Business Resources
Welcome to the MV Business Toolkit. A variety of resources have been compiled to help you succeed in all stages of business. Whether you want to take a concept and make it real or you are a municipality seeking to attract new businesses, this toolkit will help you navigate through the various resources available. Choose a business stage below and let’s get started!
Business Intake Form / Formulario de Negocios
This form helps us learn about your business and connect you with tailored resources and support to help you grow.
Use the filters below to navigate through our list of resources.
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RTK (Revolving Test Kitchen)The Revolving Test Kitchen (RTK) in Lawrence is more than just a shared commercial kitchen — it serves as a collaborative hub, business incubator, and launchpad for local food entrepreneurs. Designed to support businesses of all sizes, the RTK offers expert guidance in both food and business development. It addresses key barriers such as the limited availability of commercial kitchen space, high lease costs, and significant overhead expenses.Co-WorkingLawrence, MASpaceCo-WorkingFood Industries -
RIVOLVERivolve is a Co-Workspace in Haverhill, Massachusettes that helps individuals and companies be more productive during their workday. We have individual offices, open-seating areas, and conference rooms. Each space has the tools and equipment to handle all of your day-to-day tasks.Co-Working SpaceHaverhill, MASpaceCo-Working SpaceAll Industries -
Lawyers for Civil RightsLawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) fosters equal opportunity and fights discrimination on behalf of people of color and immigrants through legal action, education, and advocacy. They work in collaboration with law firms and community partners & focus on eight impact areas that represent the front lines in today’s battle for equality and justice.State ResourceNationwideBusiness SupportState ResourceAll industries -
Massachusetts Vacant Storefront ProgramThe Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program was created to aid municipalities in their efforts to revitalize their downtown and commercial areas by encouraging the occupancy of long-term vacant storefronts. The program allows municipalities to use refundable tax credits as a tool to attract businesses to prominent vacancies within a community’s downtown and/or commercial area.State ResourceMassachusetts (Statewide)Grants for Storefront ActivationState ResourceRetail, Local business districts -
Life Science CreditsThe Life Sciences Investment Program and Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program are administered under the MA Life Science Center which awards five different tax credits to certified life science companies.State ResourceMassachusetts (Statewide)Tax Incentives, R&D CreditsState ResourceBiotech, Life Sciences -
Massachusetts Investment Tax CreditThe ITC is a corporate excise tax credit available to Massachusetts businesses that qualify as manufacturing, R&D, agricultural, or commercial fishing corporations. It applies to the purchase or lease of qualifying tangible property—both personal and structural (like buildings)State ResourceMassachusetts (Statewide)Tax CreditsState ResourceManufacturing, Tech -
Infrastructure Investment Incentive Program or I-CubedI-Cubed is a public-private partnership designed to finance major public infrastructure improvements—such as roads, utilities, and transit upgrades—that are essential to unlocking large-scale private development projects across Massachusetts.This program leverages new state tax revenues generated by the private project to cover the costs of infrastructure bonds.State ResourceMassachusetts (Statewide)Infrastructure Financing, Public-Private ProjectsState ResourceInfrastructure/Real Estate -
Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)The Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) is designed to foster the creation of quality full time jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth by responsibly awarding attractive tax credits to businesses committed to starting and growing in Massachusetts. The program directs awards to projects that leverage private investments to create jobs and generate new economic activity across the state. Approved projects typically receive an award aligned with their job creation commitment and other factors.State ResourceMassachusetts (Statewide)Tax Incentives, Job Creation AssistanceState ResourceAll industries -
MVPC Small Business Loan FundThe MVPC Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), administered by the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Corporation (MVED), provides flexible financing to support job creation and retention in the Merrimack Valley region. The fund offers loans ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to private, for-profit businesses, particularly those unable to secure traditional financing. Eligible uses include acquisition of land and buildings, construction and renovation, equipment purchases, and working capital. The RLF plays a critical role in promoting economic development by helping businesses start, grow, and thrive in the community.Regional GovernmentMerrimack ValleySmall Business Loans, Financial AssistanceRegional GovernmentAll industries -
MVPC's Brownfields Cleanup ProgramMVPC supports Brownfields revitalization, providing grants and low-interest loans for Phase I and II Assessments, cleanup efforts, and the redevelopment of contaminated propertiesRegional GovernmentMerrimack ValleyAssessment Grants, Environmental SupportRegional GovernmentEnvironmental, Industrial - Growth Capital Division of MassDevelopmentWe provide access to alternative funding, resources, and individualized services to identify and structure solutions tailored to each small business in Massachusetts.Quasi-PublicStatewideLoans, Grants, Technical AssistanceQuasi-PublicAll industries
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Commomwealth CorporationWorkforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF): The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) invests in demand-driven programs designed by industry sector partnerships that train and place unemployed and underemployed workers. The purpose of the Fund is to support the development and implementation of employer and worker-responsive programs to enhance worker skills, incomes, productivity, and retention, and to increase the quality and competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses.Quasi-PublicStatewideWorkforce Training, Youth Employment GrantsQuasi-PublicWorkforce development, All industries -
Score Business CounselingGet professional business counseling from mentors who have successful business backgrounds.Federal ResourceNationwide / Local ChaptersMentorship, Business Counseling, TemplatesFederal ResourceAll industries - HUBZone programThe HUBZone program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year.Federal ResourceNationwideFederal Contracting, Location-Based CertificationFederal ResourceAll industries
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Enterprise CenterThe Enterprise Center is an entrepreneurial hub that offers business owners office space, education, and access and connections to small business resources. Serving entrepreneurs on the North Shore and beyond, we invite you to be part of our community. We’re here to help you and your business start, grow and succeed!Community organization / Quasi-PublicStatewideWorkshops, Business Consulting, Office SpaceCommunity organization / Quasi-PublicAll industries -
Community TeamworkProvides technical assistance and an assortment of seminars to support small businesses. Coaches develop comprehensive business plans that include one-on-one coaching, referrals to external partners, and assistance in applying for a microloan.Community OrganizationLawrence, Methuen, HaverhillGrants, LoansCommunity OrganizationSocial impact, BIPOC-owned - Boston Impact InitiativeFocuses on key areas of capital readiness such as business planning, financial projections, grant applications, certifications, access to contracts and legal support. These services are offered through one-on-one coaching, group workshops and a sustainability assessment.Community OrganizationLawrence, MethuenMicroloans, Financial CoachingCommunity OrganizationAll industries
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AscendusProvides a number of services to entrepreneurs including access to capital, with loans ranging from $500-$250k; and technical assistance by way of one-on-one personalized coaching and counseling covering goal setting, credit repair & risk management, and business development.Community OrganizationStatewideMicroloans, Financial CoachingCommunity OrganizationAll industries -
TLE Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (TLECFUE)The TLE Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (TLECFUE) offers a comprehensive range of programs tailored to support beauty businesses at various stages of development. The Beauty Career Exploration & Placement Program is ideal for individuals interested in exploring careers within the beauty industry or launching their own beauty ventures. It specifically supports those who may be out of school, unemployed, or justice-involved, offering valuable insights and opportunities within the beauty sector. For beauty school graduates and professionals seeking to formalize their businesses, the Make It Official Program provides essential guidance in building a solid business foundation, preparing participants for success in a competitive market. Additionally, the Digital Optimization Program targets established beauty business professionals with storefronts, offering marketing support and digital tools to enhance their online presence and attract a broader customer base. Together, these programs empower beauty entrepreneurs to thrive and grow in a dynamic industry.Community OrganizationLawrence, Haverhill, Methuen, North AndoverStart-up, GrowthCommunity OrganizationBeauty Industry -
Amplify LatinxAmplify LatinX will provide a combination of 1:1 and cohort-based TA, and training, with focuses on goal setting, enhancing business development skills, facilitating access to financing, and achieving financial viability.Community organizationStatewideCommunity organizationLatinx-owned businesses, All industries -
EforAll (Entrepreneurship for All) Merrimack ValleyEforAll is a nonprofit organization that partners with communities to help under-represented individuals successfully start and grow businesses. In the Merrimack Valley, they offer a free, 12-week Business Accelerator program twice a year, providing immersive business training, mentorship, and access to a professional network. They also host pitch contests and virtual workshops to support local entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to start a traditional business, a social enterprise, or a nonprofit, EforAll offers the tools, guidance, and community connections needed to thrive.Community organizationMerrimack ValleyBusiness Training, Mentorship, Pitch ContestsCommunity organizationAll industries -
Nectar Community InvestmentsNectar Community Investments is a community-based financial institution dedicated to fostering economic growth and closing the racial wealth gap by providing essential support to historically underserved small business owners. The organization offers a range of low-cost, flexible financing solutions, including debt and equity capital products designed to address the specific challenges faced by underserved entrepreneurs. In addition to financial support, Nectar provides robust training and technical assistance, empowering business owners to reach their full potential and build wealth within their communities. By combining access to capital with comprehensive advisory services, Nectar Community Investments plays a vital role in helping small businesses thrive and contribute to local economic vitality.Community organizationEnglish, SpanishLoans, Technical AssistanceCommunity organizationAll industries -
Greater Haverhill Chamber of CommerceEstablished in 1888, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the heart of 14 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We create and foster a prosperous business environment and support the growth and profitability of our members. We provide the resources, advocacy, information, networking and marketing opportunities for our members’ success.ChamberHaverhill, MANetworking, Local Resources, AdvocacyChamberAll industries -
Amesbury Chamber of CommerceAt the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to create positive change and continually advocate for member success by actively participating in economic initiatives, capitalizing on promising growth opportunities, and advancing Amesbury’s unique and varied business community.ChamberAmesbury, MANetworking, Local Resources, AdvocacyChamberAll industries
Massachusetts’
Business Front Door
We’re excited to support your business journey! As you explore local and regional opportunities, be sure to visit Massachusetts’ Business Front Door—a free state service that connects you with tools, guidance, and programs at every stage of growth. From permitting to financing, it’s your go-to resource to help move your business forward.