more or sign up here.