Torrisi Takes Part in Small Business Coffee Hour on Beacon Hill

The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business hosted a Small Business Coffee Hour this week to give elected officials and staff members an opportunity to come together and discuss ongoing issues and challenges facing small businesses in our state as well as key legislation currently before the House and Senate. 

“As a former chairman of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business I have seen firsthand the challenges that face the small businesses throughout our state,” said Representative David Torrisi. “86% of the businesses in Massachusetts are small businesses and these companies employ over 500,000 people throughout our state.  As such, we need to help these businesses grow and develop and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed.”

The month of May is considered “Small Business Month” and a resource fair will be held at the State House to provide a place where local businesses may come by and get the information they need.  Details of that event will be shared as they become available.  Below is a list of the “Top 10 Resources for Small Businesses in Massachusetts” to provide some assistance in anticipation of the fair.

Top 10 Resources for Small Businesses in Massachusetts

1.  Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (within the Massachusetts Office of Business Development)

OSBE acts as the central resource for small businesses in Massachusetts, providing information and referrals on all programs and funding available statewide.  Call at (617)973-8543

2.  Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network provides business advising and access to capital for small businesses throughout the state.  Call at (413)545-6301

3.  United States Small Business Administration

The SBA offers technical assistance and educational programs to aid and inform small businesses throughout the country and the state.  Call at (617)565-5590

4.  SCORE

SCORE is a non-profit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  Call at (617)565-5591

5.  Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation

MGCC provides a centralized resource at the state level that offers working capital, loan guarantees, and targeted technical assistance to solve specific financial and operational problems for small businesses.  Call at (617)523-6262 

6.  Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (formerly known as SOMWBA)

The SDO specializes in assisting minority- and women- owned businesses. In conjunction with the State, the SDO spends more than $240 million a year doing business with certified minority- and women- owned businesses.  Call at (617)502-8852

7.  Small Business Purchasing Program

The Massachusetts Small Business Program (SBPP), within the Operational Services Division (OSD), was established to provide opportunities for small businesses to procure state funding.  It directs state spending for non-construction goods and services to participating Massachusetts small businesses.  Questions about SBPP may be sent to comm-pass@state.ma.us

8.  Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Corporations Division

The Corporations Division acts as a central resource for small businesses in applying for certification and other state requirements including incorporation.  Call at (617)727-9640

9.  Affordable Health Insurance for Small Business Owners and Self-Employed

The Insurance Partnership, a program created by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, makes health insurance more affordable for qualified small business owners (including the self-employed) with lower-income employees. It is not a health plan itself.  Call at (800)399-8285

10.  City of Boston Office of Business Development

The Office of Business Development (OBD) provides entrepreneurs and existing businesses with access to financial and technical resources. OBD also supports the nationally recognized Boston Main Streets program, designed to promote the continued revitalization of the City’s neighborhood commercial districts through public/private partnerships.  Call at (617)635-0355