Running a small business in Massachusetts means you’re probably doing a lot on your own. The good news is there are more free and low-cost resources available to you than most business owners realize, and many of them go almost entirely unused simply because people don’t know they exist.

Whether you’re just starting out, trying to grow, or navigating a tough stretch, these are the organizations and programs worth knowing about.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)

The MSBDC is one of the most valuable and underutilized resources in the state. They offer free, confidential, one-on-one business advising to Massachusetts small business owners at no cost, covering everything from business planning and financial projections to marketing strategy and loan preparation.

There are regional MSBDC centers across the state, so you’re not limited to one location. If you’ve never worked with a business advisor before but have questions you keep putting off, this is a great place to start. Services are funded through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is how they’re able to offer individualized advising at no charge.

SCORE

SCORE is a national nonprofit with strong regional chapters throughout Massachusetts, including Northeast Massachusetts, Boston, and Western Mass. They offer free mentoring from experienced business professionals and executives, either in person, by phone, or virtually.

Mentors are volunteers with real industry backgrounds, and sessions are genuinely useful for working through decisions, getting a second opinion, or thinking through a pivot. SCORE also hosts low-cost workshops and webinars throughout the year on topics like finance, marketing, and HR.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA’s Massachusetts District Office connects small business owners with counseling, training, and federal contracting opportunities, and they partner with the MSBDC, SCORE, and the Center for Women & Enterprise to extend their reach across the state.

If you’re exploring financing – whether that’s an SBA-backed loan, a microloan, or understanding your options – the SBA website is a solid starting point. They also have resources specifically tailored to veterans, women, and minority-owned businesses.

Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE)

The Center for Women & Enterprise is a nonprofit focused on helping women start, grow, and sustain businesses in Massachusetts and beyond. They offer training programs, workshops, and one-on-one advising, many at low or no cost.

CWE programs cover business fundamentals, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship skills, and they serve both early-stage and established business owners. If you’re a woman-owned business and haven’t connected with CWE yet, it’s worth a look.

EforAll (Entrepreneurship for All)

EforAll is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit with a growing presence across the state, including Greater Lowell, Greater Lawrence, Boston, Cape Cod, and other regions. Their accelerator programs are free and designed specifically for entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

The accelerator includes mentorship, workshops, and a small cash award for participants who complete the program. If you’re in an early stage of building your business or want structured support alongside a cohort of other entrepreneurs, EforAll is worth exploring.

MassHire Workforce Centers

MassHire career centers are a resource for both job seekers and small business owners looking to hire. If you’re preparing to bring on your first employee or expand your team, MassHire can help you post jobs, connect with candidates, and in some cases access subsidized training programs for new hires.

The Workforce Training Fund, administered through the Commonwealth Corporation, also offers grants to help businesses pay for employee training, a resource that can meaningfully offset the cost of upskilling your team.

Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Massachusetts has an exceptionally active network of local and regional chambers, and many offer more than just networking events. Member benefits often include access to workshops, business resource libraries, marketing opportunities, and connections to other local professionals who can help you navigate challenges.

Massachusetts Business Network

Massachusetts Business Network is an educational-driven, community-based platform that provides free to low-cost resources to businesses and professionals across the state. Offering monthly webinars, a business directory, a blog, a podcast, and ongoing signature content, all are designed to support your entrepreneurial journey without the high price tag.

Getting Started

Owning a small business is hard, and nobody should have to figure it all out alone. The businesses that grow are often the ones who know when to ask for help from advisors, peers, and organizations that exist precisely for this purpose.

The resources are available to you. Use them while you can.