Backstage Salon Stylists and Owner

Small Business Resource Guide

Resource Guides

Organization Area of Service Phone Number Description
Manufacturing in Mass Statewide 800-445-8030 One-stop site for Massachusetts manufacturers for a direct connection to all the resources available to help support and grow their businesses.
Mass BizWorks Statewide 800-252-1591 Connects businesses to many money-saving services and resources offered through state workforce development, economic development and education partners.

Mass.gov Business Portal

Statewide  

An online resource providing information, tools and more for existing or start-up businesses.

The US Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Resource Guide, Massachusetts Edition, 2020 Statewide 617-565-5590 The US Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Resource Guide, Massachusetts Edition, 2020

Hiring & Recruiting 

Mass. Dept of Career Services -- MassHire Career Centers

Statewide

617-541-1400

MassHire Career Centers offer employment and training services for job seekers and employers.

Mass. Dept. of Career Services -- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) 

Statewde

617-626-5353

WOTC is a federal tax credit incentive that employers may receive for hiring individuals from certain groups that have consistently faced barriers to employment.

MassHire JobQuest for Employers

Statewide

617-626-6571

An online resource to post job openings.

Massachusetts State Colleges and Universities

Statewide

 

An online resource to connect businesses with the talented students and graduates of Massachusetts' state colleges and universities.

 

Education

Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) Workplace Education Programs

Statewide

 

Funds eligible agencies that provide instructional services below the post-secondary level for adults (incumbent workers) in basic reading, writing and numeracy, pre-adult secondary (Pre-ASE) and adult secondary education (ASE) including preparation for high school equivalency certification. 

English for New Bostonians - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program

Boston

617-982-6860

Mission is to ensure that immigrants can access high-quality English classes to fully leverage their talents and voices across schools, workplaces, small business and civic life.

Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA)

Central Mass.

508-791-4373

Supports Southeast Asian immigrants, refugees and long-term residents to meet their basic needs, overcome language and cultural barriers, successfully integrate into mainstream society and become self-sustainable contributors in economic, social and civic life.

Workplace Training 

Commonwealth Corporation -- Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP)

Statewide

617-727-8158

Addresses business productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to Massachusetts businesses to fund training for current and newly hired employees.

Dept. of Career Services On-The-Job Training Program

Statewide

617-626-5300

Assists employers with the cost of hiring and training new employees.

Dept. of Industrial Accidents Safety Grant Program

Statewide

617-727-4900

Funds programs that reduce the risk of injury and illness to workers and promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace through training, education and other preventative measures.

Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS)

Statewide

617-626-5409

DAS is responsible for promoting, developing and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Layoff Aversion & Management

Department of Career Services (DCS) -- Rapid Response

Statewide

617-626-5703

Provides early intervention re-employment services to workers affected by companies’ downsizing plans, to eliminate the need for or shorten the duration of their unemployment.

Dept. of Unemployment Assistance Unemployment Insurance Program

Statewide

617-626-5521

Oversees the unemployment insurance (UI) program, which provides temporary income assistance to eligible workers in Massachusetts. DUA also determines and collects employer contributions to the UI program.

Dept. of Unemployment Assistance WorkShare Program

Statewide

617-626-5521

The WorkShare program offers assistance to businesses with layoff aversion, bringing back furloughed employees and/or hiring new employees on a reduced basis to incentivize a return to work. 

Business Development & Technical Assistance

Artmorpheus

Boston

617-456-1131

Fosters inclusive creative communities, economic development and innovation by providing under-represented artists and creative entrepreneurs with resources that help them take their ideas and enterprises to the next level.

CommonWealth Kitchen

Boston

617-626-5353

A food-business incubator with a mission to transform the local food economy by strengthening capacity, creating connections and unleashing the collective power of diverse entrepreneurs to start and grow successful food businesses.

Community Economic Development Center

Southeastern Mass.

508-979-4684

Mission is to create a more just local economy by building bridges to resources, networks and cooperative action for new immigrants and working families to find their way to economic opportunity.

Community Teamwork

Lowell

978-459-0551

Mission is to mobilize resources for low-income people, providing opportunities for them to achieve stability and self-sufficiency and have an active voice and participation in the decisions that affect their lives.

Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)

Eastern Mass.

833-336-7255

Mission is to accelerate economic and social impact in communities nationwide through inclusive entrepreneurship.

 

Franklin County Community Development Corporation

Northwestern Mass.

413-774-7204

Mission is to stimulate a more vital rural economy, to maximize community control over future economic destiny and to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

Hilltown Community Development Corporation

Western Mass.

413-296-4536

Seeks to improve the quality of life for Hilltown residents by addressing economic, housing, educational, social and community needs while preserving the rural character of the area.

Interise

Boston

617-350-6300

Mission is to create an inclusive economy by supporting established small businesses that are located in low-income communities or are minority owned. 

Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation

Boston

617-522-2424

Mission is to transform the lives and amplify the voices of Boston residents who have been excluded from prosperity by an inequitable economic system.

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP)

Statewide

508-831-7020

Dedicated to helping small- to mid-sized manufacturers across Massachusetts in various parts of their businesses, with the ultimate goal of helping them to achieve growth.

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MOCA)

Statewide

413-662-2111

Helps artists and their supporters create and show important new work, bringing visual and performing art in all stages of production, while also creating a center of creativity and commerce that brings life and economic vibrancy to its hometown.

Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)

Statewide

617-973-8600

Assists businesses relocating to Massachusetts as well as businesses wishing to expand their current operations, with specific attention paid to jobs created, jobs retained and capital invested.

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Statewide

508-870-0312

Supports business formation and growth in the state’s technology sector through building strategies, strengthening connections, assisting companies, making investments and leading programs.

Merrimack Valley Strong Merrimack Valley 978-374-0519 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. 

NewVue Communities

Northern Central Mass.

978-342-9561

Dedicated to creating strong and healthy neighborhoods where residents choose to live, work and invest.

North Shore Community Development Coalition

North Shore

978-745-8071

Uses a community-focused development model to invest resources into low-income or distressed neighborhoods on the North Shore to improve the quality of life for residents.

Nuestras Raices

Holyoke

413-535-1789

Mission is to create healthy environments, celebrate “agri-culture," harness collective energy and advance a vision of a just and sustainable future.

Operational Service Division

Statewide

617-720-3300

Offers assistance with commerce between government and businesses.

Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation

Western Mass.

413-449-9371

Primary purpose is to further the economic development and social welfare of the City of Pittsfield and Berkshire County to increase employment opportunities and facilitate growth and development of small businesses.

Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation Quaboag Region, Southern Worcester County 413-967-3001

Committed to economic development and helping small businesses grow and prosper, serving the towns of the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County.

SCORE

Statewide

 

Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.

South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)

Central Mass.

508-872-4853

Works to improve equity, wellness and quality of life for diverse individuals and families by providing advocacy, education and a wide range of services, building a community of support and inclusion and creating awareness to combat poverty through partnerships and coalitions with other organizations.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

Statewide

413-545-6301

Provides free, confidential, one-to-one business assistance and free or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing small businesses throughout the Commonwealth.

US Small Business Administration (SBA)

Statewide

617-565-5590

SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand or recover.

Valley Community Development Center

Western Mass.

413-586-5855

Seeks to empower low- and moderate-income people and underserved populations by focusing on three areas of community development: housing services, affordable housing development and small business development.

Mass Workforce Association

Statewide

617-263-3388

A statewide membership association that leads, advocates and convenes on behalf of the Massachusetts workforce development system.

Compliance Guidance

Dept. of Labor Standards -- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Consultation Program

Statewide

508-616-0461

Offers free OSHA consultation services to help businesses recognize and control potential safety and health hazards, with the goal of preventing injuries and illnesses that may come about due to hazardous workplace conditions and practices.

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

Statewide

646-264-3170

OFCCP holds those who do business with the federal government (contractors and subcontractors) responsible for complying with the legal requirement to take affirmative action and not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

 

Veteran-Owned Business Resources

US Small Business Administration (SBA), Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), and Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

Statewide

 

Equips veteran and active duty service members and their families with the resources to help them start and run their businesses.

Women-Owned Business Resources

Amber Grant    

These grants recognizes the diversity of businesses owned by women, with grants each month.

Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE)

Statewide

Eastern Mass. Office: 617-536-0700

Central Mass. Office: (508) 363-2300

Helps aspiring women entrepreneurs and business owners launch and grow their businesses, providing greater access to resources, tools and support.

Grameen America      Helps women of color, immigrants and non-English speakers who live in poverty and/or have a low income to get the capital they need to start a business.

Business Organizations

Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)

Statewide

617-262-1180

Helps businesses of all sizes and types navigate an increasingly complex business world, from public policy advocacy to insurance, training and HR services.

Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC)

Statewide

617-578-8900

Advances business opportunities for certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises.

Massachusetts Chambers of Commerce

Statewide

 

Promote and protect the interests of businesses in their communities.

Health & Employee Options

Health Connector

Statewide

 

Created in 2006 to provide high-value coverage to individuals and small businesses in the Commonwealth and to serve as a policy and outreach hub for both state and federal health reforms designed to expand and improve coverage.

MassRIDES

Statewide

617-578-8900

Free program of MassDOT that works with both employers and commuters within Massachusetts to promote the use of commuting options.

MGCC Partners

Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC)

Statewide

617-426-0303

Seeks to build and sustain a high performing and adaptive community development sector that is supported by private and public investment and sound public policies.

Massachusetts Economic Development Council (MassEDC)

Statewide

508-755-5734

A nonprofit, membership organization committed to fostering leadership and excellence in economic development professionals for the benefit of their communities and its partners in Massachusetts. 

Financial Resources

Accion

Statewide

866-245-0783

Aims to serve those who are left out of, or poorly served by, the formal financial system. 

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

Boston

617-825-4200

Works closely with neighborhoods, residents, businesses and partners to access resources to develop and preserve home ownership and rental housing across income levels, create and sustain economic development opportunities for businesses and individuals and build community through organizing, civic engagement and leadership development.

Economic Development & Industrial Corporation (EDIC) of Lynn

Lynn

781-581-9399

Offers financial tools and capabilities from the public sector's vantage point that private developers need at their disposal.

Fall River Office of Economic Development

Fall River

508-324-2620

 

New Bedford Economic Development Council, Inc. (NBEDC)

New Bedford

508-991-3122

To cultivate and promote a transparent, credible and business-friendly environment, the NBEDC works collaboratively with local, state and federal partners to support creativity, sustainable job growth and private sector investment benefiting the citizens of New Bedford.

Resources for Communities and People (RCAP) Solutions

Central Mass.

 

Helping individuals, families, communities and small business owners with a wide range of housing and other beneficial services for almost a half a century.

South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED)

Southeastern Mass.

508-822-1020

Mission is to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies and create jobs by financing all types of small businesses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with loan programs ranging from $1,000 micro loans to $5.5 million SBA 504 loans.

BDC Capital Financing Solutions

Statewide

781-928-1100

Provides financing and investment capital for growing companies in New England.

MassDevelopment

Statewide

1-800-445-8030

Offers financing and real estate solutions to support companies and nonprofits, increase housing, eliminate blight and drive economic growth across Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (Mass CEC)

Statewiide

617-315-9300

Works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Coastal Community Capital

Cape and Islands

508-790-2921

Non-profit community development lender serving businesses, providing commercial lending expertise and promoting economic development through small business growth.

Community Development Partnership

Cape and Islands

508-240-7873

Promotes, develops and manages affordable housing, nurtures the launch and growth of small businesses and facilitates collaboration with business, non-profit and government partners on the Lower Cape.

The Carrot Project

Statewide

617-674-2371

Mission is to support agricultural businesses, securing their futures by breaking down financial barriers, and build their path to sustainability, as business advisors and through education, advocacy and research.

Cooperative Fund of New England

Statewide

910-395-6008

Works for economic, social and racial justice by advancing community-based, cooperative and democratically owned or managed enterprises with a preference to assisting cooperatives in low-income communities.

Mill Cities Community Investment (Lowell Community Loan Fund)

Northeastern Mass.

978-258-2772

Latino leaders founded MCCI in 2008 to bridge the capital access gap in low- to moderate-income and under-resourced communities.

Hispanic American Institute

Statewide

617-637-6403   

Promotes social, educational and economic development in Hispanic communities in the continental US, Puerto Rico and Latin America.

Legal Assistance

Lawyers for Civil Rights

Statewide

617-482-1145

Works with communities of color and immigrants to fight discrimination and foster equity through legal advocacy, education and economic empowerment.

Federal

US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Lead Hazard Reduction & Housing-Related Hazards Programs 

 

Nationwide

202- 708-0685

Funding opportunities that will make homes healthier and safer for low-income families.

Deadlines:

For state and local governments: March 14, 2023

For public housing agencies: April 13, 2023

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Grants, Funding and Technical Assistance Nationwide 800-962-6215 A competition to select multiple grantmakers around the nation to reduce barriers to the application process communities face and increase the efficiency of the awards process for environmental justice grants. 
US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program Nationwide   The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.