Business owners are notorious for trying to figure everything out on their own; wearing all the hats, juggling all the tasks, and Googling their way through challenges late into the night. I should know. I’ve been a business owner for over two decades now.
But running a business doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Western Massachusetts is home to a wealth of organizations designed to make your life easier, offering everything from free mentorship and financial planning to loans, workshops, and technical support.
Whether you’re launching your first idea or scaling an existing operation, these 12 organizations are here to help you work smarter, not harder, and grow your business with confidence.
1. EforAll (EparaTodos)
EforAll is a nonprofit organization that accelerates economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship. With programs in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshire County, EforAll helps underrepresented individuals launch and grow businesses.
Services
- Business Accelerator Program: A free, 12-week intensive program offering business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities in English and Spanish.
- Pitch Contests: Community events where entrepreneurs present ideas, receive feedback, and compete for cash prizes.
- Mentorship: Access to experienced mentors for guidance on business growth and overcoming challenges.
- Workshops and Networking Events: Educational sessions and networking opportunities to support entrepreneurs at every stage.
Addresses and Contact
- Pioneer Valley Office: 276 Bridge Street, Springfield, MA 01103 | (833) 336-7255
- Berkshire County Office: Pittsfield, MA 01201 | (833) 336-7255 ext 7209
- Website: eforall.org
2. Community Development Corporations (CDCs)
CDCs are nonprofit organizations working to strengthen local economies, create affordable housing, and support small businesses. Key players include Franklin County CDC, Valley CDC, and Hilltown CDC.
Services
- Business development education: Financial planning, marketing strategy workshops.
- Access to capital: Small business loans and grants.
- Food Processing Center: Commercial production space for food entrepreneurs.
- Affordable housing development and support programs.
Addresses and Contact
- Franklin County CDC: 324 Wells Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 | (413) 774-7204 | fccdc.org/
- Valley CDC: 256 Pleasant St, Suite A, Northampton, MA 01060 | (413) 586-5855 | valleycdc.com/
- Hilltown CDC: 387 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA 01012 | (413) 296-4536 | hilltowncdc.org/
3. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
LISC works to revitalize communities by equipping local nonprofits and small businesses with resources to succeed.
Services
- Financial support: Grants and low-interest loans for community development projects.
- Technical assistance: Capacity building for small businesses.
- Affordable housing development.
- Economic revitalization programs in underserved communities.
Address and Contact
- 75 Kneeland Street, Suite 1102, Boston, MA 02111 | (617) 338-0411 | lisc.org/boston/
4. SCORE Western Massachusetts
SCORE connects small businesses with free mentorship and actionable advice through seasoned business professionals.
Services
- Free one-on-one business mentoring.
- Workshops and seminars: Topics include business planning, financial literacy, and digital marketing.
- Online tools: Business plan templates, financial projections, and marketing guides.
Address and Contact
- 1 Federal Street, Building 101, Springfield, MA 01105 | (413) 785-0314 | score.org/westernmassachusetts
5. Common Capital
Common Capital provides accessible financing and advisory services to help small businesses thrive.
Services
- Small business loans for startups and expansions.
- Business advisory services: Strategic planning, budgeting, and growth management.
- Focused support for underserved businesses and rural entrepreneurs.
Address and Contact
- 1780 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 | (413) 233-1680 | common-capital.org/
6. Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)
MSBDC provides free, confidential advice and training for small businesses.
Services
- Business plan development and financial forecasting.
- Marketing strategy support: SEO, social media, and advertising techniques.
- Access to capital: Loan packaging and financing assistance.
- Specialized workshops on managing business finances and growth strategies.
Address and Contact
- 1 Federal Street, Building 101, Springfield, MA 01105 | (413) 577-1768 | msbdc.org/wmass/
7. Valley Venture Mentors (VVM)
VVM builds a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship and accelerator programs.
Services
- Mentorship programs: Connects startups with experienced business leaders.
- Accelerator programs: Intensive training to prepare startups for funding and growth.
- Networking events: Pitch nights and investor meetups.
Address and Contact
- 276 Bridge Street, Springfield, MA 01103 | (413) 337-2887 | valleyventurementors.org/
8. Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC)
The EDC supports businesses by providing resources, partnerships, and tools to foster regional economic growth.
Services
- Real estate search and site selection assistance.
- Workforce development partnerships.
- Data and demographic information for business planning.
- Manufacturing and supply chain resources.
Address and Contact
- 1441 Main Street, Suite 111, Springfield, MA 01103 | (413) 755-1300 | westernmassedc.com/
9. Living Local 413
Living Local 413 supports small businesses by promoting local economic sustainability.
Services
- Community education programs: Supporting local business awareness.
- Advocacy for independent businesses and local economies.
- Networking events and small business resources.
Address and Contact
- Online-based | livinglocal413.org/
10. Massachusetts Export Center
For businesses looking to grow internationally, the Export Center provides targeted guidance and education.
Services
- Export counseling: One-on-one sessions on international trade.
- Market research and trade compliance assistance.
- Training programs: Workshops on global marketing, export logistics, and regulations.
Address and Contact
- Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst, 100 Carlson Avenue, Campus Center, Suite 207, Newton, MA 02459 | 617-973-6610 | msbdc.org/export/
11. Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE)
CWE empowers women entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to succeed.
Services
- Business education workshops: Financial management, marketing, and business planning.
- One-on-one business counseling for women entrepreneurs.
- Certification support: Women-Owned Business (WBE) certifications.
Address and Contact
- 69 Milk Street, Suite 217, Westborough, MA 01581 | (508) 363-2300 | cweonline.org/
12. UMass Family Business Center (FBC)
The UMass FBC supports family-owned businesses with the tools to grow and transition successfully.
Services
- Peer group meetings for family business owners.
- Workshops on succession planning, governance, and family business dynamics.
- Networking with other family business leaders.
Address and Contact
- 121 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA 01003 | (413) 545-4545 | umass.edu/fambiz/
If you want more information on business support, check out our list of business support organizations for Western Massachusetts.
We also share regular updates on resources and opportunities for businesses in our newsletter.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fungai Tichawangana
Fungai 'Your Web Guy' Tichawangana is an entrepreneur, web developer, and writer. He is the founder of Artist Dynamix, a digital marketing agency based in Amherst MA, which helps businesses and creative entrepreneurs take off & fly. Artist Dynamix specializes in website development & management and search engine optimization. The agency's projects include Inc413, Valley of Writers, and Literary Massachusetts. When you see him put his hand up, he is reaching for the sky.
