Business requirements
SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.
Business name and registration
Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Business licensing and zoning
Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business.
Taxes
Massachusetts Taxpayer Assistance Centers
15 New Sudbury St.
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: 617-316-2850
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
100 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-887-6367
Health and safety
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD)
One Ashburton Place, Suite 2112
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-626-7122
OSHA Office Area
138 River Rd., Suite 102
Andover, MA 01810
Phone: 978-837-4460
State small business profiles
Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.
Local assistance
Need help? Get free business counseling in your area.SBA lending in our area
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Loan programs
Learn more about SBA's 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans that you can use for your business. -
Local lenders
Download a list of participating lenders in our area. -
Lender Match
Describe your business needs and get matched with an SBA-backed lender in your area. -
Lending activity reports
View 7(a) and 504 lending activity reports from our district.
Additional local resources
- Business Resources at Mass.gov
- Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
- Massachusetts State Legislature
- Massachusetts Secretary of State - Corporations Division
- Starting a business in Boston
- Starting a business in Worcester
- Small business assistance in Springfield
- Massachusetts Bar Association: Lawyer Referral Service
- Massachusetts Society of CPAs - Find a CPA
- Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
- Boston Interactive Media Association
- Possible Zone
- Commonwealth Corporation
- Boston Public Library
- Latino Economic Development Corp
- Black Economic Council of MA
- Berkshire Black Economic Council
- Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM)
- Metro South Chamber of Commerce
- Better Business Bureau in Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT
- Better Business Bureau in Worcester
- Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Download our guide to SBA resources
Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.