It’s no secret that building and running a business can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the entrepreneurship game. Between finding out how to attract new clients and customers, determining what to charge, learning about contracts, planning your marketing, and more, there are a lot of things you’ll need to know. Even more so, you won’t know how to do everything on your own — and that’s okay.
There are several free organizations throughout Massachusetts that offer business support and guidance for business owners just like you to take advantage of. Check out what they are and learn how you can get started working with one.
SCORE
SCORE is a nationwide organization full of business mentors who volunteer their time to help businesses get off the ground and grow, at no cost to the business owners who use their services. These services include:
- Mentoring
- Webinars and Courses
- Online Resources
- Events
With dozens of locations across Massachusetts, you’re able to find an office that’s close to you for easy accessibility, although many mentoring sessions also take place online.
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)
EforAll is an organization primarily located in the Northeast region of the United States, with a few other communities in various parts of the country, that seeks to “accelerate economic and social impact in communities nationwide through inclusive entrepreneurship.” Focused on offering a business accelerator, pitch contests, and workshops, EforAll provides various programs to any individual who has a desire to start or grow a business.
Their business accelerator, offered as a one-year program twice per year in a cohort format, is their most popular option, providing immersive business training and mentorship.
EforAll has eight locations across Massachusetts to serve a variety of communities and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB is an organization that helps consumers to find businesses and nonprofits they know they can trust. For businesses, the BBB offers several beneficial services, including business accreditation, directory listings, graphic design work, workshops and events, and more.
There are two locations that cover Massachusetts:
- BBB Serving Central and Western MA and Northeastern CT
- Better Business Bureau in Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT
As a business owner, the BBB helps to instill credibility and trust for your organization while also providing you with resources to keep your business moving forward.
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC)
The MSBDC provides business owners and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. They offer consulting services to educate professionals on a variety of topics, including business growth, financing, marketing, operations, and more.
Headquartered in Amherst, MA with six regional offices and several outreach sites, the MSBDC has a big presence across the state to accommodate every community and location.
MassHire BizWorks
Offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the MassHire Department of Career Services, MassHire BizWorks aims to connect business owners to money-saving services and resources through state workforce development, economic development, and education partnerships. This organization seeks to work with businesses throughout their business cycle, therefore helping to fulfill any need that may arise.
Although MassHire BizWorks is located in Boston, they have the ability to support organizations throughout the state.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
As a nationwide organization, the SBA provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise for small businesses. With a business guide, funding programs, federal contracting, a learning platform, and local assistance, the SBA is the ultimate organization for helping businesses to start, grow, expand, or recover.
The SBA has two Massachusetts locations in Boston and Springfield to serve the entire state.
Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE)
The CWE primarily works with women business owners and aspiring women entrepreneurs to launch and grow their business by providing access to the resources, tools, and support they need to achieve their goals. This organization provides:
- Education
- Training
- Technical Assistance
- Women’s Business Enterprise Certification
With locations for Eastern Massachusetts and Central Massachusetts, the CWE’s reach spans across multiple areas in the state.
Whether you just need someone to answer a few questions you have or you’re seeking a more involved mentorship program, these organizations are here to help you reach your business dreams.