Small Business Resource Center
As a small business owner/sole proprietor, you have plenty to do. Day to day, you’re president, chief financial officer, head of human resources, sales director, and shop foreman – all at the same time!
To help you better run your business, BMC HealthNet Plan offers this Small Business Resource Center. Here you’ll find links to national and local organizations and information sources that can help you improve your operations, learn new skills, grow your business, or comply with laws and regulations.
National and Regional Resources
U.S Small Business Administration (Small Business Development Centers, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Office of Women's Business Ownership)
http://www.sba.gov/; http://www.sba.gov/advocacy/810
Since its founding in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions:
- Access to Capital (Business Financing)
- Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training)
- Government Contracting (Federal Procurement)
- Advocacy (Voice for Small Business)
Small Business Service Bureau
SBSB is a national membership organization serving the small business community—family businesses, home-based businesses, small companies, military veterans turned entrepreneurs, and the self-employed. Members have free access to valuable online tools for growing your business, starting your business, and protecting your business. In addition, members can purchase affordable health insurance, make their voices heard in local, state and federal government, stay informed about recent changes in the law, enroll in money-saving programs, and access small business resources.
The Small Business Technology Council
http://www.sbtc.org/index.shtml; http://www.sbtc.org/press/publications.shtml
The Small Business Technology Council is a non-partisan, non-profit industry association of companies dedicated to promoting the creation and growth of research-intensive, technology-based U.S. small business. SBTC offers a number of business support services and is involved in education activities for small business, government officials, and officials of large companies.
Smaller Business Association of New England
http://www.sbane.org/; http://www.sbane.org/news/sbane-in-the-news/
The Smaller Business Association of New England, Inc. is a private not-for-profit association of approximately 700 member companies located throughout the six-state region. SBANE was established to provide a legislative voice for small business at the state and federal levels and to make practical information available to help business owners grow their companies. SBANE runs diverse, educational programs each year and has active chapters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Massachusetts Resources
The Official Website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – For Businesses
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2constituent&L=2&L0=Home&L1=Business&sid=massgov2
Links to state agencies, departments, and programs that serve the business community. Find information on taxes, insurance, regulations, technology, and more.
SCORE (Boston, SE Massachusetts, NE Massachusetts, Worcester, Cape Cod, W. Massachusetts)
http://www.score.org/; http://www.score.org/newsletters
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. The organization has a network of 13,000+ volunteers who offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge. SCORE also provides local workshops and events to connect small business owners with the people and information they need to start, grow, and maintain their businesses, as well as online workshops available 24/7.
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)
http://www.msbdc.org/; http://www.msbdc.org/news.html
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-to-one free comprehensive and confidential services focusing on, business growth and strategies, financing, and loan assistance, as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis. In addition, low cost educational training programs are offered across the state targeted to the needs of small business.
Boston Regional Office & Minority Business Center
http://www.sbdc.umb.edu/; http://www.sbdc.umb.edu/publications.html
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network's Boston Regional Office and Minority Business Center provides free business advisory services and free workshops to Massachusetts businesses. Services include:
• Business growth and success
• Financing and loan assistance
• Strategic, marketing, and operational analysis
Associated Industries of Massachusetts
AIM, the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers, maintains a team to monitor and participate in the legislative and regulatory life of Massachusetts. In addition, AIM is a full-service employer association, helping businesses answer questions on how to comply with laws and regulations, how to handle a visit from an inspector, or where to find the best seminar or insurance programs.
Massachusetts Minority Contractors Association
MMCA serves minority contractors, architects, and engineers in Massachusetts. As an advocate, the MMCA promotes contract opportunities, monitors legislative issues, and provides a forum for minority contractors to network.
Chamber of Commerce Directory
http://www.2chambers.com/massachu2.htm
Find the Chamber of Commerce in your city or town.
Center for Women & Enterprise
CWE is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women start and grow their own businesses. CWE's mission is to empower women to become economically self-sufficient and to prosper through business and entrepreneurship. The group offers education, training, technical assistance, women's business enterprise certification and access to both debt and equity capital to entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.
Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office
SDO serves minority and women owned businesses in Massachusetts and promotes supplier diversity in public contracting. SDO certifies businesses as Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). Certification can increase business opportunities for these firms.
What’s Happening in Business?
Boston Business Journal
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston
Business West: The Business Journal of Western MA
Banker & Tradesman
http://www.bankerandtradesman.com
Inc. Magazine
Fast Company
