15 Small Business Owners Share Why It’s Important to Support Local Businesses in 2025

May 7, 2025  | 

At Massachusetts Business Network, we’re all about celebrating entrepreneurship and local businesses. As we honor National Small Business Week, we’re highlighting and amplifying incredible small business owners based in the Bay State as they answer this question:

What does being a small business owner in Massachusetts mean to you?

Learn about talented business owners throughout the area and what they value the most about working for themselves.

Perspective from Massachusetts Business Owners

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means having access to a variety of free resources for support as an entrepreneur.

When I first started my business full time, I started attending networking events to try to get my name out there and joining women-centered networking groups first like the Young Professional Women’s Association of Worcester & Women In Business Sturbridge allowed me to make more entrepreneurial friends and truly find my people.

Beyond that – owning my business in Massachusetts has opened up the doors to pitch competitions & accelerator programs by EForAll Greater Worcester, to having a free business advisor & workshops through Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University, having opportunities to both learn from and teach classes for the Center for Women & Enterprise in Worcester, and countless opportunities to give back on a regular basis to non-profits like DetecTogether, Our Bright Future & our local United Way organizations.

Being based in Central MA, I found such a supportive community for entrepreneurs right in Worcester, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” – Tara Ostromecky, Founder & CEO of Makin’ It Marketing

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means having the freedom to build something on my terms while helping other businesses cut through financial confusion and take control of their numbers. I’ve built my business to provide the kind of support I wish more entrepreneurs had—clear, no-BS guidance that makes bookkeeping and strategy less stressful and more empowering. I know firsthand how overwhelming running a business can be, especially when it comes to finances, which is why I’ve made it my mission to help business owners make confident, informed decisions. Owning my own business gives me the flexibility to serve my clients in a way that actually works for them—without the outdated, rigid systems that don’t fit real-world entrepreneurship. It’s about creating something better, not just for me, but for the businesses I support.” – Beckie Nelson, Founder of Balanced Office Solutions, Inc.

“Being a business owner allows me flexibility to be there for my two young children. I am able to make my own schedule, say no to jobs that don’t work for my family, choose the locations that I work in, and be there when my family needs me. I’m able to chaperone field trips, bring the kids to doctors’ appointments, and stay home sick with them. It also means that I’m the default parent for all of these things. While it is a blessing, as a photographer, I am in a service industry–if I don’t work, I don’t get paid. It means I also miss bedtimes and weekend activities and need to answer emails on my phone around my kids. Its a trade off.” – Whitney O’Brien, Owner & Photographer at Whitney O’Brien Photography

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means showing up, building something meaningful, and making an impact—on my clients, my community, and other women in business. Massachusetts has such a rich history of entrepreneurship and innovation, and being part of that as a woman-owned business feels both exciting and important.

For me, it’s about helping businesses cut through the noise with clear, strategic marketing while also creating space for more women to lead, build, and thrive. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it—especially when I get to mentor other women, collaborate with amazing people, and see brands grow because of the work I do.” – Courtney Greenwood, Founder of Greenwood Marketing Collective

“Being a business owner in Massachusetts means seeing a direct impact of my work in my community. Running into clients at the grocery store. Celebrating their wins. Supporting each other and building my professional and personal network.” – Chris O’Brien, President of Dative, Inc.

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts empowers me to make a meaningful impact—not only on our local economy and community but also in the lives of women wanting to optimize their health and wellness. It is a privilege to lead by example, showing younger and underserved females that their dreams are possible and their gifts are very much needed. Entrepreneurship allows me to create opportunities, foster connection, and inspire lasting change. I’m passionate about building a legacy that uplifts and supports women in every aspect of their well-being!” – Kristen Reed, Founder & CEO of Nursing Your Way to Wellness

“Being a female business owner means that I can bring my own ideas to life and feel proud that I am able to support and also learn from so many other local female businesses. I get to witness so many women supporting one another and sending the love.” – Christine Coen, Owner & Founder of Buttercup Boxes of Love

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means having the opportunity to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact in my community and throughout the state. It is truly gratifying to help families begin their journey toward financial literacy and to support so many on the path to financial security.

For me, it’s not just about closing a sale—it’s about listening, mentoring, and guiding my clients toward their objectives and what they’re truly trying to achieve. I bring a different perspective to the table and, in many cases, I can relate to my clients because I’ve walked in their shoes. Those shared experiences fuel my passion to share knowledge and create financial literacy—one family at a time.

Massachusetts offers a powerful platform for women entrepreneurs, and I’m proud to be part of a network that is breaking barriers, building legacies, and lifting others along the way.” – Stacey Busby, Principal of Outsource Solution Strategies, LLC

“Being a small business owner on the tip of Cape Cod is about more than just running a company—it’s about becoming a vital part of a coastal community, its seasonal ebb and flow, and a unique blend of opportunity and challenge.

There’s deep satisfaction in helping a stressed community thrive in a place where economic pressures and seasonal shifts can weigh heavily. By building a business that endures beyond the summer rush, you create year-round jobs that do more than pay the bills—they lift people up. A steady job can provide stability for a family, a chance for someone to put down roots, or even a lifeline for a neighbor who might otherwise leave the Cape. Every hire, every sale, every loyal customer becomes a thread in the fabric of a stronger, more resilient community.

For me, success as a small business owner isn’t just measured in profit—it’s in the impact you have. It’s a chance to turn a passion into a livelihood, to chase your dreams while helping others build theirs, too.” – Greg Salvatori, Owner of Dog Anchor

“Being a small business owner means building something from the ground up that reflects my values, creativity, and heart. It’s about showing up every day – through the highs and lows with grit, passion, and purpose. I get to create a space that supports my community and offers something truly unique. It also means having the freedom to explore opportunities, create, and problem solve in ways that feel aligned with my vision. I wear a million hats and make tough decisions, but it’s all worth it. It’s not just work – it’s a reflection of who I am and what I believe in.” – Sarah Mason, Owner of Cape Cod Nail Co.

“For me, being a female business owner in Massachusetts is about creating a life and career that feels truly aligned with my values, my creativity, and my family. After over a decade in the corporate world—where women don’t always get to call the shots—starting Middle Child Design Studio has been one of the most empowering chapters of my life. I’ve built a space where I can collaborate with out-of-the-box thinkers who are passionate about doing good in the world, and that has been incredibly fulfilling.

Running my own business has given me the flexibility to build a life that honors both my creativity and my family. As a mom, it’s especially meaningful to show my son that entrepreneurship is not only possible, but also fulfilling and sustainable. I want him to grow up knowing that creative and alternative careers are not just dreams—they’re real paths you can take and thrive in.

One of the greatest joys of my work is collaborating with other business owners. Helping bring their visions to life—and seeing their faces light up when they see their new branding or website—is honestly the best feeling in the world. At Middle Child Design Studio, everything is handcrafted with heart, strategy, and curiosity. I’m proud to be part of a community of strong, business-minded women in Massachusetts living life on their own terms.” – Kirsten Pereira, Founder of Middle Child Design Studio

“Being a small business owner in Massachusetts means being deeply rooted in a place that values history, resilience, and community. It’s about creating sacred space for modern priestesses, lightworkers, and soul-led entrepreneurs to be seen, heard, and felt in a noisy world.

It means using my gifts to support spiritually aligned women as they launch and grow their podcasts—not just for the sake of content, but as a soul mission to share their wisdom, stories, and healing with others.

In Massachusetts, where the land holds powerful ancestral energy, I feel connected to something bigger—like I’m continuing a legacy of strong women who spoke their truth even when it wasn’t easy. Through my business, I help others do the same: rise up, speak out, and serve with confidence.” – Kim Parkinson, Podcast Producer at KP Creative Media

“Being a small business owner in Massachusetts comes with great freedom, but also great responsibility. Here at Workspace we consider ourselves to be in the hospitality business, not the real estate business. The satisfaction of our members is top of mind each and every day. Providing a clean, quiet, comfortable space for our members to remain productive is our daily charge.” – Justin Moran, Owner of Workspace

“For me, being a small business owner in my home state of Massachusetts is all about freedom and flexibility. Whether that’s with my schedule and working hours, the types of projects I take on, how I allocate my resources, or with whom I choose to work, owning my own business and being my own boss provides me with that freedom and flexibility I never got while working elsewhere as an employee. It also means I take more pride in my work and feel more personal satisfaction when clients are happy with my services because, as a solopreneur, I was wholly responsible for their experience and have built my business from scratch!” – Dominique Goyette-Connerty, Owner of Evergreen Marketing

“As a brand and marketing service provider and fellow small business owner, it’s all about championing the small and local businesses. I genuinely see small businesses as the fabric that keeps our communities together. When they thrive, we are a kinder place to live and shop.

The ability and chance to help another owner find and develop branded messaging that starts authentic engagement with their core customers is everything, along with simply getting the word out about what they do and why you should check them out.

I love being small business owner, just one of the diverse businesses in our state and can’t ever seeing going back to the corporate world. “ – Kris Kiehn, Founder and Chief Brand Officer at Simply K2 Marketing

How to Get Support as a Massachusetts Business Owner

Our biggest goal at Massachusetts Business Network is to provide a platform to organizations who are looking to amplify their voices, spread their stories, and connect with individuals throughout the state. If there’s any way we can support you, or if you have an idea in mind for collaboration, please feel free to fill out our contact form.

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