Doing business in the Massachusetts District

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.

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Local assistance

Need help? Get free business counseling in your area.

SBA lending in our area

  • Loan programs

    Loan programs icon
    Learn more about SBA's 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans that you can use for your business.
  • Local lenders

    Local lenders icon
    Download a list of participating lenders in our area.
  • Lender Match

    Lender Match icon
    Describe your business needs and get matched with an SBA-backed lender in your area.
  • Lending activity reports

    Lending activity reports icon
    View 7(a) and 504 lending activity reports from our district.

Additional local resources

Download our guide to SBA resources

Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.

Last updated March 22, 2024