Best Small Business Resources in the Boston Area

Description

The Small Business center through the City of Boston has mentors who entrepreneurs can meet with one-on-one, hosts workshops on various business topics, and allows for networking with other entrepreneurs after its events. All workshops are free and registration is not needed but encouraged. 

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The City of Boston has a unique program, where after submitting a form online, you can speak with and/or meet one of the local business experts. These experts can answer a wide variety of questions and are more than capable of assisting anyone who wants to start a business in the Boston area.

Restrictions

Must complete the primary inquiry form in order to speak with a city business expert

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

The Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation is similar to a Small Business Development Center in the fact that it provides one-on-one consultation with entrepreneurs. The organization also provides loans, and in the consultation process helps potential business owners get to the point where they can actually be ready to receive one of those loans or a loan from another organization. 

Restrictions

Must be for a business that will be located in the Dorchester area.

Description

The JPNDC is an organization that can assist entrepreneurs in the Jamaica Plains area. In addition to a plethora of other services, the JPNDC helps entrepreneurs through one-on-one counseling, business plan development, and legal assistance related to taxes or other city-related legal issues. 

Restrictions

Must live in Boston and have a clear idea of what your business need is. 

Description

The Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center hosts a 5,000 square foot space for doing business research, conducting business, and also learning the skills you need to be successful in starting and running your small business. The Library also hosts programming workshops and classes, has databases for local demographic and market information, and has literature on the specifics of starting a small business.