State Agencies for Businesses

Commonwealth Corporation

Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations. Their primary goals are to:

Build regional industry training partnerships that prepare youth and unemployed workers for jobs in demand that lead to higher rates of employment;
Increase the share of youth engaged in education and employment pathways preparing them for post-secondary education and careers.
Upgrade the skills of underemployed workers to meet specific employer skill demands leading to job retention, upgrades and wage gains.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Web Page Regarding State Licensing and Permitting

For certain professions, you need a license to practice in Massachusetts. Here you can learn about licensing requirements for the state for a number of professions such as but not limited to the building trades, health, cosmetology and barbering, real estate, environmental licensing and permitting, and more.

Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents

The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) oversees the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system.

Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR)

DOR facilitates the payment of taxes by businesses. It also will answer your questions regarding sales and use taxes.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth. Through these collaborations we help create jobs, increase the number of housing units, revitalize urban environments, and address factors limiting economic growth including transportation, energy, and infrastructure deficiencies

Massachusetts Food System Collaborative

The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative (MFSC) was created following the completion of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan in December 2015. The goals of the Collaborative are to promote, monitor, and facilitate implementation of the Plan. The Collaborative's work focuses on the four main goals of the Plan:

Create jobs and economic opportunity in food, farming and fishing, and improve the wages and skills of food system workers.
Increase production, sales and consumption of Massachusetts-grown foods.
Protect the land and water needed to produce food, maximize environmental benefits from agriculture and fishing, and ensure food safety.
Reduce hunger and food insecurity, increase the availability of healthy food to all residents, and reduce food waste.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation

MGCC focuses on small businesses in Massachusetts through small business loans and by sharing financial and management expertise.

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development and investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics, and digital health.

Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD)

The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) helps businesses relocating to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. Their staff operates in regions across the state, so we are able to provide you with on-the-ground knowledge and viable connections for your business. We work closely with the private and public sectors to coordinate a whole range of resources at your disposal.

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT)

MOTT promotes Massachusetts as a leisure and business travel destination year round. Our state has a lot to offer both domestic and international visitors, including history, culture, cuisine and outdoor activities.

Massachusetts State Permit Regulatory Office

The Massachusetts Permit Regulatory Office was established to work with new and existing businesses to foster job creation by assisting with state permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes.

Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office

The Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) certifies diverse businesses and also manages several business programs that help enhance the marketability of small and diverse businesses when they bid on public contracts.

MassEcon

MassEcon is a private, not-for-profit entity that brings a private sector voice to marketing Massachusetts as a place to do business. Its leaders served on the Governor's Economic Development Council, and its Ambassadors - a network of business executives throughout the state - serve as peer resources for companies considering Massachusetts as an expansion location. Additional services include site finding, research and information, programming and education.

North Shore InnoVentures (Non-Profit Biotech & Cleantech Incubator)

North Shore InnoVentures's (NSIV) collaborative business model allows us to provide promising young companies with office space, shared laboratories and equipment, sponsored professional services, successful entrepreneur mentors, and investor advisers. Together we help our member companies refine their business strategies, conserve capital, build strong teams, and achieve development and funding milestones.