The advantages of doing business in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you’ll have access to a world class workforce, the premier education system in the county, extensive transportation infrastructure, excellent quality of life, incentives and resources for businesses, and more!

Forming a business: Step-by-step guide

When you start a business, you need to do more than decide whether to incorporate or not; you need to choose a name and register with various federal, state and local agencies. You may also need certain licenses and permits.


Find a business site

If your company expanding or relocating, this MassEcon statewide Site Finder can help you find the right site in Massachusetts to meet your facility needs. Search a database of buildings with at least 25,000 square feet of available space; land sites of 5 acres and above; and land sites that can support a build-out of at least 25,000 square feet. A staff-assisted customized search is also available.


Regional profiles

Locate the region in Massachusetts with the workforce, infrastructure and other characteristics best suited to your business.

Cities and towns

This is your resource for finding official information on the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Infrastructure

By land, sea or air, Massachusetts has an extensive shipping, distribution and transportation infrastructure to support your business needs.


Professional services for starting a business

Starting a business is a complicated process. Many of the steps involved may require the assistance of a trained professional. The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) recommends that you contact an accountant, an attorney and an insurance agent before starting your business.

Crunching the numbers

Learn about determining your annual accounting period (tax year), accounting methods, inventory methods, tax planning, deducting research and development expenditures, property tax deductions, and more.

Preparing for financing

You do not need a business plan or outside consultants to know that every business needs money to operate. However, the amount needed and the time period for which the funds are required may vary for many reasons. Plan ahead and do not let your financial requirements surprise you. Arranging financing takes time, and rushing decisions can be costly.

Help for small businesses and startups

Many government, nonprofit and volunteer organizations help new businesses get going and help small businesses succeed. Learn more here.


Economic development and financial support

State and nonprofit agencies provide a variety of economic development and financial assistance programs to help you start, sustain, or grow your business. Learn more here.


Business licenses, permits and regulations

Find out how to obtain business licenses and permits, and learn about complying with business laws and regulations at all levels of government -- local, state, and federal. This section has information on general and industry-based regulations, as well as information on the licenses, permits, and certifications needed to conduct specific business activities. 


Business and employer obligations

Find information on state trustee taxes, business income tax requirements, the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance law administered by the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA), the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), Worker’s Compensation law, payroll taxes, new hire reporting, and employer responsibility under the Massachusetts Health Care Reform law.

Taxes for businesses and employers

The specific state and federal taxes you are required to pay, and associated insurance and reporting obligations, depend on your type of business and whether you have employees. Learn more here.


Employer's guide to Massachusetts laws and regulations

Here you'll find information on the laws and regulations that apply to hiring and employing workers in Massachusetts.