Community · Resources

Free business resources for Massachusetts.

A curated directory of trusted, no-cost resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Commonwealth — from one-on-one SBDC advising to chambers, workforce programs, and state agencies that exist to help you grow.

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Massachusetts SBDC — Central Regional Office

Hosted at Clark University

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network's Central Regional Office, hosted at Clark University in Worcester, delivers free, confidential, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs across Central Massachusetts. Funded in part by the U.S. SBA and the Commonwealth, advisors help with everything from launching a new venture to scaling an established business.

Free 1:1 confidential business advising
Help with business plans, financial projections & loan packages
Market research & access to industry databases
Workshops and training across the region

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Featured resource

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Serving communities across Central Massachusetts, the Worcester Regional Chamber connects local businesses with networking, advocacy, education, and visibility. Whether you're a founder looking to build relationships or an established business seeking a stronger voice on Beacon Hill, the Chamber is a foundational community resource.

Networking events, ribbon cuttings & business after hours
Legislative advocacy at the state and local level
Member directory exposure for local discovery
Educational programs & workforce initiatives

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Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce champions businesses across the Greater Gardner region, building stronger connections between local employers, civic leaders, and the community. A trusted partner for entrepreneurs and established businesses in North Central Massachusetts.

Networking and member events across Greater Gardner
Local advocacy and small business support
Community visibility through Chamber directory
Workforce and education partnerships

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North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Representing businesses across communities in North Central Massachusetts, the North Central Mass Chamber provides advocacy, networking, workforce programs, and economic development resources to help member businesses thrive in the region.

Regional networking events and programs
Advocacy on local, state and federal issues
Workforce development and training initiatives
Economic development and small business support

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More free resources

State agencies, federal programs & regional partners

Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)

A statewide one-stop point of contact connecting businesses with the resources, tax incentives, real estate options, and permitting assistance they need to grow in Massachusetts.

Site selection & expansion assistance
State tax credit & financing program guidance
Regional directors covering every part of MA

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MassHire — Workforce & Hiring

MassHire Career Centers help businesses find, train, and retain talent — at no cost. Use them to post jobs, recruit, and access workforce training grants.

Free job posting & candidate matching
Workforce Training Fund grants for upskilling
On-the-job training reimbursement programs

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SCORE — Mentors to America's Small Business

A nationwide network of volunteer business mentors offering free, confidential mentoring — in person and online — plus free workshops and templates.

Free 1:1 mentoring from experienced operators
Live and on-demand workshops
Library of free templates, guides & checklists

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MassDevelopment

The Commonwealth's finance and development agency. Provides loans, bond financing, real estate services, and technical assistance to businesses and nonprofits across Massachusetts.

Tax-exempt bonds & direct lending
Real estate development & brownfields support
Predevelopment grants for community projects

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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) — Massachusetts

The federal SBA Massachusetts District Office connects entrepreneurs to capital (7(a), 504, microloans), federal contracting opportunities, disaster assistance, and a network of resource partners.

SBA-backed loan programs
Federal contracting certifications (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone)
Disaster recovery loans

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Mass.gov — Start, Operate & Grow

The state's official business portal. Register your business, file taxes, look up licensing requirements, and access programs across every state agency from one place.

Business entity registration & DBAs
Licensing & permitting lookups
Tax registration through MassTaxConnect

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North Central MA Development Corporation

A regional non-profit focused on economic development across North Central Massachusetts. Offers small business loans, technical assistance, and regional planning support.

Small business loan programs
Technical assistance for North Central MA businesses
Regional partnerships & advocacy

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Mount Wachusett Community College — Workforce Training

Our partner MWCC offers workforce development, professional certificates, and customized corporate training to help businesses build the skills they need locally.

Customized corporate training
Industry-recognized certificates
Apprenticeship & workforce pipeline programs

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Not sure where to start?

Book a free coaching session with WBI. We'll listen to where you are, and point you to the exact resource — local or statewide — that fits your next step.

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