Boston’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, thanks to a variety of programs designed to support small businesses and startups. These initiatives provide essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help local entrepreneurs succeed.
Venture Development Center (VDC) at UMass Boston
The VDC serves as an incubator for early-stage technology and life science startups. It offers business mentorship, office spaces, laboratories, and equipment to support entrepreneurs in bringing high-impact products to market. The center also provides programming on product commercialization and entrepreneurship.
BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program
Led by the City of Boston’s Office of Small Business, this program connects small business owners to resources, expertise, and relationships needed to build sustainable businesses. The pilot program includes in-person workshops, virtual sessions, and group technical assistance with small business experts. It’s a free program for eligible, for-profit Boston businesses.
Business Advancement for Small Enterprises (BASE) at Suffolk University
BASE is a 10-month entrepreneurship program offering training, mentorship, and resources to help aspiring Boston-area entrepreneurs, especially those in economically challenged areas, launch and grow successful businesses. The program includes a six-week bootcamp covering core business fundamentals, followed by mentorship and student consulting engagements.
TiE Boston and TiE ScaleUp
TiE Boston is a member-based organization supporting entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, funding, and education. Their TiE ScaleUp program is New England’s first seed+ to Series A accelerator, providing access to relevant business connections, expertise, and potential sources of capital without taking equity.
Latino Cultural Entrepreneurship Program (LCE)
Offered by the Veronica Robles Cultural Center, the LCE is a bilingual initiative designed to support Latino entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and aspiring founders in Boston. The program includes practical workshops, personalized technical assistance, and opportunities to showcase products and services at cultural events.
These programs reflect Boston’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing the necessary tools and support for local businesses to thrive.