While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places.
Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations:
- State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
- Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
- Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
- State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get free help at the Mass. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network can help you establish and expand a business through management and technical assistance programs for the aspiring and existing small business owner.I recommend: The main SBDC site for Massachusetts will connect you to the help you need.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.I recommend: These are SCORE Massachusetts offices: Beverly - NE Massachusetts SCORE; Boston - Boston SCORE; Hyannis - Cape Cod SCORE; Springfield- W. Massachusetts SCORE.
Connect with state programs through the Business Resource Team
The Massachusetts Business Resource Team will help you identify state programs and services that can help you.I recommend: You'll find it in the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. Or contact the Business Resource Team with your specific request. Get help with permits, site selection, tax incentives, hiring, financing and relocation.
Connect to a Massachusetts small business resource portal
Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for Massachusetts can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
- Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
- The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
- Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.
the Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers page at Business.com
Financial Management with The Living Balance Sheet
Big Strategies for Small Business. Insights You haven't heard before. Structure your Business Finances with one system. Get Started Today.
www.thelivingbalancesheet.com
Big Strategies for Small Business. Insights You haven't heard before. Structure your Business Finances with one system. Get Started Today.
www.thelivingbalancesheet.com
Windows Server® 2008 R2 - Free Download
Reduce Costs & Increase Efficiencies Across Your Enterprise. Download Today!
Try It Out | Read White Paper | Get Cost Savings | Learn More
Microsoft.com/WindowsServer2008
Reduce Costs & Increase Efficiencies Across Your Enterprise. Download Today!
Try It Out | Read White Paper | Get Cost Savings | Learn More
Microsoft.com/WindowsServer2008
AT&T Enterprise Solutions
The Most Innovative Network Mngmnt Capabilities in Telecommunications.
att.com/enterprise
The Most Innovative Network Mngmnt Capabilities in Telecommunications.
att.com/enterprise
Xerox SMB Printers
Find Affordable Business Printers. Visit the Official Xerox Site.
Multifunction | Printers | Copiers | Software
www.Xerox.com/Office
Find Affordable Business Printers. Visit the Official Xerox Site.
Multifunction | Printers | Copiers | Software
www.Xerox.com/Office
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
